The Dodge Demon Engine Will Live On In A New Flagship Hellcat

The Dodge Demon engine will live on in a new Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, and we’re quite excited.

The Challenger Demon finished production a month ago, but news just released by the on-form American brand confirms that the supercharged Hemi V8 used in the instant drag strip legend will be reborn – albeit with a very slight detune.

In the wake of the up-to-840bhp Demon comes the Hellcat Redeye, with 797bhp, 707lb ft and a top speed of 203mph despite having the aerodynamics of a brick. It will smash its way to 60mph in 3.4 seconds and clock a standing quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds. It may be a little detuned, but it’s not exactly slow…

Dodge says the Redeye engine will make use of Demon-grade improvements over the already modified Hellcat engine, like a larger supercharger, stronger pistons and con-rods, an upgraded valvetrain, beefier fuel injection setup and more. The Redeye motor will therefore rev 300rpm higher, to 6500rpm.

Two fuel pumps can, between them, straddle a claimed 22 US miles per gallon on the highway (26.4mpg imperial) and the ability to fuel the Redeye’s huge performance. At full throttle the car can drain its 59-litre fuel tank in just 11 minutes.

Other cheeky Demon-derived features include Torque Reserve that can deliver a double-whammy of up to 3.9psi of boost alongside 55 per cent more engine torque for rapid launches. A choice of standard 2.62:1 or drag strip-friendly 3.09:1 final drive ratios are available.

The Redeye comes as part of a wider launch of the 2019 model-year Challenger. The entry Hellcat will pack just 717bhp and 656lb ft, if you can bare to have so little. Features like the ‘dual-snorkel’ bonnet are standard on Hellcat models and echoes the likes of the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon.

The popular Widebody pack, called the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, is yours if you want it on the Challenger R/T. It comes with 305/35R20 Pirelli rear tyres and ‘Devil’s Rim’ alloys, so every time you clean them you can enjoy putting your hand into the Devil’s Rim. No comment from us.