Newton’s third law of motion states “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” That is the theme for Dodge’s seventh teaser video for the upcoming Challenger SRT Demon.
Dodge had previously disclosed that the Demon will be a pretty capable vehicle on the drag strip, with it being the first production car to be fitted with drag radial tyres. It also adds that the new car will generate 35% more launch force than a Hellcat, which sounds like a lot.
Even though the carmaker understands that burnouts are fun, they acknowledge that it doesn’t equate to winning races. Therefore, to make sure the Demon provides optimum weight transfer, traction and control, the car features an all-new suspension setup.
This includes quick-reacting springs (35% lower rate) at the front with the softest rebound front dampers that wouldn’t restrict the springs’ reaction, as well as increasing the compression of the rear shocks (28% lower rate). Not only that, the sway bars are now less restrictive to complement these changes (75% lower rate front and 44% lower rate rear).
In an eighth teaser video, Dodge talks about the Demon’s “race-hardened parts” that are specifically made to meet the increased loads of performance expected. For starters, the prop shaft is now capable of handling 15% more torque thanks to the use of high-strength steel, a 20% increase in tube thickness and heat treated stub-shafts.
Next, the differential housing also gets upgraded with the use heat-treated A383 aluminum alloy and a higher strength gear set material that sees a 30% increase in torque capacity. Finally, the 41-spline driveshafts employ increased diameter high-strength low alloy steel and eight-ball joints for a 20% hike in torque capacity.
Dodge also says its engineers worked hard to prevent the Demon from wheel hopping – when tyres quickly slip and regain traction at launch – with a new Launch Assist system. Wheel speed sensors monitor signs of the tyres slipping and if there is any, a control module temporarily dials back engine torque output to regain maximum traction.
Therefore, the driver doesn’t need to lift off the accelerator during full-bore starts, as Launch Assist reduces loads in the driveline from wheel hop by more than 15-20%, reducing component damage as a well.
On a separate note, the Demon will also come without rear seats, likely part of its 90-kg weight-loss regime, allowing customers to install a Speedlogix four-point harness bar (pictured above) easily “without cutting or drilling anything in the car.”
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