Cruising down Woodward Avenue on a Friday night in Detroit, the roar of an engine is commonplace. But the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is anything but common. Behind the wheel of this limited-edition muscle car, I quickly discovered its unique allure. It’s not just another Challenger; it’s a Dodge Challenger Redeye in disguise, a wolf in sheep’s clothing ready to unleash its monstrous power. The Black Ghost package transforms the already formidable Challenger Redeye into an understated beast that commands respect without screaming for attention.
My evening began innocently enough, rolling along at city speeds. But the moment I dipped further into the throttle, the symphony of supercharger whine and exhaust rumble erupted, instantly drawing eyes from the Woodward Avenue sidelines. All 807 horsepower strained against the Pirelli tires, a subtle hint of the Dodge Challenger Redeye fury lurking beneath the surface. Just as quickly as the power surged, I eased off, mindful of the watchful eyes of Detroit’s finest on patrol that night. Pulling up to a red light, a Mustang GT pulled alongside, its passenger eager for a race. Mistaking the Black Ghost for a Scat Pack, they were unaware of the true Dodge Challenger Redeye power at my disposal. A nod towards a nearby police cruiser quickly dissuaded any street racing ambitions, but the encounter highlighted the Black Ghost’s deceptive nature.
Throughout the night, numerous drivers, mostly in naturally aspirated pony cars, challenged what they perceived to be a Scat Pack. This recurring misidentification wasn’t accidental. Dodge masterfully crafted the Black Ghost as a tribute to a 1970s Detroit street racing legend, Godfrey Qualls, whose own Challenger R/T SE was known for its understated appearance. The modern Black Ghost cleverly borrows visual cues from the Scat Pack, most notably the rear stripe, and omits overt SRT or Hellcat badging on the rear and sides. Only a subtle black SRT Hellcat logo on the grille hints at the Dodge Challenger Redeye power within, easily missed in the shadows of night.
This deliberate downplaying of its performance pedigree is the genius of the Black Ghost. Dodge has essentially created an SRT Hellcat Redeye “sleeper.” While true enthusiasts might recognize the telltale supercharger whine, the average onlooker is easily fooled into thinking it’s a less potent model. For those seeking the unbridled power of a supercharged HEMI® without broadcasting it to the world, this Dodge Challenger Redeye variant is the ultimate choice. It delivers 807 horsepower in a package that can be mistaken for a 485-horsepower car – a unique proposition in today’s muscle car market.
Unpacking the Black Ghost Package
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost package is more than just a visual treatment; it’s a carefully curated blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance enhancements, all built upon the foundation of the formidable Dodge Challenger Redeye. Inspired by Godfrey Qualls’ iconic 1970 Challenger R/T SE, the Black Ghost package incorporates several distinctive elements. The white rear stripe, reminiscent of the Scat Pack, contrasts sharply against the black paint, while the gator-skin-style vinyl roof adds a touch of vintage flair. Chrome accents, including the classic fuel door, Challenger script logos on the grille, fenders, and rear spoiler, and DODGE lettering on the hood’s leading edge, further enhance the retro appeal. Satin carbon “Warp Speed” wheels, appearing bright silver, and black Mopar hood pins complete the exterior transformation, striking a balance between classic muscle car charm and modern aggression.
Inside, the Black Ghost cabin elevates the Dodge Challenger Redeye experience with premium materials and unique trim. Carbon fiber accents, a black suede headliner, Alcantara/Laguna Leather seats, and an Alcantara steering wheel create a luxurious and sporty ambiance. A Black Ghost badge on the passenger-side dashboard serves as a subtle reminder of this limited-edition model’s exclusivity. Of course, the interior also features the familiar 8.4-inch Uconnect® infotainment system, providing access to SRT Drive Modes and Performance Pages, allowing drivers to fine-tune the Dodge Challenger Redeye’s performance characteristics.
Redeye Performance Unleashed on the Street
Beneath the Black Ghost’s classic skin lies the heart of a true beast: the Dodge Challenger Redeye’s monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® engine. This powerhouse, equipped with a 2.7-liter IHI supercharger, churns out a staggering 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a rapid-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.09 rear axle ratio, the Black Ghost delivers explosive acceleration from a standstill.
Official figures for the Dodge Challenger Redeye Widebody Jailbreak (the Black Ghost’s mechanical twin) quote 0-60 mph times in the 3.4-second range under ideal conditions. In real-world street testing, even with less-than-perfect tire conditions, the Black Ghost consistently achieved 0-60 mph sprints in a blistering 3.6 seconds. These times were achieved on regular street surfaces with no special preparation, showcasing the raw, accessible power of this machine. Compared to a standard SRT Hellcat, the Redeye demonstrates a slight edge in initial acceleration, but its true dominance emerges in the mid-range.
While the initial launch might be limited by traction, once the Dodge Challenger Redeye Black Ghost is rolling, its 807 horsepower truly comes into play. The mid-range acceleration is nothing short of phenomenal, surpassing most street-legal cars. On the highway, a mere press of the accelerator at 60 mph catapults the car into triple-digit speeds with breathtaking ferocity, rivaling European exotics costing multiples more.
Beyond straight-line speed, the Dodge Challenger Redeye Black Ghost also impresses with its handling and braking capabilities. Equipped with adaptive Bilstein dampers and massive six-piston Brembo brakes, it offers surprising agility for a muscle car of its size and power. Drivers can choose between Street, Sport, and Track suspension settings to tailor the ride to their preferences. Even in the firm Track setting, the ride remains surprisingly compliant for daily driving, while providing exceptional cornering control. The Brembo brakes deliver уверенное stopping power, inspiring confidence even when pushing the limits.
With only 300 units produced, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is a rare and highly desirable muscle car. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of classic Detroit muscle while delivering modern Dodge Challenger Redeye performance. For those fortunate enough to own one, they possess a truly unique machine – a stunning blend of heritage, power, and understated cool.
