Run Run Rudolph – Looking Back At The Dodge Hellcat “Redeye Express”

In 2019, the Dodge brand launched a series of commercials across both digital and social media featuring former pro wrestler, NFL player, automobile enthusiast, and Dodge spokesman Bill Goldberg as “the Jolly Fast Man.” The advertising campaign showcased Santa overhauling his sleigh – called the “Redeye Express,” a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye modified into a 797-horsepower ride for Mr. and Mrs. Claus (played by “All Girls Garage” host and automotive enthusiast Cristy Lee).

After being on the set for the commercials and displayed at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Redeye Express found its way back home to the Chrysler World Headquarters and Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. At that point, MoparInsiders was given a good look at this awesome creation from the Dodge//SRT Product Design Studio and the legendary fabricators at Metalcrafters.

The first question is, does it work? Yes, the Redeye Express can be started. It can run the lighting, and even the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system works without issue. But the car can no longer drive since the wheels have been removed and replaced with skis. Before you think that they hacked up a new 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, think again. The donor car was an engineering mule about to be crushed before being reassigned for duty for the special operation. Since then, the vehicle has been saved and is now part of the Chrysler historical archives.

The design studio sculpted many things into the Redeye Express’s design to ensure it not only had Dodge//SRT DNA but also ensured that Santa could deliver his toys quickly, safely, and fashionably. While the roof has been cut off, the C-pillars and the section of the roof that connects them remain. This was used as a support to allow Santa’s big bag of toys to rest comfortably while sticking out of a hole in the trunk lid. The doors were also removed for quick access to the sleigh. Metalcrafters fabricated new door openings using the design from the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat’s side door scallops as the shape for the side styling of the sleigh.

The interior still features seating for five passengers, thanks to its SRT Performance Laguna Leather seats. For those with keen eyes, you might have noticed a 6-speed manual shifter in the center console when all Hellcat Redeye models come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Yes, that is true. But we are told there is a Demon-based supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT H.O. V8 under the hood. Remember, it was a development mule usually thrown together from random parts bin components. So, anything is possible.

The Challenger’s widebody wheel arches have been fabricated to enclose most of the opening, allowing the Dodge “rhombi” logo ski supports to poke through cleverly.

The Dodge//SRT Product Design Studio even gave the Redeye Express its own special logo. The team took the iconic Hellcat logo and added a pair of reindeer antlers. Not only are the eyes of the Hellcat Redeye logo highlighted by red jewels, but the Redeye Express also features a red jeweled nose as well, a nod to the most famous reindeer of all – Rudolph.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat “Redeye Express” Image Gallery:

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