Last Muscle Car Standing

By: Kase van Rees

I think we take for granted the great service that Dodge does for the world. While the Mustang and Camaro have shifted their focus to becoming well-rounded, sports cars, only the Challenger has kept the muscle car spirit alive. The Challenger is not aimed at nimble, import cars. The folks over at Dodge know their customers want more. More power, more noise, more vents, more of everything.

Ask, and you shall receive. The wide body, 797-horsepower crusher hurls its big body to 60 miles-per-hour in 3.4 seconds. A feat of propulsion that can only be achieved with a device as diabolical as the Redeye's 6.2L V8, dressed with the Demon's very own supercharger. Thankfully the huge Brembo brakes in each corner can slow its 305mm tires convincingly. And although it weighs well over two tons, the steering and handling is not terrible around regular roads. But the engine in this machine rules the experience. As savage exhaust notes harmonize with its high pitch supercharger whine, the Redeye's massive tires struggle to withstand incredible torque.

The Redeye is one of those cars that just owns the pavement around it. Massive power figures and the consequent noises it emits strike fear into regular automobiles. Looking out from the driver's seat, the Hellcat specific hood scoops don't let you forget the planet-shifting power under your right foot. While those big nostrils inhale oxygen they also exhale sounds like a jet engine. And a whole slew of classic touches like its vintage style gas cap and retro gauges remind you why you love muscle cars despite their flaws. Sure it's heavy and unwieldy compared to rivals, but this car is in a class of its own.

I am all for refined, well-balanced sports cars. But there is something to be said for a car that only intends to have some good, old-fashioned fun. And with a simple but plush interior that rolls over compliant, comfortable suspension, the rubber out back is the only thing that suffers. As the driver, you get all the tech and amenities you can't do without.

Personally, I didn't used to care for the Challenger's proportions. I love retro design, but there was just too much body work that made the old model look fat. Luckily this coupe has fresh new muscular looks that make good on its original intentions. The wide fenders and wider tires fill out the body in all the right places. And although the general shape calls back to the classic 1970 Challenger, massive vents and body kit distinguish this particular Hellcat from any previous Dodge.

The Hellcat delivers a type of noisy excitement that is truly addictive. The Redeye has so much character inside and out, you can forgive and even embrace its mischievous nature. And all of this greatness comes at a great price. A mere 70 grand gets you performance stats that make headlines, all wrapped in a lovable exterior. Such a value proposition makes it hard to justify a similar amount of money for a Porsche Cayman with less than half the power. If you want a refined sports car, look elsewhere. The Challenger was made to turn people's heads, and to turn tires to smoke.