Introduction
When it comes to pure American power, the Dodge Demon 170 stands as the ultimate symbol of dominance on four wheels. Built by Dodge as a farewell to its legendary V8 era, this car redefines what a street-legal muscle car can achieve. It’s not just fast it’s a record-breaking monster that blends engineering excellence with raw aggression. In this article, we’ll explore everything about the Dodge Demon 170, including its performance, engine, design, interior, pricing, and why it’s considered the most powerful muscle car ever built.
Overview of the Dodge Demon 170
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 made its global debut in 2023 as the final evolution of the Challenger lineup. It’s the last model in Dodge’s “Last Call” series, which marked the end of production for the gasoline-powered Challenger and Charger models. The Demon 170 isn’t just another high-performance variant, it’s a ground-shaking finale to Dodge’s muscle car legacy. With mind-blowing acceleration, a supercharged HEMI engine, and drag-strip-focused features, this beast pushes boundaries in every way possible.
The number 170 in its name represents the use of E85 ethanol-blend fuel, which helps the car deliver unbelievable horsepower figures. It’s Dodge’s way of saying goodbye with a bang, a thunderous, tire-shredding farewell to the internal combustion era.
Features and Specifications
Performance and Power
The Dodge Demon 170’s powertrain is its most talked-about feature. Under the hood, it packs a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, upgraded with a massive 3.0-liter supercharger and several high-performance components. Depending on the type of fuel used, this engine produces:
- 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque on E85 fuel.
- 900 horsepower and 810 lb-ft of torque on standard gasoline.
That’s more power than a Bugatti Veyron, and it’s completely street-legal.
The Demon 170 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds, making it the quickest production car in the world. On the drag strip, it can complete a quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151 mph, earning it an official NHRA-certified time. This level of performance places it among the most extreme factory-built cars ever produced.
Engine and Transmission
The supercharged V8 in the Dodge Demon 170 is based on the Hellcat Redeye’s engine but features over 170 upgraded parts (hence the name). The massive 3.0-liter supercharger produces up to 21.3 psi of boost, while the fuel system has been redesigned to handle ethanol blends and deliver higher power output.
To handle this insane power, Dodge reinforced almost every part of the powertrain, including the driveshaft, differential, and axles. The car comes with an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission that’s specially tuned for drag racing. It delivers lightning-fast shifts while maintaining smoothness for everyday driving.
Design and Aerodynamics
The Dodge Demon 170’s design screams power and performance from every angle. It retains the iconic Challenger shape but adds several enhancements for improved aerodynamics and cooling. The widebody design gives it a muscular stance, while the functional hood scoop and air intakes keep the engine cool under pressure.
Unlike the earlier 2018 Demon, the 170 doesn’t include a front passenger seat delete option; it’s more balanced between street and strip use. The car sits on lightweight aluminum wheels wrapped in special Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, giving it maximum traction on launch. The suspension is tuned for drag racing but can still handle city roads comfortably.
Every detail, from the aggressive splitter to the rear spoiler, contributes to the car’s aerodynamics and downforce. Even with all this performance gear, Dodge managed to keep it visually stunning and unmistakably American.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Demon 170, and you’re greeted with a driver-focused cockpit designed for performance and comfort. The interior retains the Challenger’s retro muscle car vibe but includes modern touches such as high-quality materials, performance displays, and customizable drive modes.
Key features include:
- SRT Performance Pages with real-time performance data.
- Launch Control and Line Lock for optimal drag strip starts.
- Adjustable drive modes (Auto, Sport, and Drag).
- Optional lightweight interior package for racers who want to save weight.
Despite being built for extreme performance, the Demon 170 still offers comforts like heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, and Uconnect infotainment with a touchscreen. It’s the perfect blend of modern technology and raw performance.
Chassis and Suspension
Dodge engineered the Demon 170 with drag racing in mind, but it remains street-legal and surprisingly manageable. The chassis has been strengthened to handle massive torque, and the suspension system uses adaptive Bilstein shocks that adjust based on driving conditions.
The rear suspension is optimized for maximum traction, while the front suspension geometry allows the front end to lift slightly during hard launches, just like a professional drag car. This unique setup helps transfer weight to the rear tires for a perfect start.
The braking system includes Brembo high-performance brakes to ensure the car stops as fiercely as it accelerates. Even with its drag setup, the Demon 170 maintains remarkable stability and control.
Fuel and Efficiency
While efficiency isn’t the main focus of the Dodge Demon 170, it’s worth noting how flexible it is with fuel. It can run on E10 gasoline or E85 ethanol, and the onboard sensors automatically adjust performance according to the fuel quality. On E85, it unleashes its full 1,025 horsepower potential, while on regular fuel, it still produces a jaw-dropping 900 horsepower.
E85 fuel also helps reduce engine heat and emissions slightly, making the car more durable during intense runs. Of course, fuel economy is low, but that’s not why you buy a Demon 170, you buy it for power, performance, and passion.
Price and Availability
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 started at around $96,666, a number chosen intentionally by Dodge to honor its muscle car spirit (9/666, a nod to the Demon name). However, due to high demand and limited production, prices in the resale market have soared, often exceeding $200,000 or more.
Dodge announced that only about 3,000 units for the U.S. and 300 for Canada would be built, making it an instant collector’s item. Each car comes with a unique serial number and a commemorative plaque to signify its place in Dodge’s performance history.
How It Compares to Other Muscle Cars
When comparing the Demon 170 to other muscle cars, it’s clear that it plays in a league of its own. The Ford Mustang GT500 and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 are powerful, but neither comes close to the Demon’s horsepower or acceleration figures. Even exotic supercars like the Ferrari SF90 or McLaren 765LT struggle to match its straight-line speed.
The Dodge Demon 170 is, without doubt, the king of the drag strip, a car built not just to compete but to dominate.
Technology and Safety Features
Despite its focus on raw performance, the Demon 170 includes modern safety and tech features that make it surprisingly user-friendly. The advanced Traction Control System, Adaptive Suspension, and ABS braking ensure stability during high-speed runs.
It also includes Launch Assist, which prevents wheel hop during acceleration, and Torque Reserve, which builds boost pressure even before launch for maximum power. These technologies work together to deliver consistent and record-breaking performance, even for amateur drivers.
Legacy and Significance
The Dodge Demon 170 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement. It marks the end of an era for Dodge’s iconic HEMI V8 engines as the company moves toward electrification. With over a thousand horsepower and unmatched acceleration, it serves as a powerful reminder of what American engineering can achieve.
It also reflects Dodge’s commitment to enthusiasts who value noise, power, and emotion over silence and software. The Demon 170 is more than a collector’s dream; it’s a historic milestone in the evolution of performance cars.
Conclusion
The Dodge Demon 170 is not just the fastest muscle car ever built, it’s a piece of automotive history. It combines insane horsepower, advanced drag racing technology, and unmistakable Dodge design into one unforgettable machine. Whether you admire it for its engineering brilliance or its brute force, the Demon 170 represents the peak of internal combustion performance.
In a world shifting toward electric cars, the Demon 170 stands tall as the last great roar of gasoline power, a thunderous farewell to an era defined by muscle, attitude, and pure speed.
