Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is one of the most powerful and extreme muscle cars ever produced, specifically designed for the drag strip. Introduced in 2018, the Demon is a supercharged beast based on the Challenger platform, built by Dodge's SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division to be the ultimate in straight-line speed and power. It set multiple records upon its release and is renowned for its raw, unfiltered power and the technical innovations that make it a street-legal drag car.

Key Highlights of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

1. Engine and Performance

• Supercharged HEMI V8: The Demon is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that produces 808 horsepower on pump gas and up to 840 horsepower with 100-octane race fuel, along with 770 lb-ft of torque. This makes it one of the most powerful production V8s in history.
• Performance Figures:
• 0–60 mph: Just 2.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest-accelerating production cars ever built.
• Quarter Mile: The Demon is officially certified by the NHRA as capable of a 9.65-second quarter mile at 140 mph, making it the first factory production car to break the 10-second barrier in stock form.
• Launch Control and TransBrake: The Demon includes an industry-first TransBrake feature, allowing it to launch more effectively by locking the transmission before launch, reducing reaction time. Combined with launch control, it enables explosive starts with minimal wheel spin.

2. Drag-Optimized Design

• Widebody Stance: The Demon features a widebody design, with flared fenders to accommodate the 315-mm drag radial tires — the largest front tires ever fitted to a production car — enhancing traction and grip.
• Weight Reduction: Dodge removed the passenger and rear seats in the base model to reduce weight, though buyers could add them back for just $1 each. Other weight-saving measures included a lighter suspension and minimized sound insulation, shaving off critical pounds.
• Suspension Tuning: The suspension was optimized for drag racing, with a softer setup in the front for weight transfer, maximizing rear tire grip during launches.

3. Specialized Cooling and Power Management

• Air-Grabber Hood: The Demon features the largest functional hood scoop (45.2 square inches) on a production car, allowing for significant airflow to the engine. This scoop feeds directly into a cold air intake system to improve combustion.
• Power Chiller: Another industry-first feature, the SRT Power Chiller uses the car’s air conditioning system to cool the supercharger’s intercooler, keeping intake temperatures down for optimal performance.
• After-Run Chiller: This feature keeps cooling the engine even after the car is turned off, preventing heat soak and ensuring the engine is ready for subsequent runs.

4. Interior and Driver Features

• Minimalist, Driver-Focused Cabin: The Demon’s interior is stripped down in its base configuration to save weight, though it still retains a functional and driver-focused layout.
• Optional Passenger Seats: As mentioned, Dodge removed the passenger and rear seats by default to reduce weight, but buyers could add them back for a nominal charge.
• Performance Display: The Uconnect touchscreen includes performance pages with real-time data on engine performance, G-forces, and other critical information tailored for racing.
• Customizable Drive Modes: The Demon has customizable drive modes, including an Eco mode, Valet mode (limits horsepower), and a Drag mode that optimizes settings for peak performance on the strip.

5. Record-Breaking Capabilities

• First Production Car to Pop a Wheelie: The Demon set a record as the first production car to lift its front wheels off the ground, achieving a 2.92-foot wheelie, a feat certified by the Guinness World Records.
• NHRA Ban: Due to its incredible acceleration, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) banned the Demon from competition unless modified with additional safety equipment, such as a roll cage, as it exceeds their 9.99-second quarter-mile limit for unmodified cars.

6. Limited Production and Exclusivity

• Production Numbers: Dodge produced only 3,300 units of the Challenger SRT Demon (3,000 for the United States and 300 for Canada), making it a highly collectible car with enduring value in the muscle car world.
• Unique Badging and Demon Crate: Each Demon came with unique badging, and buyers could purchase a Demon Crate — a track kit that included narrow front-runner drag wheels, a performance air filter, a high-octane engine calibration, and specialized tools, enhancing the car's drag performance.

7. Legacy and Impact

• Return of the Muscle Car Era: The Demon has been hailed as a symbol of the modern muscle car renaissance, setting new standards in power and performance for factory-built vehicles.
• Continuing Influence: The Challenger SRT Demon has inspired subsequent Dodge models, including the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Charger Hellcat Redeye, which bring similar high-power engineering and drag-focused designs to a broader audience.