We have talked a great deal over the past few weeks about the Direct Connection performance packages for the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Redeye, but there has been no word on whether or not other models would be included. Sources involved with the project told us that the Charger would be included at a later date and that the 2018 Demon would eventually be included as well – but there was no further information as to when those other kits would be available.
Thanks to a PDF that was attached to a recent press release, we know have a better look at the vehicles that are slated to be included in the Direct Connection performance package program – along with an idea of when some of them will become available. Most notably, we know that Charger Hellcat owners won’t have to wait much longer.
Click here for the availability details for the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Redeye, including the new Super Stock.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Kits
The most common question that we have gotten when discussing the Direct Connection performance “stage kits” for the Dodge Challenger relates to the Charger. The two are mechanically identical, so it seemed that the majority of the upgrades for the two-door would apply to Dodge’s four-door muscle car as well. We have been told by our internal contacts that the Charger would be getting similar performance options to the Challenger, but now we have official details.
The 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye will be the first four-door model to receive Direct Connection performance upgrades. Like the Challenger, the Charger Redeye has Pre-Stage, Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits, offering 802, 840 and 885 horsepower, respectively. Those three kits are expected to launch in May, while a Stage 3 kit continues to be in the development process with a launch date that is “to be decided”.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Kits
Next, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will get similar Pre-Stage and Stage 1 kits to the Hellcat Challenger. For the 2015-2020 models, Pre-Stage leads to 712 horsepower and Stage 1 delivers 747 horsepower while the numbers for the 2021 and 2022 models are each 10 horsepower higher (722 and 757). Dodge expects these kits to become available for purchase in June. Like the Hellcat Challenger, there is also a Stage 2 kit in the works, but we don’t know when that one will go on sale.
2018 Demon
We reported last week that the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was included in the ongoing testing and development of future Direct Connection performance packages. According to the official information, the Demon will have three unique kits – Pre-Stage, Stage 1 and Stage 2 – but we don’t have any performance numbers or date of availability. However, this is the first official information stating that the Demon will get these kits.
Scat Pack Kits
Finally, the latest information reveals that both the Challenger and Charger in R/T Scat Pack trim will receive some performance attention from the Direct Connection program as well. All of the information is “to be decided”, but the list includes a Pre-Stage, Stage 1 and Stage 2 kit as being under development for 2015-2022 Challengers and Chargers with the 392 cubic inch Hemi.
