You already know the obvious: 2023 is the last year of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, six of the seven “Last Call” models have been revealed, and today Dodge has finally unveiled the seventh, called the Challenger SRT Demon 170.
But that’s where the obvious stops, as the Demon 170 is more than “just” another Demon. Virtually everything drivetrain-related, minus the camshaft and a few small bits, has been upgraded in some form, giving it the power to reign as the quickest vehicle ever produced in the automaker’s history and setting new performance benchmarks that absolutely blow our minds.
There isn’t a typo in the headline. The Demon 170 is rated at 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque when gulping down a proper E85 ethanol blend. With the right fuel and equally ideal conditions, the 170 is capable of pulling 0-60 mph times as low as 1.66 seconds, pulling 2.004 on the g-force accelerometer (the highest of any production car, as we’ve been told). The quarter-mile can be finished in 8.91 seconds at 151.7 mph, certified by the NHRA.
Yes, the National Hot Rod Association has clocked the Demon 170 at these denominations. Ironically, these numbers are so fast that the Demon 170 has already received an NHRA violation letter “ban” for running sub-nines on the quarter mile without a safety cage and parachute. Fortunately, Mopar’s aftermarket division Direct Connection can hook you up with the latter, but more on that in a bit.
If E85 is hard to come by (or, understandably so, you don’t want to fill up with such potent fuel all the time), the Demon 170 can also run on the same Premium 91 you may put in your everyday commuter. Even so, expect up to 900 horsepower and 810 lb-ft of torque– certainly enough to impress anyone who rides shotgun (if the passenger seat is equipped, that is). Chances are they won’t be counting the seconds down as the G-forces sink them into their seat.
The 376 cubic-inch pushrod engine– the 6.2-liter HEMI– features a slew of enhancements, like a modified 3.0-liter supercharger, spinning a 3.02-inch pulley and fed by a 105mm throttle body. High-flow fuel rails and injectors can provide up to 164 gallons of fuel per hour (apparently that’s more than the average US shower head– we’ll take Dodge’s word on that one). Associated shafts and housing have, of course, been made stronger, too.
As you can imagine, kicking the heat up like this… well, creates a lot of heat. Therefore, the SRT Power Chiller, used on the original Demon, makes a comeback to, reducing induction temps up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. A standard Race Cool Down feature will provide further dissipation after a run– and speaking of air, the Air-Grabber hood and Air Catcher headlamps return.
And one last note about these jaw-dropping numbers: Unlike Demons past, the 170 will not come with any black key fobs which would typically limit power. No, the 170 will come with red keys only, only determining power by sensing and adjusting to the fuel’s ethanol content.
Putting all this power down to the strip takes an equally impressive tire, hence the factory-equipped 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials– the first time ever offered on a production car– located in the rear. The fronts are a bit narrower at 245/55R18, evoking some “funny car” vibes. Still, one look at the Demon 170 and you can tell there’s no funny business being had.
The rear fenders don the familiar Widebody flares to accommodate for the meaty Mickey Thompsons, though the front fenders forgo the unnecessary sheathing in order to save 16 lbs of weight. Under each wheel arch is an optional two-piece carbon fiber wheel made by Lacks Enterprises. These help shave more weight from the Demon 170, bringing the total savings to 157 lbs. Still, expect a curb weight of 4,268 lbs with said wheels equipped; 4,280 without. The cabin features a standard passenger seat and rear seat delete, as well as dropping other performance car “annoyances” like sound insulation and trunk carpeting. That being said, a premium leather interior option adds in the plusher upholstery and some of the previously forgone accouterments, including a passenger seat.
Direct Connection is supporting the Demon 170 by offering a street wheel and tire package, a harness bar with carbon fiber rear seat delete inserts and the aforementioned Parachute Mounting System. Oh, and all owners will receive a special Demon-styled decanter set with their vehicle’s VIN engraved on the back. Neat.
To be honest with you, we could go on and on about the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, but those are the most important details. Orders will open up on March 27th, limited to 3,000 units in the US and just 300 in Canada; though, the final number will be based on production capacity. And while the cheeky $96,666 starting price (before destination) is a big pill to swallow, we’re glad to hear dealer orders at MSRP will receive priority scheduling. Buyers will need to sign a waiver “acknowledging the unique characteristics of the Demon 170 as a purpose-built, street legal production drag car.”
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170– haunting a quarter-mile near you this summer!
Keyword: 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170: 1,025 HP, 0-60 in 1.66-Seconds