10 Ways The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Redefined Performance

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, introduced in 2017, revolutionized the automotive world with its unprecedented performance capabilities. As a muscle car engineered to dominate the drag strip, the Demon set new benchmarks and challenged conventional notions of what a production car could achieve. Here are ten ways the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon redefined performance and left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.

1. Unmatched Power

The heart of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, which produces a staggering 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, an evolution of the engine found in the Hellcat, was the most powerful production V8 engine ever made at the time of its release. The Demon’s raw power set a new standard for muscle cars and redefined what enthusiasts could expect from a factory-built vehicle.

Engineering Marvel

Dodge engineers made several modifications to the Hellcat engine to create the Demon’s powerplant. These included a larger supercharger, upgraded fuel injectors, and a higher-capacity fuel pump. These enhancements ensured the Demon could achieve its incredible power output while maintaining reliability and performance.

2. Record-Breaking Acceleration

The Demon’s acceleration capabilities are nothing short of phenomenal. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars ever. Additionally, the Demon can complete the quarter-mile in a record-setting 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, making it the first production car to achieve such a feat.

TransBrake System

A key factor in the Demon’s blistering acceleration is its innovative TransBrake system. This feature locks the transmission output shaft to allow the driver to build up engine RPM without the car moving. When released, the TransBrake provides instantaneous power delivery to the rear wheels, resulting in faster and more controlled launches.

3. First Production Car to Lift Front Wheels

One of the most visually striking achievements of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is its ability to lift its front wheels off the ground during acceleration. This phenomenon, known as a wheelie, is typically seen in dedicated drag racing cars but is almost unheard of in a factory production vehicle. The Demon’s wheelie capability is a testament to its extraordinary power and torque.

Guinness World Record

The Demon’s wheelie was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car. It achieved a wheelie of 2.92 feet, showcasing the incredible engineering and performance capabilities of the vehicle.

4. Drag-Optimized Suspension

The Demon features a drag-optimized suspension system designed to enhance traction and stability during high-speed launches. The suspension setup includes adaptive dampers, a stiffer rear sway bar, and softer springs in the front to promote weight transfer to the rear wheels. This configuration ensures maximum grip and stability during acceleration, making the Demon a formidable competitor on the drag strip.

Drag Mode

The Demon’s Drag Mode further enhances its drag racing performance by adjusting the suspension settings, traction control, and transmission shift points. This mode optimizes the car’s performance for straight-line acceleration, ensuring consistent and controlled launches every time.

5. Specialized Drag Radial Tires

To harness its immense power, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon comes equipped with specialized drag radial tires. These Nitto NT05R tires are designed specifically for drag racing and provide exceptional grip and traction on the drag strip. The tires are 315/40R18 in size, making them the largest front drag radials ever fitted to a production car.

Tire Technology

The Nitto NT05R tires feature a unique tread pattern and compound that maximizes contact with the track surface, reducing wheel spin and improving acceleration. These tires are a crucial component of the Demon’s performance package, ensuring it can deliver its power to the ground effectively.

6. Air-Grabber Hood Scoop

The Demon’s distinctive Air-Grabber hood scoop is not just for show; it plays a vital role in the car’s performance. This massive hood scoop feeds cool air directly into the supercharger, increasing the engine’s efficiency and power output. The Air-Grabber hood scoop is the largest functional hood scoop ever fitted to a production car, and it exemplifies the Demon’s focus on performance.

Intake Air Chiller

In addition to the Air-Grabber hood scoop, the Demon features an intake air chiller system that uses the car’s air conditioning to cool the intake air before it enters the supercharger. This system helps to reduce the intake air temperature, increasing the density of the air-fuel mixture and improving engine performance.

7. Drag Strip-Ready Interior

The interior of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is designed with drag racing in mind. The standard configuration includes a single driver’s seat, with the front passenger seat and rear seats available as options. This setup reduces weight and enhances performance. The minimalist interior features lightweight materials and essential controls, ensuring the driver can focus on the task at hand.

Performance-Oriented Features

The Demon’s interior includes a performance-oriented instrument cluster with a high-resolution display that provides critical information such as engine RPM, boost pressure, and lap times. The car also features a SRT Performance Pages app, which allows drivers to monitor and adjust various performance parameters.

8. Advanced Launch Control

The Demon’s advanced launch control system is a critical component of its drag racing prowess. This system allows drivers to set the desired launch RPM and torque output, optimizing the car’s performance for different track conditions. The launch control system works in conjunction with the TransBrake and Drag Mode to ensure consistent and controlled launches.

Customizable Settings

The launch control system is highly customizable, allowing drivers to fine-tune the launch parameters to suit their preferences and track conditions. This level of adjustability ensures that the Demon can deliver optimal performance in a variety of scenarios.

9. Race Fuel Capabilities

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is designed to run on both standard pump gasoline and high-octane race fuel. When fueled with 100-octane or higher race fuel, the Demon’s engine control unit (ECU) adjusts the ignition timing and fuel mapping to maximize performance. This capability allows the Demon to achieve its maximum power output of 840 horsepower, making it one of the most versatile and powerful production cars ever built.

Power Chiller System

The Demon’s Power Chiller system helps to cool the supercharger and intake air, ensuring consistent performance even under the most demanding conditions. This system uses the car’s air conditioning to reduce the temperature of the supercharger coolant, improving efficiency and power output.

10. Limited Production and Exclusivity

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was produced in limited numbers, with only 3,300 units built for the 2018 model year. This exclusivity added to the car’s allure and made it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Each Demon is individually numbered, and the production run included 3,000 units for the United States and 300 units for Canada.

Collectible Status

The limited production run and the Demon’s groundbreaking performance capabilities have made it a highly desirable collector’s item. Enthusiasts and collectors recognize the Demon as a significant milestone in automotive history, and its value is expected to appreciate over time.