2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
Overview
Kneeling at the altar of horsepower is the growling 1025-hp Dodge SRT Challenger Demon 170—a machine built by blood and iron in Ontario, Canada. The street-legal drag-strip special looks a lot like the previous Demon (limited to a one-year run for 2018), but this time Dodge’s development team has completed all the necessary rituals to summon a four-digit horsepower figure from the pinnacle of the brand’s iconic Hellcat V-8. The steroidal supercharged 6.2-liter needs E85 gasoline to make full power, and that 170-proof ethanol fuel mixture inspires its namesake. Even with 91-octane gas, the 170 still makes an insane 900 horses. The 2023 Demon 170 is simply an outrageous send-off to what were already some of the wildest muscle cars on the planet.
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What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, Dodge resurrects the Demon moniker. It looks nearly identical to the previous one, but Dodge now turns up the evil with up to 1025 horsepower. The Demon 170 is the final iteration of Dodge’s seven-car “Last Call” series. Only 3300 will be produced, 3000 of which for the U.S. market.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Dodge offers few options for its hellish coupe. A lightweight wheel package costs $11,495 and shaves a claimed 25 pounds from the porky Challenger. There’s also said to be an additional street-tire package planned for an unspecified cost. Of course, buyers can supply a set on their own so as not to be beholden to Dodge’s limited wheel-and-tire choices. We would add the available passenger seat should someone be brave enough to ride shotgun.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Demon 170’s most devilish detail is under the hood. Bolted between its fenders is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 with so many internal improvements versus its predecessor that the only thing the two engines share is a camshaft. Burning E85, the 170’s mill produces 1025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not available at the pump, 91-octane will provide 900 horses and 810 pound-feet. The reinforced and upgraded parts spread to the driveline where there’s a stronger driveshaft and beefier rear axle. Gearchanges are still handled by an eight-speed automatic, and a new and improved transmission brake brings configurable launch settings. The Demon 170 rolls on Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires, size 245/55R-18 in front and a gigantic 315/50R-17 out back. Dodge claims it eked out a quarter-mile time of 8.61 seconds at 151 mph but needed a prepped surface to do it. Same for its 60-mph claim of 1.66 seconds. We haven’t yet tested the new Demon 170 (and we may never get the chance to), but we’ll update this space if we do.
More on the Challenger SRT Demon
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Demon 170 is where gasoline goes to die in rapid succession if that wasn’t already obvious by listening to its earth-shaking rumble. Its EPA estimates aren’t favorable in terms of gas savings. We haven’t seen figures this low in a while, but the government estimates 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. These ratings will obviously take another hit when racing down the local drag strip. For more information about the Demon’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite its significant horsepower increase, the new Demon’s interior doesn’t differ much from any other Dodge Challenger model. The 170 comes standard with a single cloth driver’s seat, but the one we sampled had both front buckets wrapped in optional nappa leather. Previously, the passenger seat was a $1 option, so we expect something similar this time around. Each Demon will be sold with a commemorative set that includes a Demon-styled decanter engraved with the vehicle’s VIN, coasters and whiskey cubes, rocks glasses, and other VIN-specific goodies. Heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are also optional.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like all other Challengers, the Demon’s infotainment touchscreen is powered by Dodge’s easy-to-use Uconnect system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. To save weight, the Demon comes standard with a two-speaker audio system but does offer an upgrade to Harman Kardon’s 18-speaker sound system.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Dodge hasn’t yet said what driver-assistance technology the Demon 170 will have if any. Buyers worried about that stuff will probably want to look elsewhere. For more information about the Challenger’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Demon has average limited and powertrain warranties. Unlike BMW and Chevrolet, Dodge doesn’t provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
