A tiger may not be able to change its stripes, but apparently a Hellcat can. The 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat adds three new stripe color options in red, blue and silver. These dual-stripe-only options join the previously available carbon and gunmetal gray choices; all can be had for an extra $995.
But this, like Dodge's press release, buries the lede when it comes to the real upgrades to the Charger's abilities. For 2019, both Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack Chargers add standard launch assist and line-lock features. Launch assist improves launches by detecting any wheel hop and reducing torque without the driver having to lift from the accelerator pedal; this, in turn, reduces loads on driveline components and reduces wear on those parts. Both models also get a new grille with dual air inlets.
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The Charger Hellcat borrows the Torque Reserve and After-Run Chiller features from the Challenger SRT Demon. Torque Reserve helps build up supercharger boost at the line for more power from launch, while the After-Run Chiller keeps cooling fans running and coolant circulating after the engine has been shut off, reducing heat soak and getting the car ready for its next run down the drag strip sooner. Both features now are standard on the Charger Hellcat.
The only real letdown here is that the Charger Hellcat will still make "only" 707 horsepower from its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8. The 2019 Challenger Hellcat boasts 717 hp, while the Challenger Hellcat Redeye puts out 797 hp.
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