Dodge has long been known for manufacturing vehicles that provide legendary performance. The combination of sheer power, muscle, and general toughness exhibited by models like the Challenger and Charger have remained unmatched by competitors for decades—despite many, many attempts.
That said, it’s hard to imagine how Dodge’s lineup of vehicles could significantly improve in those areas. Yet, here we are. It’s 2021, and America’s car manufacturer has added even more high-performance variations to its lineup. The Challenger and Charger both get some upgrades that will make muscle car fans salivate. But the improvements don’t stop with the coupe and sedan; the Durango also joins the party.
If you’re looking for the meanest, most American car on the planet, look no further. These Dodge high-performance models are as good as it gets (so far):
Challenger SRT Super Stock
This generation of the Challenger is in its 14th year of production, and its success is showing no signs of slowing down. That just goes to show how classic this muscle car really is. As in previous years, the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock is, of course, insanely powerful. But it also provides a spacious cabin that allows the coupe to comfortably fit four adults. Moreover, drivers have plenty of modern technology at their fingertips, and the ride is much smoother than the horsepower would suggest.
Speaking of horsepower, the Challenger SRT Super Stock comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that pushes a whopping 807 horses. This engine enables the car to travel 0-60 seconds in just 3.25 seconds. Whew.
The SRT Super Stock is a widebody that rides on 18”x11” aluminum wheels. Nitto NTO5 drag radials wrap the wheels, which are the same tires found on the 2018 Challenger Redeye Demon. There have been several suspension improvements made on the SRT Super Stock for the 2021 model year, including re-tuned Bilstein dampers, launch-related upgrades, and a variety of drive modes meant to provide firmer ride and handling. New, incredibly-powerful brakes with Brembo four-piston brake calipers and 14.2” vented rotors top off the list of changes.
Charger SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye
You love the Challenger. But it doesn’t provide quite enough room to haul your speed-obsessed family and friends around. Enter the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Like the Challenger, both of these Charger trims are comfortable to drive, and they come with loads of standard safety features, an impressive infotainment system, and nice luxury touches like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.
Both the Charger SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye provide absurd power. The Hellcat Redeye, which is designed to complement the Challenger trim of the same name, runs on the same engine: the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. This engine provides 797 hp (80 more than the Hellcat), 707 lb-ft of torque, and a max speed of 203 mph. The Hellcat keeps it more responsible at just 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. All jokes aside, that’s still 10 more hp than the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat produced.
Both the Hellcat Redeye and Hellcat come with a new hood for the 2021 model year, which includes a bigger hood scoop to enhance air intake. And you can get a widebody version of the Hellcat, which extends the car’s width by 3.5 inches.
Durango SRT Hellcat
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat brings outrageous to the mid-size SUV market. Yes, it will comfortably fit three rows of passengers, and cargo space will allow you to carry plenty of groceries. It, too, provides quite a cushiony ride considering what lies beneath the hood. And it comes with plenty of safety features and luxuries, as well as FCA’s newest infotainment system (Uconnect 5) and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 mentioned earlier, which enables the SUV to pump out 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The top speed is 180 mph, and 0-60 mph is rated at 3.5 seconds (remember, this is a three-row SUV). The towing capacity for the Durango SRT Hellcat is 8,700 pounds. FCA has confirmed that 2021 will be the only model year that the Durango SRT Hellcat will be available.
Conclusion
If you’re into high-performance automobiles, this is your year. Dodge has delivered with its 2021 versions of the Challenger SRT Super Stock, Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Hellcat, and Durango SRT Hellcat. Each model is wonderfully preposterous without sacrificing comfort. But you shouldn’t take our word for it. Schedule some test drives at Mount Airy CDJRF to experience the power yourself!
