Month after month of teasers have finally led to this, the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the 2017 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Dodge has been hyping the street-legal drag monster to stratospheric proportions, and for good reason – it’s the quickest production car in the world.
The figures are nothing short of extraordinary, with the Demon scorching from zero to 30 mph (48 km/h) in just one second flat, before blowing past the 60 mph (97 km/h) mark in 2.3 seconds. The quarter mile (400 m) mark, on the other hand, is dealt with in 9.65 seconds at 225 km/h – quick enough for Dominic Toretto, then. It will even lift the front wheels off the ground, too, a first for a production car – it holds the record for the world’s longest wheelie for a production car at 2.92 feet, certified by Guinness World Records.
It’s so quick, in fact, that it exceeds the OEM production car limit (9.99 seconds at 217 km/h) of the United States National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), which certified the Demon’s performance – meaning that it is barred from running at an NHRA Member Track.
This level of mind-bending performance is possible thanks to a 6.2 litre supercharged HEMI V8, a heavily-modified version of the Hellcat engine. Starting with a block that has been deck plate honed, race car-style, Dodge has bolted on a larger 2.7 litre supercharger running at a higher boost pressure of 14.5 psi. There’s also a high-speed valvetrain, stronger connecting rods and pistons and improved lubrication.
On top of that, there’s a larger induction air box fed by no less than three air intakes – on the bonnet, in the driver’s side headlight and near the wheel liner. The result is a whopping 840 hp and 1,044 Nm, 133 hp and 164 Nm more than the already ridiculous Hellcat; these figures make the Demon engine the most powerful V8 ever fitted to a production car.
Another production car first is the Power Chiller, which diverts air-conditioning refrigerant to a chiller unit mounted by the low-temperature circuit coolant pump, cooling the supercharger’s charge air coolant. Also fitted is an After-Run Chiller that keeps the engine cooling fan and low-temperature circuit coolant pump running after a run to lower the supercharger/charge air cooler temperature, minimising heat soak effects.

Under the hood of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 engine.
Power is sent to the rear 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag racing tyres via a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgraded torque converter increases torque multiplication by 18%, while stall speed is increased by 11%; the transmission lockup has also been made quicker. There’s also a strengthened prop shaft, rear differential and half-shafts.
Fitted to the gearbox is a trans-brake that locks the output shaft, allowing the engine to be revved to 2,350 rpm while the car holds still, before a pull on a paddle shifter enables a 30 millisecond quicker standing start compared to a foot brake release.
Meanwhile, the Torque Reserve feature closes the bypass valve to prefill the supercharger with boost, and manages fuel flow and spark advancement/retardation – the latter balances engine rpm and torque. Together, they result in faster acceleration at launch and quicker quarter-mile times by more than a tenth of a second. Drag-mode Launch Assist also detects wheel hop at launch and automatically reduces engine torque, reducing component damage.

Standard drag-race inspired interior configuration of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has driver seat only; first-ever factory-production Challenger with a front passenger seat delete.
Under the skin, Bilstein adaptive dampers feature a Drag Mode that softens rebound at the front to shift as much weight as possible to the rear wheels, boosting rear tyre grip by 11%. Weight transfer has also been improved through the use of softer springs and anti-roll bars, while a unique rear knuckle reduces negative camber by 0.5 degrees to increase the tyre contact patch.
Drag Mode also disengages traction control to enable drivers to perform burnouts, but retains stability control to help with straight-line performance. A line lock function is also fitted, clamping the front wheels but leaving the rear wheels free to spin up to clean and heat up the rear tyres, and allows the driver to perform a controlled rolling burnout.
In addition, the Demon is up to 91 kg lighter than the Hellcat thanks to the removal of items such as a front passenger seat, rear seats, floor mats, speakers, amplifier, mastic sealant, insulation, power-adjustable steering column and parking sensors, as well as the use of lighter hollow anti-roll bars, four-piston front brake callipers with smaller discs and lightweight wheels with open lug nuts.

The custom-painted Demon Crate contains components that maximize the Challenger SRT Demon’s flexibility, exclusivity and future collectability.
Buyers can specify a Demon Crate full of components designed specifically for drag racing. These include performance powertrain control module with high-octane engine calibration, a replacement switch module with a high-octane button, a conical performance air filter and narrow front-runner drag wheels – the car comes with full-width drag tyres all around, so racers have two sets of rear tyres with the skinny wheels and tyres fitted. A hydraulic floor jack, cordless impact wrench and a tyre pressure gauge are also included.
Limited production begins in late summer, with 3,000 units slated for the US and 300 for Canada. All customers will receive a full-day high-performance driving session at the Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving, as with other SRT models.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- The custom-painted Demon Crate contains components that maximize the Challenger SRT Demon’s flexibility, exclusivity and future collectability.
- The functional Air-Grabber™ hood scoop on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the largest of any production car (measures 45.2 square inches).
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s windshield includes an image of the SRT Demon doing a burnout.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is equipped with a set of four exclusive 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radial tires, a first for a factory-production car.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is equipped with a set of four exclusive 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radial tires, a first for a factory-production car.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is equipped with a set of four exclusive 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radial tires, a first for a factory-production car.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon fender logo.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Drag Kit features a Demon Track Pack System that fits into the SRT Demon trunk and securely holds the front runner wheels and track tools.
- On the underside of the aluminum hood of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the top-sealed air duct for the Air-Grabber™ cold-air intake box.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 engine.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 engine.
- Custom diecast Demon emblem located on the cover the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 engine.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s driver-side functional Air-Catcher headlamp features a Demon logo.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon features exclusive Hole-Shot, five-spoke 18×11-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s exclusive 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radial tires.
- Standard drag-race inspired interior configuration of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has driver seat only; first-ever factory-production Challenger with a front passenger seat delete.
- Standard drag-race inspired interior configuration of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has driver seat only; first-ever factory-production Challenger with a front passenger seat delete.
- Interior of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon features exclusive flat-bottom performance steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara suede with SRT paddle shifters.
- Front seat(s) in 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon feature standard performance cloth with Ballistic II inserts marked by an embroidered Demon logo.
- The high-octane (HO) engine calibration includes an HO fuel button installed in the center stack of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
- Gloss Black bezels are featured throughout the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s interior. Passenger side IP bezel features carbon fiber badge, laser-etched with production sequence number.
- Standard drag-race interior configuration of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has driver seat only.
- Standard drag-race interior configuration of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has rear seats removed; first-ever, factory-production Challenger with a rear-seat delete.
- The standard rear cabin area of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has a rear seat delete cargo net for storage.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s rear-seat-delete access cover depicts a drag strip with SRT Demon burnout.
- The standard Air-Grabber™ intake system features a significantly larger air box that is sealed and ducted to the Demon Air-Grabber™ hood scoop.
- The Air-Grabber™ logo on the underside of the hood of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Drag Kit features a Demon Track Pack System that fits into the SRT Demon trunk and securely holds the front runner wheels and track tools.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Drag Kit features a Demon Track Pack System with a Demon logo.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s standard Air-Grabber™ intake system features a significantly larger air box that is sealed and ducted to the hood scoop.
- Under the hood of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 engine.
- The Air/Fuel Ratio gauge is one of many performance information screens on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s 7-inch instrument cluster screen, which is centered between the exclusive SRT Demon white face gauges.
- The Demon logo startup screen displayed on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s 7-inch instrument cluster screen centered between the exclusive SRT Demon white face gauges.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon offers line lock, a feature that assists the driver in preventing forward vehicle movement during a burnout through enhanced control of the brakes while revving the engine to its peak power RPM, as shown on the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s rear-seat-delete access cover depicts a drag strip with SRT Demon burnout.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that offers a street-to-track transformation experience as exclusive as the car itself.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon features several parts, including this hydraulic floor jack.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon features several parts, including this hydraulic floor jack.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that includes this cordless impact wrench with charger.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that includes this torque wrench.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that includes this tire pressure gauge.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that includes this fender cover.
- The Demon Crate delivers what customers need to take the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from the street to the drag strip and back again. This is a special, limited-production set of tools for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon that includes this tool bag.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon combines the best of both mechanical and electronic tuning to deliver maximum launch force while still maintaining precision directional control.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon reveals the car’s wide body.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is equipped with an advanced torque reserve launch system – the first ever designed for a drag race application on a production car.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first ever, factory production car with a TransBrake, which helps produce launch forces previously unattainable by street legal production vehicles.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s Performance Pages arm the driver with real-time information, including temperature reduction of the supercharger with the After-Run Chiller.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever, factory-production car with the SRT Power Chiller, a liquid-to-air charge air cooler chiller system.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is factory equipped with Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radials, measuring 12.6 inches wide and developed specifically for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon using a new compound and unique tire construction. The added traction and higher profile of these new tires allow the Challenger SRT Demon to handle higher launch torque loads.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon includes factory-fitted mounting points for a four-point harness bar available through Speedlogix.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the world’s first production car to lift the front wheels at launch. It set the world record for longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car at 2.92 feet, certified by Guinness World Records.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the world’s first production car to lift the front wheels at launch. It set the world record for longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car at 2.92 feet, certified by Guinness World Records.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the world’s first production car to lift the front wheels at launch. It set the world record for longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car at 2.92 feet, certified by Guinness World Records.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s windshield includes an image of the SRT Demon doing a burnout.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s driver-side functional Air-Catcher headlamp features a Demon logo.
- 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s exclusive 315/40R18 Nitto NT05R street-legal drag radial tires.
- With 840 horsepower and 770 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Demon V-8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most-powerful muscle car ever and the highest horsepower V-8 production car engine ever produced. Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars — Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America, unveiled the car at a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday, April 11. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift as certified by Guinness World Records.
- The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon announces its arrival with a burnout in New York on April 11, 2017. The Challenger SRT Demon is powered by an 840-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Demon V-8 engine.
- With 840 horsepower and 770 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Demon V-8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most-powerful muscle car ever and the highest horsepower V-8 production car engine ever produced. Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars — Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America, unveiled the car at a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday, April 11. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift as certified by Guinness World Records.
- With 840 horsepower and 770 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Demon V-8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most-powerful muscle car ever and the highest horsepower V-8 production car engine ever produced. Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars — Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America, unveiled the car at a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday, April 11. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift as certified by Guinness World Records.