Dodge has developed a reputation over the years for insanely powerful V-8 engines in its muscle cars. You've probably heard that Dodge is ending its V-8 engines as it shifts to electric powertrains. But before the curtain comes down on its gas-powered units, Dodge decided to go out with a bang with the Challenger SRT Demon 170. With a huge horsepower number and impressive speed, this limited edition racer is sure to leave great memories of the automaker's V-8 era. We took a look at just how fast this speedster really is.
2024 Challenger SRT Demon 170 Speed
Dodge's drag-racing specialist achieved an incredible 0-to-60 mph time of 1.66 seconds under controlled conditions. The automaker also boasts that the last edition of its V-8 dragster can do a quarter-mile run in just 8.91 seconds at 151 mph. These eye-watering numbers are due to a supercharged V-8 engine that breaks the four-digit horsepower output for the first time. Like SRT models before it, the Demon 170 also benefits from track-ready features that don't prevent this car from being street-legal.
To create this unprecedented speed, Dodge made some improvements to the drive shaft and rear axle compared to previous SRT models. The drive shaft's strength was improved by 30%, while the housing for the rear axle got 53% stronger. If you're trying to save on every pound of weight to improve your Demon 170's agility and speed, you can upgrade to two-piece wheels built using aluminum and carbon fiber. These wheels weigh 25 pounds less than the standard wheels.
Dodge reportedly produced 3,000 units of the SRT Demon 170 for the US market and an additional 300 for Canada. The MSRP is around $100,000, although the final price can increase due to the various available upgrade options.
Engine and Performance
The engine responsible for all this power is an upgraded version of the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that many Dodge fans will be familiar with from the Challenger SRT line. In the Demon 170, it can produce an earth-shattering 1025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque, so long as you use E85 fuel. Even with standard gas, the engine is still good for 900 horsepower and over 800 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough to leave most vehicles in the dust. The Demon 170 gets its name from the 170-proof ethanol that makes E85 fuel.
What Is the Challenger SRT?
Most Dodge fanatics will be familiar with the Challenger SRT Hellcat that forms the base for the SRT Demon 170. The SRT badge debuted in 2015, when Dodge decided to rebrand the Challenger by focusing on its horsepower output. The popular sedan first appeared in its latest generation in 2008, but Dodge wanted to give it the edge over its competitors with the SRT redesign. The most distinctive feature of the revamped Challenger was the supercharged V-8, which pushed output past 700 horsepower.
Things got even more exciting in 2018, when Dodge released the first SRT Demon. Thanks to design upgrades, the supercharged V-8 managed over 800 horsepower in this model. However, the Demon was limited to a single production year, with only 3,300 units manufactured. In 2019, the Hellcat Redeye followed, with an impressive output of 797 horsepower. This Challenger managed 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reached the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds. In 2020, Dodge unleashed the Super Stock, which was also based on the supercharged V-8.
What's Next for Dodge Muscle Cars?
Dodge has decided to move decisively into the electric vehicle market for future production years while retaining its muscle car style. 2023 marked the end of the production run for the Challenger and Charger sedans. When it presented the all-new electric Charger, Dodge boasted that it proved how “muscle car performance still exists.” The electric Charger is the first e-muscle car in the world. As an example, the Charger Daytona Scatpack features 670 horsepower, with Dodge stating that it will manage 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and achieve a quarter-mile run in 11.5 seconds.
The power for this setup is provided by two 335-horsepower motors, one fitted to the front axle and the other to the rear. The automaker has introduced retro design features, including badges inspired by its vehicles from the 1960s, to ensure that the next-gen lineup retains the distinctive Dodge brand.
Interior and Infotainment
While it's easy to forget with so much power and exciting hardware under the hood, this racer still has an impressive cabin. The standard setup for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a single driver's seat with cloth upholstery. There's an option to add a passenger's seat if desired. Another option is to upgrade to leather upholstery for a more upscale ride.
If you're looking at a lower trim in the Challenger lineup, the standard interior setup includes five seats, with adult-friendly dimensions in both rows. Considering that the Challenger is a sports car, it has an impressive 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. This fact probably won't be all that important for buyers of the Demon 170, who are focused on pushing this drag racer to the limit.
The Challenger features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and you can choose to equip it with a nine-speaker stereo or 18-speaker surround-sound system. You can make use of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth for your connectivity options. Other helpful features include a navigation system and automatic climate control.
Get Behind the Wheel of a Challenger SRT at Ciocca CJDR in Hannover
Are you interested in being one of the last to experience what it's like to get behind the wheel of a Challenger SRT? Here at Ciocca CJDR in Hannover, we can help with that. Why not check out our range of Dodge Challenger vehicles in our new inventory or stop by our Hannover, Pennsylvania, showroom?
If you want to test drive this muscle car, one of our sales team members will be happy to help. You can also explore financing options to help you close the deal on your dream Dodge so you can head over to the track without delay.