The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the fastest Dodge Charger ever made
The 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the fastest Dodge Charger you can buy, with a top speed of 203 mph and 0-60 acceleration in 3.6 seconds. It produces 807 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The standard Charger SRT Hellcat (non-Redeye) reaches 198 mph and hits 60 in 3.7 seconds with 717 horsepower.
If you want a faster Charger but the Hellcat is out of reach, the Charger R/T is the next step down. It runs a 440-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, reaches 0-60 in about 4.6 seconds, and has a top speed around 170 mph. The R/T is significantly cheaper than the Hellcat models and still qualifies as a genuine muscle car. Dodge discontinued the Charger nameplate after 2023, so if you are shopping for a new one, you are looking at 2023 or earlier model years. Used Chargers from 2015 onward can still deliver strong performance depending on the engine option.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the fastest, with 807 horsepower, a 3.6-second 0-60 time, and a 203 mph top speed.
- The standard Charger SRT Hellcat reaches 198 mph and 60 in 3.7 seconds with 717 horsepower, making it nearly as quick as the Redeye.
- The Charger R/T offers genuine performance at a lower price point, with 440 horsepower and a 4.6-second 0-60 time.
- Dodge stopped making the Charger after 2023, so current inventory is limited to 2023 and earlier model years.
How the Hellcat engine delivers its extreme speed
The Hellcat's power comes from a supercharger bolted directly to the engine. A supercharger is an air compressor that forces more oxygen into the combustion chamber on every stroke, letting the engine burn more fuel and produce more power than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. The Redeye version adds a larger supercharger pulley, which spins faster and pushes even more air in.
The Hellcat also runs premium fuel (93 octane or higher), a reinforced transmission, and a heavy-duty cooling system to handle the extra heat. Without these upgrades, the engine would overheat or the transmission would fail under sustained acceleration. This is why Hellcat models cost roughly $20,000 to $30,000 more than an R/T. The Redeye's extra 90 horsepower over the standard Hellcat comes almost entirely from the larger supercharger. The difference is small in real-world driving but measurable on a drag strip or closed track.
R/T performance and why it matters for everyday driving
The Charger R/T uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 with no supercharger. It produces 440 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. In real-world driving—highway merging, city acceleration, weekend cruising—the R/T feels genuinely quick. The gap between 440 and 717 horsepower is noticeable only if you are comparing them side by side or racing them.
The R/T also runs on regular 87-octane fuel, costs less to maintain, and produces lower emissions than the Hellcat. If you are buying a Charger for driving pleasure rather than drag racing, the R/T delivers most of the experience at a significantly lower price. Insurance premiums for an R/T are also lower than for a Hellcat, and the R/T is easier to find on the used market since Dodge made far more R/T models than Hellcats over the years.
Comparing 0-60 times across Charger generations
The table below shows how performance has evolved across Charger models and years. The 2023 Redeye represents the final and fastest iteration of the Charger. If you are shopping used, a 2015–2022 Hellcat is still extremely quick—the difference between 707 and 717 horsepower is negligible in real driving.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 Time | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 807 hp | 3.6 sec | 203 mph |
| 2023 Charger SRT Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 717 hp | 3.7 sec | 198 mph |
| 2023 Charger R/T | 5.7L V8 | 440 hp | 4.6 sec | 170 mph |
| 2015–2022 Charger SRT Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 707 hp | 3.7 sec | 199 mph |
| 2015–2022 Charger R/T | 5.7L V8 | 440 hp | 4.7 sec | 170 mph |
Older R/T models from 2008–2014 produced 370 horsepower and ran 0-60 in roughly 5.1 seconds, so there is a meaningful gap between generations. When shopping used, the year and engine option matter far more than the trim level alone.
What to check when buying a used Charger for performance
If you are looking at a used Hellcat or R/T, check the service history first. Hellcats especially need regular oil changes and coolant flushes because the supercharger generates constant heat. A neglected Hellcat can develop bearing wear or cooling system leaks that are expensive to repair. Ask whether the car has been modified. Many Charger owners add aftermarket supercharger pulleys, ECU tuning, or exhaust systems to squeeze out more power. These modifications can void the warranty and sometimes cause reliability issues. A bone-stock Hellcat is usually safer than a heavily modified one, even if it is slightly slower.
Check the transmission fluid condition and ask about any hard shifts or slipping. The Hellcat's 8-speed automatic is strong, but it works hard under acceleration. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, the transmission may have been abused. Finally, verify the fuel grade the car has been running. A Hellcat that has been fed regular 87-octane fuel instead of premium will have suffered engine knock and lost power. The owner should have records showing premium fuel purchases.
Emissions and fuel economy trade-offs with performance
The Charger Hellcat produces higher emissions than the R/T because the supercharger and higher fuel consumption generate more nitrogen oxides and particulates. The EPA rates the Hellcat at roughly 12 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, compared to 16 city and 25 highway for the R/T. Both models require regular emissions testing in states that mandate it.
A Hellcat that has been modified with an aftermarket exhaust or ECU tune may fail emissions testing, depending on your state's rules. Some states test only for basic compliance; others run a full diagnostic scan that catches modifications. If you live in a state with strict emissions standards (California, New York, Massachusetts, and several others), verify that any used Charger you are considering has passed recent testing. A Hellcat with a failed emissions history can be expensive to bring back into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye worth the extra money over the standard Hellcat?
The Redeye adds 90 horsepower and 0.1 seconds to the 0-60 time for roughly $10,000 more. On a drag strip or closed track, that difference is real. For street driving, most people would not notice. Buy the Redeye only if you plan to race it or want the bragging rights.
Can I make an R/T as fast as a Hellcat with modifications?
No. A supercharger kit for an R/T exists, but installation and tuning cost $8,000 to $15,000, and the result is still slower than a stock Hellcat. You are better off buying a used Hellcat than modifying an R/T.
Do I need premium fuel for the R/T?
No. The R/T runs fine on regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium will not hurt, but it will not add power or performance. The Hellcat requires premium fuel to avoid engine knock and maintain its rated horsepower.
Why did Dodge stop making the Charger?
Dodge discontinued the Charger after 2023 to focus on electric vehicles and the Dodge Hornet SUV. The company announced plans for an electric muscle car, but no Charger replacement is currently available for purchase.