Astonishingly, Dodge engineers have pulled back the curtain on their latest creation, the jaw-dropping 1,025 horsepower Challenger SRT Demon 170. This spectacular beast represents the final non-electric V8-powered muscle car to enter production at the close of the year, bidding farewell to the fuel-burning epoch. Astoundingly, the Demon 170 outpaces a number of high-performance all-wheel-drive electric cars and boasts an eight-speed transmission.
Unleashing the Beast: Engine and Power
Harnessing such immense power is no simple feat; the engine employs a supercharger capable of generating significantly higher pressures than those present in the already mighty Dodge Hellcat SRT Demon. Opting for E85, a racing fuel with up to 85% alcohol, the Demon 170 achieves its full horsepower potential. However, with regular gasoline, this formidable machine can still produce an impressive 900 horsepower.
A Parachute for the Road? Attachment and Fuel Economy
Demon 170 enthusiasts may find themselves contemplating the addition of a parachute mounting system, assisting in drag-strip stops. Such a unique accessory is available separately via Dodge’s Direct Connection-brand. Unsurprisingly, the car’s fuel economy is rather abysmal; at full throttle, its racing fuel tank could be entirely depleted in a mere five minutes and 45 seconds.
Cost and Production: Limited Availability
Aspiring Demon 170 owners should be prepared to part with at least $96,666. Dodge dealerships will also offer a convertible Challenger variant during its final model year. Production is strictly limited, with only 3,300 Demon 170s being manufactured—3,000 for the United States and a scant 300 for Canada. Meanwhile, Dodge’s innovative minds are hard at work developing a fully electric muscle car slated for a 2024 release.
Suspension and Wheels: Performance Tuning
The Demon 170 features a reworked suspension system, ingeniously designed to keep the front end grounded during intense drag-strip starts. Optional ultra-light wheels, comprised of aluminum centers and carbon fiber outer rims, are also available. While these wheels are street legal, they might not prove suitable for every driving scenario.
Trade-Offs: Raw Power versus Handling
Tim Kuniskis concedes that the Challenger may not possess the handling prowess of its smaller counterparts, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Nonetheless, the Challenger’s allure lies in its unbridled straight-line speed and sheer power—or at least the perception of such for those who opt for more budget-friendly V6-powered Challengers.
A Powerful Farewell
The long-anticipated reveal of the 1,025 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is bittersweet. This remarkable machine marks the last in a series of special edition Dodge Challenger and Charger models from Stellantis, commemorating the end of the V8-powered era. As Dodge pivots towards a fully electric muscle car, expected to debut in 2024, the Challenger SRT Demon 170 serves as a fitting tribute to the power and glory of fuel-burning muscle cars.
The Future of Muscle Cars
With the curtain falling on the era of fuel-burning muscle cars, automakers like Dodge are shifting gears towards a greener, more sustainable future. Electrification is becoming the new driving force in the automotive industry, paving the way for the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
Charging Ahead: Electric Powerhouses
As Dodge moves to develop its fully electric muscle car, it joins other major manufacturers in the race to redefine the high-performance vehicle landscape. Tesla’s success with the Model S Plaid and the upcoming Roadster, along with Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet’s plans for an electric Camaro, signal the dawn of a new era in performance cars.
Embracing Change: Performance and Sustainability
The transition to electric powertrains brings with it numerous benefits, including instant torque, reduced emissions, and potentially lower maintenance costs. Consequently, the industry is witnessing a paradigm shift, where exhilarating performance can coexist with environmental responsibility.
Challenges and Opportunities
The road to electrification is not without obstacles. Limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high initial costs are among the challenges that manufacturers and consumers must overcome. Nevertheless, continuous advancements in battery technology, charging solutions, and governmental incentives present an optimistic outlook for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
The Legacy Lives On
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 may represent the end of an era for fuel-burning muscle cars, but it also signifies the start of an exciting new chapter. As automakers continue to innovate and embrace electrification, the spirit of the muscle car will undoubtedly live on in a new, more sustainable form. The roar of the V8 engine may fade, but the passion for power and performance is here to stay.
