Dodge has always been known for its sleek, modern, and, more importantly, fast muscle cars, but now it's really revved up, quite literally. Introducing the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Operating with Pennzoil Synthetics, this mean machine packs a punch and is laying waste to the record books. Here, we take an in-depth look at this miracle of technology.
Challenger upgraded
Beginning production in 1969, the Challenger was part of Dodge's vision of a fast, sexy vehicle unlike the other pony cars of its time. Over the almost 50 years to follow, that mentality has morphed into many different challenger versions, but Dodge may have finally reach the holy grail with the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon.
Like Challenger predecessors of their time, this Demon is breaking bounds of traditional street-legal vehicles. Modeled after the Challenger SRT Hellcat, the Demon is equipped with a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine capable of producing 840 horsepower. Upgraded from the Hellcat, this beast has 25 major component differences, including pistons, rods, supercharger, valve train, and fuel-injection system.
Demon exclusives
While it may be modeled after the Challenger Hellcat, this Demon needed some parts and equipment all its own, first being technology to keep it cool. The Dodge Demon is equipped with an Air-Grabber hood scoop—the world's largest, functional hood scoop—to keep this impressive engine cool. In addition, the Demon's dual-illuminated air-catcher headlamps also suck in air to help with this process.
For the road, Dodge custom-manufactured Demon branded Nitto NT05R™ drag radial tires exclusively for this vehicle. These tires are designed to improve drivability and performance by increasing road contact for stability. But that's not all.
Dodge also upgraded the brakes with new lightweight four-piston Brembo brakes with slotted two-piece rotors. These lightweight brakes offer the same performance as the more heavy, thicker brakes but reduce fuel consumption and have less environmental impact. Brembo explains the brake benefits here.
Performance
OK, so now that the technical stuff is out of the way, let's discuss what's really impressive about the Demon: drag-racing performance. According to Dodge, the Demon is "designed with drag racers in mind," and this Challenger is leaving the competition in the dust in more ways than one. Here are the quick numbers:
- 0-60 in 2.3 seconds
- 9.65 second quarter mile
- 840 horsepower
- 1.8 G-Force
According to Chris Cowland, powertrain director of Chrysler LLC, Dodge wanted the Demon to be "the ultimate quarter-mile racing car that was also fully street legal." These impressive stats prove the team has met their goal.
Learn more
The new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is much more impressive than words suggest. It's a powerful, record-setting machine that can only truly be understood behind the wheel. While it may not be in everyone's price range, with a starting MSRP of just under $85,000, you can learn more about the Demon from Dodge. And don't forget to take a look at the history of the Challenger and the greats that came before the Demon.
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About the Author(s)
Leighann is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a MA from the University of Oklahoma. She is obsessed with writing in all forms and enjoys writing short stories to keep the creativity flowing.
