Dodge Challenger R/T Redline Heads to 2013 Chicago Auto Show

Dodge just announced that it will offer the “Redline” package previously restricted to the V6 Challenger in its R/T V8 model.

The car will make its debut during the 2013 Chicago Auto Show next week featuring the familiar 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which offers up to 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a selectable “sport” mode.

Dodge debuted the Redline package last year during the New York Auto Show, although it was only available on the V6 model. Just like that car, the package mixed with V8 power brings the same 20-inch wheels along with other performance enhancements. Those include a stiffened suspension, bigger brakes, re-calibrated steering and a host of appearance tweaks.

As with the V6 model, this car’s wheels feature a thin red stripe around the outer edge that matches similar stripes outlining a thick red line running over the car. The only difference, apart from the obvious engine change, is that this car doesn’t seem to get the more aggressive axle ratio that the V6 model did.

That’s a shame because as exciting as appearance packages might be to some buyers, the real value came with how the Rallye Redline V6 would feel punchier to drive.

Then again, the package isn’t as expensive on the V8 model either. When Dodge announced it last year on the V6, it cost a $3,750 premium. Arguably a reasonable value given the shift in performance from a comparatively lukewarm engine, decking the hotter V8 out will only cost $1,995 when the package becomes available at dealers in spring.