Typically, the drag strip is where you’ll find the Challenger SRT Super Stock and Dodge’s other high-horsepower offerings. But some of the brand’s muscle cars, especially the Widebody models, can handle a corner or two. Such is the case with the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye. While the big news is the sedan’s big speed, it has a bit more to offer.

How Dodge turned the 2021 Charger Hellcat into a Redeye

The standard 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat is already pretty fast and powerful. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 puts out 707 hp and 650 lb-ft to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. And starting in 2020, all Charger Hellcats are Widebody models, which means wider tires and flared fenders, Car and Driver reports. The 2021 Charger Hellcat Redeye, though, adds quite a bit more.

Thanks to a larger supercharger, extra fuel pump, higher redline, and upgraded components, the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 makes 797 hp and 707 lb-ft. It has the same 8-speed transmission as the ‘base’ Hellcat, but stronger axles and driveshaft, Car and Driver reports. It also comes with launch control, SRT’s performance apps, and its A/C system can cool incoming air to maintain output, Motor Trend reports. The supercharger also closes its bypass valve during launches to build boost faster.

Dodge claims the Charger Hellcat Redeye can go 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, Motor1 reports. However, in Car and Driver’s testing, the sedan managed it in 3.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the non-Redeye model. The Redeye also has a faster ¼-mile time and a higher top speed. The standard Dodge Charger Hellcat has a claimed top speed of 196 mph. But Dodge claims the Redeye model can reach 203 mph, making it the world’s fastest production sedan.

However, the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye isn’t limited to the dragstrip.

The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye can do more than just burnouts

In addition to the extra power, the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye has a revised suspension setup, Hagerty reports. The shocks are still adjustable Bilsteins, but the front springs are new. Plus, both the front and the rear anti-roll bars are larger. The sedan still has Brembo disc brakes, though the pads are new. And to improve the Charger Hellcat Redeye’s aerodynamics, it has a new front splitter, hood air extractors, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler, MT reports.

The extra power means that, even with the optional Pirelli summer performance tires, the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye can be tricky to launch. Ditto in the corners, at least with the traction control turned off, MT reports.

However, the Charger Hellcat Redeye is surprisingly capable when the road gets twisty, Motor1 reports. The wide tires and revised suspension keep the large sedan fairly flat, and the steering delivers good levels of feedback. The brakes are similarly effective; the Redeye model actually stops sooner than the standard Charger Hellcat, Car and Driver reports. Plus, it’s likely the Charger is faster around a given track than the equivalent Challenger, Hagerty reports.

And when you’re not busy drifting, the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye makes for a great commuter car, MT reports. The seats are comfortable if lacking sufficient bolstering, Car and Driver reports. The ride is a bit stiff but reasonably smooth.

More speed doesn’t solve every problem, though

The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye isn’t perfect, though. The extra output predictably comes with extra thirst. But you won’t be paying just at the pump.

According to Motor1, the Redeye model starts at $78,595. And for that, you don’t even get standard navigation. With options, it’s possible to end up with a $90,000 car.

Plus, the infotainment system is a generation behind the one in the new Pacifica, Motor1 reports. And while the Redeye model rides reasonably well, MT reports that the chassis is showing its age. Over “certain bumps and road inputs,” you’ll feel shuddering.

Still, that’s always been the Dodge Charger’s appeal, even for the non-Hellcat models. And while its interior isn’t quite up to the standards of BMW or Mercedes, the Redeye is cheaper and more powerful than its German rivals. Only now, it can show off that power when the road gets curvy, too.

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