The Dodge Charger Hellcat produces 707 horsepower in its standard configuration

The Dodge Charger Hellcat is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that generates 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. This output remained consistent across the Hellcat's production run from 2015 through 2023, when Dodge discontinued the model. The supercharger forces air into the engine at higher pressure than naturally aspirated engines, which is what allows the Hellcat to produce significantly more power than Dodge's standard Charger models.

In 2019, Dodge introduced a Redeye variant of the Charger Hellcat that increased output to 797 horsepower through upgraded internals and a more aggressive supercharger tune. The Redeye also produced 707 pound-feet of torque. Both versions used the same displacement and basic engine architecture, but the Redeye's internal modifications allowed it to handle the higher boost pressure safely.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Charger Hellcat engine produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8.
  • The Redeye variant, introduced in 2019, increased output to 797 horsepower while maintaining the same 6.2-liter displacement.
  • Both versions used an 8-speed automatic transmission as their only gearbox option.
  • Horsepower figures are measured at 6,000 RPM, and peak torque arrives at 4,300 RPM on the standard Hellcat.

How the supercharger increases horsepower

A supercharger is a belt-driven air compressor mounted directly to the engine. Unlike a turbocharger, which uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, a supercharger draws power from the engine's crankshaft through a belt. This means boost pressure builds when ready when you press the accelerator, with no lag between throttle input and power delivery.

The Hellcat's supercharger compresses incoming air to roughly 11.5 pounds per square inch (psi) on the standard model and higher on the Redeye. Denser air contains more oxygen molecules, which allows the fuel injectors to spray more fuel into each cylinder. More fuel and more oxygen means more combustion energy per cycle, which translates directly to higher horsepower and torque numbers.

This efficiency comes at a cost: the supercharger consumes roughly 10 to 15 percent of the engine's total output just to operate. Without it, the same 6.2-liter engine in naturally aspirated form (as found in the Dodge Charger R/T) produces only 370 horsepower. The supercharger's parasitic loss is more than offset by the additional power it creates.

Comparing Hellcat horsepower to other Charger models

Dodge offered several Charger variants during the Hellcat's production years, each with different engine options and power outputs. The base Charger SXT used a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower. The mid-range R/T model used the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower. The Hellcat's 707 horsepower represented nearly double the R/T's output and more than double the base model's power.

For context, the Charger Hellcat's 707 horsepower exceeded most sports cars and supercars available during its production years. Only high-end models like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (650 horsepower in its final generation) and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat (which shared the same engine and horsepower rating) came close. The Redeye's 797 horsepower placed it above nearly all naturally aspirated competitors and competitive with some turbocharged and twin-turbocharged vehicles.

Real-world performance from Hellcat horsepower

The 707 horsepower in the standard Hellcat translated to a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time around 11.2 seconds, depending on conditions and driver technique. The Redeye, with its additional 90 horsepower, shaved roughly 0.2 seconds off the 0-60 time and improved quarter-mile performance by a similar margin. Both versions were limited to 180 mph by an electronic governor, though the Redeye could reach that speed slightly faster.

These numbers assume optimal conditions: a skilled driver, proper tire grip, a smooth launch, and a well-maintained vehicle. Real-world results vary based on road surface, weather, tire quality, and how aggressively the driver uses the transmission's launch control feature. Dodge published these figures using standardized testing procedures, but individual vehicles and drivers will see variation.

Fuel consumption and the cost of horsepower

The Hellcat's supercharger and high horsepower output came with significant fuel consumption. The EPA rated the standard Hellcat at 12 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 15 mpg. The Redeye, with its higher boost pressure and more aggressive tune, achieved similar or slightly lower fuel economy depending on driving habits.

The supercharger requires premium-grade gasoline (91 octane or higher) to prevent engine knock and maintain the rated horsepower. Using regular-grade fuel could reduce output and potentially damage the engine over time. Maintenance costs for the Hellcat were also higher than standard Charger models due to the complexity of the supercharger system and the more aggressive internal engine components.

Engine modifications and aftermarket horsepower increases

Some owners pursued aftermarket modifications to increase the Hellcat's horsepower beyond factory specifications. Common upgrades included ECU tuning (reprogramming the engine control computer to increase boost pressure), upgraded supercharger pulleys, and fuel system modifications. These changes could add 50 to 100+ additional horsepower, though they typically voided the manufacturer's warranty and required premium fuel or race fuel to operate safely.

Supercharger efficiency decreases as boost pressure increases, meaning each additional pound of boost pressure produces diminishing returns in horsepower gain. A tune that increased boost from 11.5 psi to 13 psi might add 50 horsepower, but pushing to 15 psi might only add another 30 horsepower. Additionally, higher boost pressures place greater stress on internal engine components, increasing the risk of failure over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Hellcat's horsepower change during its production years?

The standard Hellcat remained at 707 horsepower from 2015 through 2023. The Redeye variant, introduced in 2019, offered 797 horsepower as an alternative. No mid-cycle updates increased the standard model's output, though Dodge made minor refinements to the supercharger and fuel system over the years.

How does the Hellcat's horsepower compare to the Challenger Hellcat?

Both the Charger and Challenger Hellcat used the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and produced identical horsepower figures: 707 for the standard version and 797 for the Redeye. The main difference was weight—the Challenger was slightly heavier—which affected acceleration slightly but not the engine's power output.

Can you increase Hellcat horsepower with a straightforward tune?

Yes, ECU tuning can add 50 to 100 horsepower by increasing supercharger boost pressure and adjusting fuel timing. However, this typically voids the manufacturer's warranty and requires premium or race fuel. The gains depend on the tuner's software and your vehicle's condition.

What octane fuel does the Hellcat require?

Dodge specified 91 octane premium gasoline as the minimum requirement to maintain the rated 707 horsepower. Using lower-octane fuel risks engine knock and reduced performance. Some owners used 93 octane or race fuel (100+ octane) for maximum reliability and performance.