Dodge is introducing the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car in the world, the 1,025 horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon 170. The brand’s seventh and final “Last Call” special-edition model was unveiled this evening at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas performance festival at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
With its 1,025 horsepower (at 6,500 rpm), 945 lb.-ft. (at 4,200 rpm) production HEMI® engine, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 reaches 60 miles per hour (mph) in a blazing 1.66 seconds and features the highest g-force acceleration of any production car at 2.004 gs. The Demon 170 can also reach 900 horsepower and 810 lb.-ft. of torque on E10 fuel.
A Dodge special-edition vehicle like none other, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the quickest vehicle ever produced in the brand’s 100-plus-year history. The Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the first factory production car to run the quarter mile under 9 seconds with a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)-certified 8.91-second ET at 151.17 mph. On the drag strip, the Challenger SRT Demon 170 receives an NHRA violation letter for running a sub-nine-second quarter-mile without a safety cage or parachute, following in the footsteps of the original Demon, which was also banned from NHRA quarter miles.
Black keys arealso banned from the Challenger SRT Demon 170, as the fastest Dodge Challengerever will be delivered only with red key fobs. The 2018 Challenger SRT Demonfeatured a black key fob to limit horsepower and a red key fob to unlock fulloutput; the new Demon unleashes horsepower levels determined not by a key but bysensing the percentage of ethanol fuel content.
“To celebratethe end of the HEMI muscle-car era, we pulled off all the governors to reach anew level, a new benchmark of ‘factory-crazy’ production car performance,” saidTim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “In 2015, Dodgeshocked the world with the 707 horsepower Hellcat. Then in 2018 we did it withthe 840 horsepower Demon, and now we are doing it again with the 1,025horsepower Demon 170, the world’s first sustainable-energy, eight-secondfactory-production, street-legal muscle car.”
Dodge “Last Call” vehicles commemorate the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, which are coming to an end in their current HEMI®-engine-powered forms at the end of 2023. Six special-edition “Last Call” vehicles were previously introduced, leading up to the reveal of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.
Extensivecomponent upgrades resulted in delivery of a nearly brand-new engine, as wellas additional features that assist in harnessing the 1,025 horsepower of the2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, including:
- Improved Supercharger: Modified 3.0-liter supercharger upgraded with a larger snout with 105mm throttle body, and 3.02-inch pulley increases boost pressure 40 percent over the Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody
- Fueling Horsepower: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 achieves full horsepower output through high ethanol fuel blends: horsepower levels are determined by sensing the percentage of ethanol fuel content
- Driveline Upgrades: All-new driveline with 240mm ring gear, 53 percent stronger differential housing using aerospace-grade metals, rear prop shaft 30 percent stronger and stronger half shafts
- Massive Drag Radials: 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials — never offered before on a production car — and Mickey Thompson 245/55R18 ET Street front tires deliver extra force on the strip or street
- TransBrake 2.0: Patent-pending TransBrake 2.0 provides torque-shaping capability and easier driver interaction to dial-in pre-set torque limits
- Unique Drag Mode Suspension: Uniquely tuned valves in adaptive-damping shocks provide maximum weight transfer and custom race settings for drag calibrations
- Staggered Widebody Design: First-ever factory production car built with staggered drag radial tires and fender flares
Production ofthe 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will begin this summer and will belimited to at most 3,300 units, with 3,000 for the U.S. and 300 for Canada.Final unit numbers will be based on production capacity.
Current ownersof the original 2018 Challenger SRT Demon who secure a dealer allocation forthe new 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will also be given the uniqueopportunity to match the same vehicle identification number as their originalDemon when finalizing their order.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $96,666 (excluding destination and fees). Available dealer allocations for the new Challenger SRT Demon 170 can be viewed starting today via the Dodge Horsepower Locator tool at DodgeGarage.com, with ordering beginning on March 27, 2023. Ordering will close on May 15, 2023. Dealer orders at MSRP will receive priority scheduling.
Putting 1,025horsepower to the ground — from the factory, no less — isn’t easy. The DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170 delivers on the strength of upgrades to almost everyprimary engine power component (only the camshaft is untouched) of the6.2-liter high output supercharged HEMI engine.
The fire-breathing heart of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 shares DNA with the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine (another reason for the “170” proof callout in the new Demon model’s name), part of the Direct Connection family of Hellephant crate engines that debuted last year at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Direct Connection is the Dodge brand’s factory-backed performance parts lineup.
Engineupgrades implemented in the Demon’s rebirth include:
- 3.0L Supercharger: Modified from the Direct ConnectionHellephant C170 crate engine supercharger, a 40 percent increase is achieved inboost pressure, taking the Demon 170 to 21.3psi compared to 15.3psi for theChallenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, with 30 percent more airflow
- Supercharger Pulley: The 3.02-inch pulley delivers 14percent more overdrive compared to the Hellcat Redeye Widebody and features anupdated 2.68 drive ratio
- Fuel Rail/Injectors: High-flow fuel injectors are capableof providing 164 gallons per hour, more than the average U.S. shower head; fastresponse ethanol sensor is integrated into the fuel injector rail
- 105mm Diameter Throttle Body: Increased throttle body diameterresults in 33 percent higher air-flow volume than the Hellcat Redeye Widebodyor 2018 SRT Demon
- Valvetrain: Nitride-coated intake valves and upgraded valveguides and seat materials assist with ethanol compatibility
- Cylinder Head/Clamp Load: Aerospace-specification high-strengthsteel studs with steel inserts integrated into aluminum cylinder headcontribute to a 38 percent increase in clamping load
- Main Bearing Caps/Clamp Load: Upgraded head and main cap fastenersfor increased clamping load capability allow a 44 percent increase in clampingload compared to the Redeye, with aerospace-specification high-strength steelbolts and billet steel main caps
- Cylinder Pressure: Cylinder pressure is 32 percenthigher than the Hellcat Redeye Widebody, measuring 2,500psi on E-85 fuel
- Main Rod/Bearings: Main and rod bearing materialsupgraded to copper-lead for increased load capability
- Connecting Rod: Higher-strength connecting rod andimproved pin bushing support increased combustion pressure
- Block Machining: Modified machining for head studs andmain bearing cap bolts
- Crank Damper: Viscous damper assists in reducingtorsional vibration
- Spark Plugs: New spark plugs with lower heat rangefor optimal combustion with ethanol fuel
The DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170 features the proven TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speedautomatic transmission, with an updated output flange to accommodate a largerdiameter, and stronger, prop shaft.
The “Corn Demon,” star of the five-video teaser series leading up to the reveal of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, hinted at the key to unlocking the maximum horsepower of the quickest Dodge vehicle ever: the ethanol percentage is what fuels the fire of the Challenger SRT Demon 170.
A recalibratedpowertrain control module (PCM) optimizes fueling and spark timing for bothpremium and high ethanol-blended fuel. Ethanol percentage is automaticallyshown in the vehicle instrument cluster, and a gas pump icon appears in the clusterwhen a significant percentage of ethanol is detected in the fuel.
The horsepowerrating adjusts automatically and is displayed based on the ethanol percentagein the fuel. When a 20 percent threshold of ethanol is detected, the gas pumpicon located in the cluster will appear as white. When high ethanol fuelcontent of more than 65 percent is detected the cluster icon morphs to blue,informing the driver that the Demon’s maximum 1,025 horsepower output can beunleashed.
Drivelinecomponents of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 have been reinforced,including a rear prop shaft that is 30 percent stronger within the samepackaging space. Aerospace-grade metals were put to work in the reinforced, 53percent stronger rear axle housing, which features a new Direct Connection logointegrated into the structure of the housing.
New drivelinecomponents include:
- Rear Prop Shaft: 30 percent stronger over the 2018 SRTDemon driveshaft, and also boasts increased tube diameter, tube wall thicknessand larger CV joints
- 240mm Rear Axle: Includes HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing)processed housings, the first time used in driveline components to eliminateporosity of castings, larger 240mm ring and pinion, new input flange to accommodatelarger CV joint, new geometry housing with Direct Connection logo, larger rearcover-mount fasteners, increased case depth and more result in 53 percentstronger housing
- 43-spline Rear Half Shafts: Inboard and outboard CV jointsdesigned with larger inner-connecting spline and revised heat treatment;interconnecting shaft is upgraded to a larger diameter shaft with larger jointsplines and optimized stiffness for acceleration performance
The 2023 DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170 arrives as the first-ever factory production car builtwith staggered drag radial tires and fender flares, a set up that creates morelaunch force compared to the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody.
Dodge workedclosely over many months with Mickey Thompson Tires to develop applicationsexclusively for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 that were crucial to the vehicleachieving maximum traction under extreme acceleration.
Massive 17-inch by11-inch rear wheels accommodate wider, taller and higher-profile MickeyThompson P315/50R17 ET Street R drag radials that provide a large contactfootprint. Developed exclusively for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 by MickeyThompson Tires, this bespoke version of the ET Street R drag radials featuresadded grooves for improved on-street performance. Mickey Thompson’s soft R2compound provides superior traction and the ET Street R utilizes a nylon bodyfor greater power transfer compared to standard polyester sidewalls. Increasedsidewall height when combined with the tire construction allows for a “wrinkleeffect,” improving power transfer and reducing tire slip.
Smaller18-inch by 8-inch front wheels keep weight and rolling resistance down and fitMickey Thompson 245/55R18 ET Street front tires, optimized for the drag strip.The lighter-weight front set helps transfer weight to the rear and delivers asignificantly higher coefficient traction when compared to street tires used onsimilar surfaces.
Rear Widebodyfender flares cover the Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials in the back,while standard configuration front fenders keep weight down by 17 pounds.
TransBrake2.0, a second-generation version of the first-ever feature that debuted on theoriginal 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, is reborn with patent-pending updates whichallow the driver to configure and select from multiple launch-torque profilesto match the engine power delivery to specific track conditions, technologyused in competitive drag racing. TransBrake 2.0 is accessed quickly through aneasily reachable new button located near the center console, taking the driverstraight to the TransBrake Performance Page on the main display screen.
Drivers candial-in launch and shift torque settings with a memory function that can becustomized to different grip surfaces — high grip, medium grip or low grip — tochoose the increased engine torque and vehicle launch settings that best fitthe surface on which the vehicle is running.
TransBrakeallows engine throttle to be increased up to 2,350 rpm and generates greaterpowertrain energy with maximum torque converter multiplication, an up to 110percent increase in engine stall torque compared to brake torque and producesup to 15 percent more torque at the rear tires during launch.
As with the originalDemon, TransBrake will work in conjunction with another of the vehicle’spurpose-built features, Torque Reserve, which is automatically enabled whenusing Launch Control and TransBrake and also works when using foot torquebraking. Torque reserve opens the throttle and prepositions the superchargerbypass valve, delivering excess air, and controls torque supply by changingspark events and timing. Torque Reserve maintains supercharger airflow,provides faster engine torque response and improved vehicle acceleration andcreates a unique exhaust note.
Additionalreturning features include:
- Line Lock:Enables stationary or rolling smoky burnouts at the touch of a button, warms upthe rear tires for racing by locking the front brakes independently of the rearbrakes and is enabled via the Drag Options and steering wheel “OK” button
- Launch Control: Designed to allow the driver toachieve maximum vehicle acceleration in a straight line, managing tire slipwhile launching the vehicle
- Launch Assist: Reduces wheel-hop by maintainingoptimal tire contact with the ground during vehicle launch
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 arrives with standard 17-inch by 11-inch rear and 18-inch by 8-inch front forged aluminumwheels, with a lightweight carbon fiber wheel option.
The optionalLacks Enterprises carbon fiber wheels shed weight from the Demon, with thelightweight 17-inch by 11-inch rear wheels shaving a total of 11.98 pounds offthe rear compared to the standard Redye Widebody configuration. Front 18-inchby 8-inch wheels save a total of 20.12 pounds off the front.
The two-piececarbon fiber wheels feature a forged aluminum center with SRT logo center capsand are fastened together with titanium alloy hardware. A larger weave patternthan traditional carbon fiber wheels allows the material to be seen from agreater distance.
The Lackscarbon fiber wheels lower un-sprung vehicle mass, reducing vibrations whilemaintaining a more consistent tire load and ultimately improving handing,acceleration and braking.
Thelightweight wheels are part of an overall weight reduction of 157 pounds forthe Challenger SRT Demon 170 in comparison to a Challenger Hellcat RedeyeWidebody. Additional areas of weight savings include lightweight front brakes,hollow sway bars, passenger and rear seat delete, trunk trim and noise,vibration and harshness (NVH) pad delete and lightweight interior carpet with aminimal audio system. Removalof the front flares generates a weight savings of 16 pounds.
Cooling iscritical to a 1,025 horsepower performance machine like the Dodge ChallengerSRT Demon 170, especially when it comes to success on the drag strip.
The innovativeSRT Power Chiller™, a purpose-built production car first for the originalDemon, returns to help cool down the SRT Demon 170. Compared to vehicleswithout a chiller, the feature can reduce air induction temperature by up to 45degrees Fahrenheit, diverting the air conditioning system to cool thesupercharger intercooler for optimal air intake temperature. The Demon 170’sstandard Race Cool Down feature also provides additional cooling after the enginehas been shut down following a run down the strip.
Two additionalkey returning features of the Demon are the Air-Grabber™ hood and the AirCatcher™ headlamps. The features maximize air intake flow with functional,illuminated headlights that work in conjunction with the air-induction hood.
It’s abalancing act harnessing horsepower while shifting weight to specific areas ofthe vehicle to achieve maximum performance combined with precision control.Uniquely tuned valves in adaptive-damping Bilstein shocks provide the DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170 with improved launch response and user customizabledrag race settings.
Adaptive-damping Bilstein shocks are tuned for maximum acceleration and offer a raised rear ride height of 10mm and restricted rear jounce travel by 17mm to package the massive Mickey Thompson drag radials. A revised rear suspension camber increases contact patch under load compared to
the Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Weight transfer is further aided by softer springs (35 percent front, 28 percent rear) and softer sway bars (75 percent front, 44 percent rear).
The updatedDrag Mode™ option for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 dials in performance — frontBilstein shocks are set for firm compression and soft rebound damping while inDrag Mode, while the rear Bilstein shocks are set for firm compression and firmrebound damping.
Drag Mode is one of three drive modes for the DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170, along with Custom and Auto (Street) Mode options,which allow drivers to change or customize a full menu of vehicle performanceparameters, including the transmission, shift paddles, traction control,suspension and steering.
Choosing Drag Mode letsdrivers control a range of features:
- Power: Full power is enabled based on ethanol content in fuel
- Transmission: Fastest possible shift speeds engagedwith the highest comfort trade off
- Paddles: Steering wheel paddle shifters are engaged
- Traction: Dialed in for drag race applications
- Suspension: Promotes optimized weight transfer for best launchtraction
- Steering: Greatest amount of steering feel and steering effort isdelivered
SRTPerformance Pages keep the driver in tune with the vehicle’s vital signsthrough a full slate of real-time performance stats, including timer pages withdata on reaction times and 0-60 times, gauge information, g-force numbers,engine performance information and dynamometer horsepower and torque stats.
Race Optionsdeliver information on key drag-specific vehicle functions such as shiftlights, SRT Power Chiller, Line Lock, Launch Control with Launch Assist andRace Cooldown.
The 2023 DodgeChallenger SRT Demon 170 will be available in all 14 exterior color options forthe Challenger, including returning heritage exterior colors B5 Blue, PlumCrazy purple and Sublime green and popular modern color Destroyer Grey. Allcolors will also be available with an optional unique Satin Black painted hoodor a Satin Black painted hood, roof and decklid.
The ChallengerSRT Demon 170 badging reimagines the original Demon badge with a “170”-necktattoo and a new E85-representative yellow Demon’s eye, decorating the frontside fenders. An SRT badge adorns the grille. Underhood, a Demon-themedsupercharger badge announces the vehicle’s spirit, and as with all 2023Challenger models, it boasts a special commemorative “Last Call” plaque.
Inside, ayellow and red Demon instrument panel badge calls out the four-digit vehicleVIN number. Anew Challenger SRT Demon 170-specific cluster screen sharesa red gauge design, with a red Demon 170 main cluster graphic. The Alcantaraperformance steering wheel carries an LED “SRT” logo, and real carbon fiberbezels add to the performance feel of the interior.
The Challenger SRT Demon170 comes with a lightweight houndstooth cloth interior sporting the Demon 170logo on the driver seat. The cloth interior cuts content to minimize weight andmaximize performance, featuring standard passenger seat delete, rear seatdelete, trunk carpet delete, sound insulation delete, trunk light and dressdelete and bright pedal delete, along with a minimal two-speaker audio system.
A premiumleather interior option adds more content and customer-convenience features,with Black Alcantara/Laguna leather seats carrying the Demon 170 logo, heatedand ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, an 18-speaker Harman Kardonaudio system with a Harman Kardon amplifier and trunk mounted sub, and more.Distinctive Demonic Red Laguna leather seats provide yet another colorfulalternative for those looking to dress up the inside. All interior options haverear seat delete available.
Dodge isn’tsatisfied with just building the world’s quickest 0-60 production car. Thebrand is enhancing the ownership experience by delivering the Challenger SRTDemon 170 with customized, limited-edition and serialized content.
Each ownerwill also receive a commemorative Demon decanter set, serialized to thespecific owner and vehicle. The set will include:
- A custom Demon-styled decanter withthe owner’s name and vehicle VIN engraved on the back
- Demon-badged coasters and whiskeycubes
- Rocks glasses
- Demon 170 supercharger badge cover
- Owner name, build number and VIN plate
- Unique Demon 170 illustration on theinside top of the set cover
A custominstrument panel badge will be included and ordered by the customer afterdelivery of their SRT Demon 170, adding even more personalization to the SRTDemon 170 experience.
A unique Goodwoolbreathable mesh car shell will be available for purchase and protects theexterior of the Challenger SRT Demon 170 while mimicking the vehicle’sappearance, down to the 3D SRT and Demon 170 logos on the shell.
Additionalpersonalization options for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 will be availablethrough Direct Connection, the Dodge performance parts brand. Direct Connectionparts for the Demon 170 will include:
- Challenger SRT Demon 170 street wheeland tire package, providing the highest level of street driving characteristicsversus the vehicle’s standard drag radials
- Harness bar with coordinatinglightweight carbon fiber rear seat delete inserts featuring the Dodge Rhombilogo
- Direct Connection Parachute MountingSystem
Similar to the original Demon, owners must sign a waiver acknowledging the unique characteristics of the Demon 170 as a purpose-built, street legal production drag car. As with all new Dodge SRT vehicles, the purchase of a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 allows owners to take part in a one-day SRT Experience class at Radford Racing School, the official high-performance driving school of Dodge//SRT. Additional information on the Radford Racing School is available at DodgeGarage.com.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the seventh and final Dodge “Last Call” special-edition model, commemorating the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, which are coming to an end in their current HEMI-engine-powered forms at the end of 2023. Six Dodge “Last Call” models were previously introduced: the Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Dodge Charger Super Bee, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, Dodge Charger King Daytona and Dodge Challenger Black Ghost.
In addition tothe seven “Last Call” special-edition models, Dodge is also celebrating its2023 model lineup by bringing back three beloved heritage exterior colors, B5Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green, and one popular modern color,Destroyer Grey. 2023 Charger and Challenger R/T models will also feature new“345” fender badging, a callout to the 345-cubic-inch HEMI® engineunder the hood, and all 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will carry aspecial commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque.
Dodge also launched a new Horsepower Locator online tool to help Brotherhood of Muscle members make the “Last Call” for the model of their choice. The Dodge Horsepower Locator tool, as well as information on the brand’s 24-month Never Lift plan, is available at DodgeGarage.com.
