Keiichi Tsuchiya is one of the most famous drivers in the world. He’s earned his title of Drift King and is basically synonymous with the sport he pioneered in Japan, yet he’s also a successful racing driver. So what does the man known for sliding the tiny AE86 think of a Dodge Challenger Hellcat? And how did such a car even find its way to Japan?
American muscle cars are described as too large and powerful by both European and Asian reviews. Yet they carry a certain mystique, that apple pie flavor of the American dream. So it’s not uncommon for people to want them imported, especially the rabid animal that is the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
At 707 horsepower, the Hellcat was already a crazy speed machine. But today, we’re dealing with the Redeye version with the widebody kit. This factory-supercharged hot rod makes 797 horsepower. The Japanese owner actually bought this about a year ago in America and was recently able to have it imported. But from what we understand, the other person besides Tsuchiya has an American import shore in the Chiba Prefecture, which is East of Tokyo.
Apparently, the Hellcat owner first fell in love with V8s when coming into contact with a 1970s Ford /Cosworth 3.0-liter V8 fitted to Formula 1 cars. Right on cue, they decide to check out the American V8, which in the case of the Redeye is equipped with a 2.7-liter supercharger.
“It’s heavy. It doesn’t stop.”
Ever since he first bought the Hellcat Redeye, the owner wanted it in the hands of the Drift King. Tsuchiya is thankful for the opportunity but also apprehensive since he’s not driven an 800-horsepower car in a while.
The Dodge muscle car is unleashed onto the track and immediately makes an impression. The king of drifting says it makes insane power but feels dangerous because it doesn’t want to stop. The Challenger wasn’t made for lap times. It’s fast in a straight line but reveals its weight when needing to slow down for corners.
Also, the professional driver notes how the electronics aren’t giving him full control. Electronic traction control is cutting in, but Tsuchiya is still able to have a lot of fun and powerslide around the track. We’d call it drifting if any other person was behind the wheel. The drift master is disappointed that while the car wants to slide, once you get to a certain point, the rotation angle doesn’t increase. The engine is being limited, even though everything is turned off.
Conclusion? It’s not a drift car, but a dangerous experience you enjoy. The Drift King says it makes him sweat differently than a crowded trail, it’s an adrenaline-packed sweat. The 800 horsepower Redeye is a torque monster, a 2-ton train that doesn’t want to stop.
