Dear audience, behold: The conclusion of Dodge’s internal combustion engine muscle cars era. After over a decade of production and six special “Last Call” models, there arises one final celebration: the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This car, which runs on E85 fuel, is a highly supercharged muscle vehicle that has been preemptively barred from NHRA drag racing due to its capability to outpace a Bugatti Chiron SS in a quarter-mile sprint. Remarkably, it all starts at a price under $100,000.
The moniker “Demon 170” is derived from what Dodge terms as “an almost brand-new powerplant” founded on the formidable Hellephant crate engine, the C170. Before delving into its enhancements, let’s marvel at its performance: Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in as swift as 1.66 seconds, exerting two Gs in the process, which Dodge asserts is unmatched by any street-legal production car. It speeds down the quarter-mile track in an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds (two tenths quicker compared to the Chiron SS) at over 151 mph; adequate to warrant the road-legal Demon 170’s prohibition from drag racing despite its provision of a harness bar and drag chute.
It accomplishes all of this with a significantly enhanced 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 that enhances upon the one utilized in the original SRT Demon (and most importantly, does not detonate). The front end boasts headlight and hood intakes along with an air-conditioning-cooled air-water intercooler. The 3.0-liter supercharger hails from the Hellephant and brings along upgrades to enhance airflow, producing 21 psi of boost. Complementing this, the Demon 170 incorporates high-flow injectors designed to deliver more fuel into the cylinders than the average American showerhead dispenses water, adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio dynamically based on the ethanol content in the fuel.
On standard 91-octane pump gasoline (or E10), it generates 900 horsepower and 810 pound-feet of torque, while on E85, it generates 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft. These power figures are transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with a transmission brake to a reinforced driveshaft and rear axle paired with 315-section Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials. These tires are mounted on either forged aluminum wheels or, as an option, carbon fiber rims.
Naturally, the suspension is geared towards drag racing launches, and Dodge has managed to shed up to 157 pounds in comparison to the Hellcat Redeye Widebody. As the most extreme Challenger that Dodge will ever market, it exclusively comes with full-fat red keys—avoid entrusting this vehicle to valet service.
The ultimate Challenger will come in a range of 14 hues, each featuring special Demon 170 badges and a specific number on the instrument panel. Current Demon owners can also align the VINs with their existing vehicles.
Dodge’s aim is to manufacture a maximum of 3,300 Demon 170s (3,000 for the U.S., 300 for Canada), with potential additional limitations due to production constraints. Prices will kick off at $98,261, inclusive of delivery charges, and the ordering window starts on March 27. Dealers where allocations can be secured are available via Dodge’s Horsepower Locator on DodgeGarage.com. Although dealers may anticipate high demand, Dodge has assured that reservations at MSRP will be given priority.
The deliveries are projected to commence in autumn, marking the end of the era for ICE-powered Dodge muscle cars by the year’s end. However, this might not be the ultimate finale if the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee has any influence.
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