Detroit’s Woodward Avenue on a Friday night is a spectacle of roaring engines and gleaming metal. Cruising down this iconic strip in the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, I quickly learned this wasn’t just another muscle car; it was a wolf in sheep’s clothing – a Hellcat Redeye in disguise. The moment I pressed the accelerator, the symphony of the exhaust and the unmistakable whine of the supercharger turned heads. Every one of the 807 horses under the hood strained against the Pirelli tires, eager to unleash their power.
Image alt: Side profile of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost showcasing its black paint, white rear stripe, and gator skin roof.
As quickly as the boost hit, I eased off, mindful of the police presence that evening. Pulling up to a red light, a Ford Mustang GT pulled alongside. “Sounds good, Scat Pack – wanna race?” the passenger shouted. A nod towards the lurking police car and a knowing thumbs-up from the Mustang guys confirmed the Black Ghost’s deceptive nature. They, like many others that night, mistook this beast for something less potent.
Throughout the evening cruise, numerous drivers, mostly in naturally aspirated pony cars, were eager for a race. In my own Challenger SRT Hellcat, such challenges are less frequent. The key to this mistaken identity? The Black Ghost cleverly downplays its Hellcat Redeye heart. The signature rear stripe, typically a Scat Pack identifier, combined with the absence of prominent SRT or Hellcat badging (save for a subtle blacked-out grille emblem), creates an illusion. Under the cover of night, with headlights blurring details, the true nature of this machine remains hidden.
Image alt: Front three-quarter view of the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost parked on Woodward Avenue at night, highlighting its aggressive stance and hidden Hellcat grille badge.
Dodge has masterfully crafted an SRT Hellcat Redeye “sleeper” in the Black Ghost, paying homage to Detroit’s street racing heritage while delivering unparalleled modern performance. The unsuspecting onlookers on Woodward Avenue were proof – they saw a Scat Pack, not an 807-horsepower Hellcat Redeye ready to pounce.
While true enthusiasts might recognize the supercharger whine, the Black Ghost’s subdued roar compared to other Hellcat models further contributes to its understated persona. For those seeking the raw thrill of a supercharged HEMI without shouting it from the rooftops, this Challenger offers a level of stealth unmatched in the muscle car world. It’s an 807-horsepower powerhouse masquerading as a still-formidable 485-horsepower machine – the ultimate choice for drivers who prefer performance with subtlety.
Image alt: Rear view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost emphasizing the white stripe, Challenger script logo, and clean, debadged rear fascia.
The Black Ghost Package: A Nod to the Past, Power of the Hellcat Redeye
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost package is a tribute to the legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE driven by Godfrey Qualls, a Detroit street racing icon and decorated veteran. Qualls’ original Black Ghost was instantly recognizable by its black paint, white tail stripe, and unique black vinyl “gator-skin” roof. The modern iteration echoes these iconic features, borrowing the white stripe from Scat Pack models and incorporating the distinctive gator-grain roof treatment. Classic chrome elements further enhance the vintage aesthetic: a chrome fuel door, Challenger script logos on the grille, fenders, and rear spoiler, and DODGE lettering across the upper fascia, reminiscent of the 1970s branding. Completing the exterior are black Mopar hood pins and satin carbon “Warp Speed” wheels, which offer a brighter silver finish compared to the darker wheels prevalent on many contemporary Dodge models. While modern muscle car styling often leans towards darker accents, the Black Ghost package’s embrace of chrome and classic cues creates a uniquely appealing and timeless design.
Inside, the Black Ghost continues the premium feel with carbon fiber trim, a black suede headliner, black Alcantara/Laguna Leather seats, and an Alcantara steering wheel. A “Black Ghost” badge on the passenger dashboard further distinguishes this special edition. Of course, the interior also features the familiar 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, providing access to SRT Drive Modes and Performance Pages for managing the car’s formidable capabilities.
Hellcat Redeye Performance on Demand
Image alt: Close-up of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost Hellcat Redeye engine bay, showcasing the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine and Redeye badging.
Beneath the surface, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is undeniably a beast. Built upon the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak platform, it’s powered by the monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine, force-fed by a 2.7-liter IHI supercharger. This potent combination delivers a staggering 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a rapid-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and a performance-oriented 3.09 rear axle ratio (up from the standard 2.62), resulting in brutal low-end acceleration.
Image alt: Interior view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost cockpit, highlighting the Alcantara steering wheel, Laguna leather seats, carbon fiber trim, and Uconnect infotainment screen.
Official 0-60 mph times for the Redeye Widebody Jailbreak are quoted at 3.4 seconds in ideal conditions. However, even with less-than-perfect street conditions and “dirty” tires, the Black Ghost consistently achieves 0-60 sprints in the 3.6-second range. These figures were achieved with simple stop-and-launch runs, without tire warm-up burnouts or surface preparation. Compared to my personal 2017 Challenger SRT Hellcat on stock tires, the Black Ghost consistently shaves off 3-4 tenths of a second in the 0-60 sprint. The real advantage of the Hellcat Redeye, however, lies in its monstrous mid-range power.
Image alt: Action shot of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost accelerating on a city street, showing tire smoke and highlighting its widebody stance.
While the initial launch might only show a marginal improvement over the standard SRT Hellcat due to traction limitations, once the Black Ghost is rolling, the full force of its 807 horsepower becomes devastatingly apparent. The mid-range acceleration is truly where this Hellcat Redeye flexes its muscle, outperforming most street cars. On the highway, accelerating from 60 mph in the Black Ghost propels you into triple-digit speeds with breathtaking ferocity, rivaling performance levels typically found in European exotics costing multiples more.
Image alt: Front view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost driving aggressively on a winding road, demonstrating its handling capabilities.
Beyond raw power, the Challenger Black Ghost benefits from adaptive, adjustable Bilstein dampers and massive six-piston Brembo brakes. This combination endows the 807-horsepower muscle car with surprisingly capable handling, far exceeding expectations for a quarter-mile focused machine. Drivers can select “Street” mode for a comfortable ride or engage “Track” mode for sharpened cornering dynamics. “Sport” mode provides a balanced compromise. Even on rough Michigan roads, the “Track” setting remains surprisingly compliant for daily driving, while those prioritizing maximum comfort can opt for smoother settings without sacrificing cornering prowess. The Brembo brakes inspire immense confidence, rapidly bringing the car down from speed when needed.
With only 300 units produced, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is a rare and highly desirable machine. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, they possess a stunning muscle car that seamlessly merges classic design inspiration with the awe-inspiring performance of a modern Hellcat Redeye – a truly unique offering in today’s automotive landscape.
Image alt: Angled front shot of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost parked, showcasing its overall design, wheels, and classic chrome accents.
