The final Dodge Challenger SRT Demon special edition has been revealed, and it’s sending the name off in style.
Before we get into the details, here are the headline numbers:
- 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine with up to 1025hp (765kW) and 1281Nm
- A quarter mile time of 8.91 seconds from the factory
- A 60mph (97km/h) sprint time of 1.66 seconds, generating 2.004G off the line
- The ability to run on E85 fuel
Revealed in Las Vegas, the Challenger SRT Demon 170 will go on sale later this month and be limited to 3300 examples throughout the US (3000 units) and Canada (300 units).
Pricing kicks off at US$96,660 before on-roads ($144,335 in Australia) excluding on-road costs, and production is set to begin around the middle of the year.
The upcoming model has 765kW of power and 1282Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of just 1.66 seconds.
The vehicle generates the most G-force of any production car off the line, pulling 2.004G when launched in optimal conditions. It’ll complete the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds, reaching speeds of 243km/h.
Dodge engineers had to create an almost entirely new engine relative to the existing Demon; the only component that remains unchanged is the camshaft.
Extensive upgrades Dodge claims are critical to deliver its 765kW of power include an a 3.0L supercharger, as well as an increase to the throttle body diameter which allows for a 33 per cent increase in airflow.
The 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 engine now receives detailed changes to the main rod and bearings, connecting rod, crank damper, spark plugs, and block machining.
The rear axle housing is 50 per cent stronger, with a new geometry rear differential housing on hand to harness all that grunt.
Upgrades to the driveline include a 30 per cent stronger rear prop shaft and stronger half shafts, and most of the main parts tasked with putting the engine’s torque to those sticky rear tyres have been strengthened.
Dodge has designed the car with staggered drag radial tyres designed to deliver a top fuel-style launch.
Mickey Thompson 315/50 ET Street R drag radial tyres and 17-inch wheels are fitted to the rear and are specifically developed for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 to provide a wider, taller, and higher profile that allows for a larger contact footprint.
Mickey Thompson 245/55 R18 ET Street wheels are fitted to the front to save weight, and help transfer weight to the rear wheels for a harder launch.
Dodge carries over the Torqueflite 8HP30 eight-speed automatic transmission, but has made some changes to accomodate the changes to the engine.
Drivers can choose between three drive modes including drag, auto (street) and custom, each of which changes the transmission, shift paddles, traction control, suspension, and steering setups.
Dodge has previously provided its owners with two keys: red, and black.
The red key allows drivers to utilise the full engine outputs, whereas the black key is limited for everyday driving – or for when you loan the car to an untrustworthy friend. The Challenger SRT Demon 170 will receive a red key only.
Dodge has taken the system from the original Demon that calculates the percentage of ethanol content in the fuel tank to determine the total power output.
If a drivers puts E10 in the vehicle, the Demon can produce 671kW of power and 1096Nm of torque, while E85 drag fuel will deliver the maximum power and torque outputs.
Dodge has made changes to the valvetrain to assist with ethanol compatibility.
If the system registers above 65 per cent ethanol fuel content, the fuel icon on the instrument cluster will turn blue informing the driver that the maximum output can be unleashed.
Dodge has adopted the Last Call badge to pay tribute to its Challenger and Charger models, which are being retired at the end of 2023 as Stellantis pushes harder into the world of electrification.
14 different colour variations are on offer, as if the wider body, aggressive air intakes, and screaming supercharger weren’t enough to tell you this isn’t your average Scat Pack.
In an attempt to reduce weight, Dodge has made the decision to remove the front flares, along with the passenger and rear seats, and has opted for lightweight racing wheels. It’s also included lightweight front brakes, hollow sway bars, lightweight interior carpet, and a stripped-out audio system.
What weight there is has been optimised to aid a quick launch, while softer suspension springs and sway bars optimise weight transfer off the line.
A next-generation TransBrake 2.0 will feature. Originally debuting in the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, the system allows the driver to dial precisely in how they want the engine and transmission to behave at launch. Think of it as the world’s most sophisticated launch control.
Additional features returning to the Demon also include Line Lock, Launch Control, and Launch Assist.
Drivers who own a 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, and purchase this upcoming model will receive a ‘unique opportunity’ to match the VIN to their original Demon when finalising their order.
Each owner of the upcoming Demon will also receive a personalised commemorative Demon decanter set.
The carmaker has previously introduced six special edition vehicles under the Last Call badge: Challenger Shakedown, Challenger Super Bee, Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, Charger King Daytona, and Challenger Black Ghost.
