Dodge Challenger SRT Demon debuts with 840hp at New York
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, revealed at the 2017 New York Auto Show, delivers 840hp and a 9.65-second quarter mile, making it the world’s most powerful production muscle car.
Dodge used the 2017 New York Auto Show to reveal the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, a street-legal drag car with 840hp and a quarter mile time under 10 seconds. The Demon’s official figures set new records for a production muscle car, and its performance has already drawn the attention of the National Hot Rod Association, which has banned it from competition without extra safety equipment.
Performance and technical details
The Demon’s 6.2-litre supercharged V8 has been heavily reworked from the Challenger SRT Hellcat. Dodge fits a larger 2.7-litre supercharger, dual fuel pumps, and raises boost to 14.5psi. The redline climbs from 6,200 to 6,500rpm. Official output is 840hp and 770lb ft when running on 100-octane fuel, making it the most powerful V8 ever fitted to a production car. Dodge claims the Demon can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 2.3 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 9.65 seconds at 140mph. These figures have been certified by the NHRA, which promptly ruled the car too quick for competition unless fitted with a roll cage and other safety modifications.
Weight savings are central to the Demon’s specification. Dodge strips out the front passenger and rear seats, although buyers can add them back for a nominal charge. The overall weight reduction compared to the Hellcat is 215 pounds, despite the addition of wider bodywork and larger wheels. The Demon is the first production car supplied with street-legal drag radials as standard, using 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R tyres on 18-inch by 11-inch wheels.
Drag racing features and equipment
The Demon’s focus on drag racing is evident in its equipment list. Dodge supplies a special crate (available through dealers) containing narrow front wheels for track use, a new air intake, a revised thermostat, and a dedicated engine control module. The car’s electronics include a two-step launch control, transbrake, and line-lock systems. In Drag Mode, the transmission and suspension recalibrate for maximum traction, and the supercharger’s bypass valve allows boost to build before launch.
Production and market availability
Dodge will build the Challenger SRT Demon for just one model year, with 3,000 units allocated to the US and 300 for Canada. All cars use the eight-speed automatic transmission, as no manual is offered. The Demon’s limited run and extreme specification position it above the Hellcat in Dodge’s muscle car range, aimed squarely at drag racing enthusiasts seeking a street-legal car with genuine quarter mile credentials.
For comparison with the previous Hellcat models and other limited-edition Challengers, see2016 Dodge Charger SRT cat and Challenger SRT cat Announced.
