Allergy Season is Here, I’ll Take the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat “Redeye” Widebody Instead

Tis’ the season.  Allergy season that is.  It’s a time for sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and stuffy noses.  This year I’ve traded my usual “red eyed” symptoms for a spin in the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody and I can’t say I’m sorry.

Winning the 2019 Car of Texas at the Spring Roundup of the Texas Auto Writers Association, the modern day Challenger has made its way into the hearts and garages of  loyal MOPAR fanatics as well as those looking for a vehicle with power (797 horsepower to be exact) and style appropriate for everything from the track to a summertime ice cream run.

Sometimes feeling devil possessed as the sneezing takes over, spring misery can’t hold a candle to the 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 possessed by this Hellcat.  The only fever present here is felt during the 3.4 second 0-60 mph stretch of glorious road as 707 lb.-ft. of torque is unleashed.  The 1/4 mile in 10.8 seconds at 131 mph and a top speed of 203 mph is nothing to sneeze at either. Having a “Launch” button is a good thing.

My Dodge product specialist Bryan Whitehead (see him in the reflection above) was along for the ride to detail all of the options available when setting up the performance choices.  A large central screen displayed all I needed to know about what was “on” and “off” for each setting.  Track, Sport, Custom and Auto available at my fingertips managed my 797 horsepower beautifully.  Brian detailed the versatility of the Challenger and made us feel as if it could be a daily driver.  Now that’s something to write home about.

We did a combination of highway and city driving, each with its demands on the Hellcat.  The Widebody made for a luxury ride and the interior touches made all the difference.  The rear seat was equally as comfortable as the front if one is nimble enough to navigate there via the coupe’s rear seat opening.  I’m a tall drink of water (5′ 10″) and had legroom to spare.  Added bonuses were settings like Race Options, Valet and Eco, because we’re all going to run a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody on Eco right? lol

Hand in hand with this monster was heaven from the start.  I took the picture above with the Hellcat’s Redeye emblem and my eager hand, on purpose.  Grasping the wheel with that much potential under me brought a smile to my face over and over.  No one worried about the fuel tank and each mourned the loss of drive time, like me, as the clock struck four…just like Cinderella.

Most of my experience with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody has been from the view above, as most other admirers.  Unless it’s sitting still, leaving us in the dust just might be the lead skill on it’s resume’.  Thank you FCA.  We needed it.

As journalists made their way through the paces of each vehicle at the 2019 Spring Roundup for the Texas Auto Writers Association, the Hellcat drive availability was at a premium. How glad I was to end my event with a ride to remember.

Apparently more than just I admired the modern-day tribute.

The Dodge Challenger won Car of the Year as voted by we TAWA journalists.

Yes, the trophy was worth it.  Congratulations Dodge, you’ve brought back a gem.

Oh, and don’t forget the tissues.  Achoo!