The Dodge Demon: A Muscle Car Icon

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, often simply called the Demon, is a limited-production muscle car that took the automotive world by storm. Released in 2018 as a successor to the already potent Hellcat, the Demon was engineered for one purpose: drag racing dominance. Its aggressive styling, innovative technology, and sheer power cemented its place as a modern legend.

Under the hood lurked a monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine. Unlike the Hellcat, the Demon's Hemi was heavily modified with a larger supercharger, increased boost pressure, stronger internals, and a host of other upgrades. The result was an astounding 808 horsepower on pump gas and a mind-blowing 840 horsepower when fueled with 100-octane race fuel. Torque figures were equally impressive, reaching 770 lb-ft. This power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission specifically designed for drag racing.

The Demon's performance capabilities were nothing short of astonishing. Dodge claimed a 0-60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. These figures were achieved thanks to a combination of factors, including its launch control system, transbrake, and unique Nitto NT05R drag radial tires. The transbrake allowed the driver to pre-load the driveline for maximum launch force, while the drag radials provided exceptional grip on the track.

Beyond the powertrain, the Demon featured a range of weight-saving measures. The passenger and rear seats were optional, and the car came standard with lighter-weight suspension components and wheels. Even the sound system was simplified to reduce weight. These modifications contributed to a weight reduction of over 200 pounds compared to the Hellcat.

The Demon's aggressive styling further emphasized its performance intentions. It featured a widebody design with fender flares that accommodated the massive drag radials. A functional Air-Grabber hood scoop provided additional airflow to the engine. The overall look was menacing and purposeful, leaving no doubt about the Demon's capabilities.

Only 3,300 Demons were produced for the 2018 model year: 3,000 for the United States and 300 for Canada. This limited production run, combined with its groundbreaking performance and unique features, has made the Demon a highly sought-after collector's item. It represents a high point in the muscle car era, demonstrating the limits of what's possible with internal combustion engines and a relentless focus on drag strip performance.