The Dodge Challenger Hellcat (and its four door cousin the Charger Hellcat) have been a sales success for Dodge, with the duo finding immense popularity with a new generation of performance enthusiasts (we have lost count of how many we regularly see in Metro Detroit.) Like all good things though, the Challenger is due for a mid-cycle refresh, and Dodge has unveiled the first teaser image hinting at big things for the updated Hellcat.
Before we get to the good stuff, one small bit of bad news. The insanely powerful and utterly bonkers Dodge Demon will not be making an encore appearance for 2019. When it was first unveiled, Dodge made it clear that it would be a limited edition special, and the brand has kept its word, with production currently capped at 3,300 units. The good news is that some of the Demon’s desirable goodies could make their way to the Hellcat. In addition to the already unleashed wider wheel flares, other features rumored on the docket including the sticky Nitto drag tires, the nifty Air Chiller system, as well as an iteration of its Air Grabber technology.
While we will have to wait a bit longer to find out the validity of those rumors, Dodge’s two teaser images do hint that a new hood will be installed on the Hellcat. Unlike the current single scoop layout, this one is a retro style dual snorkel unit that promises to deliver maximum air flow to the supercharged 6.2 liter V8, while also embodying the spirit of the 60’s and 70’s. The dual snorkel look is currently only seen on select Challenger models, but the scoops in those are non functional decorations versus the clearly functional units seen here. It’s unknown if a power increase is in the pipeline, but the appearance of more airflow typically translates into juicy things in that category.
The wider fender flares in these pictures also hints at the return of the widebody package, which made its appearance back in mid 2017, and helps improve the Challengers handling manners. Dodge claims that we will have to wait until summer arrives to find out more, but look for the model to perhaps make its appearance at the 2018 Woodward Dream Cruise in August. We look forward to hearing more on the 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup, and to eventually see the Hellcat version in person
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.