While most of the media focus has been on the all-new 797 horsepower 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT Redeye, the all-new Demon inspired 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 and the all-new 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, the standard 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT has been flying under the radar. But for 2019, it is one model you should really keep your eyes on.
Dodge has refreshened the SRT HELLCAT for the first time since it’s launch in the summer of 2014 and it’s more than just skin deep. For 2019, the SRT HELLCAT gets an additional 10 horsepower thanks to a new larger induction air box, the “dual snorkel” hood, air catcher headlamps, and inner wheel inlet intake. The new “dual snorkel” hood design that was inspired by the “Air Grabber” hood design from the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Many people have had mixed emotions about the new hood design, which looks much better in person. This hood design resembles the dual snorkel hoods on the 1971 Dodge Demon and Dodge Dart.
The popular brass monkey wheels have been completely redesigned for the 2019 model year. Instead of a clone of the multi-spoke HELLCAT original wheel. The new dual 5-spoke 20″X9.5″ Brass Monkey Forged Aluminum Wheels are a $1,100 option.
Unlike the Redeye, you can still get the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. The 8-speed TorqueFlite 8HP90 automatic transmission is optional, where is the only option on the Redeye. So for those of you still like to shift gears like a real man or woman, that is one thing that really sets the SRT HELLCAT and Redeye apart.
Under the skin, is where it gets real interesting for the 2019 Challenger SRT HELLCAT. In addition to the standard SRT HELLCAT features of the past, the 2019 models get features like Line Lock, which engages the front brakes to hold the Challenger stationary but leaves the rear wheels free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires. The system will also let the driver perform a controlled rolling burnout and can engage for up to 200 rear wheel revolutions. For 2019, the Launch Control system gets updated and now increases hold time from five to 10 seconds for optimal launch and consistent straight-line acceleration.
All SRT HELLCAT models now have electric power steering for 2019. Electric power steering delivers better steering feel and ease of turning efforts at parking lot speeds. It can be calibrated to optimize steering effort for a variety of driving situations via settings in the SRT Performance Pages.
Inside, the 2019 SRT HELLCAT is where it gets interesting. With the Dodge Challenger SRT392 model being cut from the lineup after 2018, the SRT HELLCAT bridges the gap refocusing more on its performance roots. Now standard on all SRT HELLCAT models is a new Houndstooth cloth performance seats. Yes, you can still option for Nappa Leather/Alcantara seats or the premium Laguna leather, but the new seating option helps drop the price of the 2019 model. Also available on all 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCATs is the no cost option to delete the rear seat, as well as the seat belts and add a rear cargo net for light storage.
Each 2019 SRT HELLCAT interior still features a signature leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with a backlit SRT logo and paddle shifters. Red gauges with a 200-mph speedometer flank the 7-inch display screen, which features performance timers and a HELLCAT logo splash screen at start-up.
To also help drop the price the 18-speaker Harman Kardon® GreenEdge® sound system with amplifier is now optional instead of being standard equipment. With the few changes to the standard equipment list for the 2019 model year, it has dropped the starting price of the car roughly $7,400 over the 2018 model. The new starting U.S. MSRP of $58,650, compared to the 2018 starting MSRP of $65,995. We have a complete breakdown of the options and pricing for the car, which you can see HERE.
In all the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT, improves performance slightly, adds more tech and drops the price significantly to allow those who never considered this car before the chance to own this big bad cat.
