Dodge unleashes 594kW Challenger Hellcat

Dodge has facelifted its Challenger and SRT Hellcat for 2019 and created what it claims is "the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car".

The headline news concerns the introduction of a new performance flagship, the new Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, powered by the same supercharged 6.2-litre V8 as the wild street-legal Dodge Demon dragster.

Under the bonnet of the Redeye, it produces a colossal 594kW/959Nm -- that's just 32kW less than the full-fat Demon.

Channelling its power to the rear wheels through an uprated eight-speed automatic, Dodge claims the Redeye can hit 100km/h from rest in just 3.4 seconds and top out at 327km/h.

To extract the extra power over the already-mad Hellcat, the Redeye gets a larger 2.7-litre supercharger, strengthened con-rods and pistons, a reworked valvetrain, new fuel-injection and an improved lubrication system.

The engine mods allow a higher boost pressure (increased from 11.6psi to 14.5psi) and an increased 6500rpm rev limit (up from 6200rpm).

Bizarrely, as well as the performance claims, the US car-maker also announced that at full throttle the new Redeye consumes fuel at an incredible 5.4 litres/min, which is enough to drain the tank in under 11 minutes

The regular SRT Hellcat also gets a power boost. Thanks to its new dual-snorkel bonnet, which incorporates a left-hand air intake that allows for a ram-air effect, power increases by 7.5kW -- from 527kW to 535kW.

Dodge hasn't released new performance figures for the facelifted Hellcat, so it's unlikely to be quicker than the old coupe's already-devastating 3.6-second 0-100km/h sprint claim.

As well as more power, Dodge will also offer a new Widebody Pack for the Challenger SRT Hellcat and a new 362kW R/T Scat Pack that includes wider fenders adding 90mm to the Challenger's width.

The Widebody option also brings stiffer front springs, retuned dampers and larger anti-roll bars.

The increase allows Dodge to fit wider 11-inch wheels that boost both cornering grip and traction.

Other changes include a new Power Chiller for the Redeye that diverts cold air from the air-conditioner to chill air being fed to the enlarged supercharger.

An After-Run Chiller, now standard on the Hellcat, also keeps the engine's cooling fans spinning and coolant pump running when the engine's switched off after a hard drive.

Both a new Launch Control and Line Lock device also become standard equipment for the Challenger.

Inside, the 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system has also been updated and now features three SRT Driving modes.

It's thought the next-generation Charger and Challenger is destined to be developed for right-hand drive markets meaning they could both finally venture Down Under.

Until then, some Australians have found more imaginative ways to ensure they are not denied the world's fastest rear-wheel drive V8 production car.