All hell breaks loose just ahead of the New York auto show as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Dodge division unveils its latest creation: the street-to-drag strip Challenger SRT Demon. This factory-built muscle car is not just any car; it’s the world’s quickest production car, according to the automaker.
Unmatched Power and Performance
Powered by a staggering 840-hp supercharged 6.2L Hemi engine, the Dodge Demon reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in a mind-boggling 2.3 seconds. If that wasn’t impressive enough, it completes the quarter-mile in a National Hot Rod Assoc.-certified 9.65 seconds at 140 mph (225 km/h). With torque peaking at a monstrous 770 lb.-ft. (1,044 Nm), this beast of a car delivers an unreal driving experience.
Built for the Drag Strip
The Demon’s power is channeled to the rear axle through a special 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with a Demon-exclusive TransBrake. This unique feature locks the gearbox output shaft until launch, allowing the Demon to explode off the line. The car’s street-legal 315/40R-18 Nitto drag radials ensure exceptional grip, with 40% more traction at launch compared to the rubber found on a Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Additionally, the Demon’s Drag Mode suspension actively transfers weight to the rear, ensuring maximum traction during acceleration. The Drag Mode Launch Assist minimizes wheel hop, while optional narrow “front runner” tires are designed exclusively for drag strip use. As a testament to its power, the Demon holds the Guinness World Record for the longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car, covering an impressive distance of 2.92 feet (0.89 m).
The Ultimate Street-Strip Car
According to Tim Kuniskis, the head of passenger cars-Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat at FCA North America, the Demon represents the ultimate street-strip car and a throwback to the golden era of muscle cars. With a limited market, this car appeals to those who refuse to surrender their internal-combustion machines to the electric and autonomous vehicles of the future.
Exemplary Engineering
Two years of meticulous development have resulted in an array of high-performance features for the Dodge Demon. The SRT Power Chiller harnesses air-conditioning refrigerant to cool the supercharger’s air cooler, while the After-Run Chiller keeps the engine cooling fan and coolant pump running after the engine is turned off.
Moreover, the Demon is equipped with an engine controller capable of recalibrating the engine for different fuel types. It seamlessly transitions from 91-octane unleaded fuel for street driving to high-octane racing fuel on the track. Dodge ensures that the Demon is fully street-legal, although ironically, it is prohibited from participating in production-car drag-strip competitions by the NHRA due to its incredible speed.
Stripped Down for Speed
To shed unnecessary weight and optimize performance, the Demon is stripped of passenger and rear seats, audio system, floor mats, and insulation. However, buyers can choose to add back the passenger and rear seats for a mere $1 each. In terms of entertainment, a 900-watt Harman Kardon audio system is available for those who crave a high-quality audio experience while dominating the streets or the track.
Additionally, Dodge offers buyers the option to purchase the track-ready Demon Crate tool and gear kit. This package contains all the necessary equipment to transform the car into a street-legal drag racer, including narrow front-runner drag wheels, a hydraulic floor jack, a cordless impact wrench, and a performance powertrain control module.
Uncompromising Experience
Demon owners are not only privileged with an extraordinary car but also get a full-day session at the prestigious Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving in Chandler, AZ. This experience ensures that owners can confidently harness the full potential of their Dodge Demon while mastering the art of driving at high speeds.
Limited Production
Production of the Dodge Demon will commence later this summer at FCA’s Brampton, ON, plant in Canada. Only 3,300 units will be built for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, making this rare and highly sought-after car an exclusive piece of automotive excellence.
No matter where the future of transportation takes us, the Dodge Demon reminds us that the thrill of raw power and heart-pounding acceleration will never go out of style. So, buckle up and hold on tight, because the Demon is here to unleash hellhound-like performance on the streets and the drag strip.
[email protected] @bobgritzinger]
