Dodge Built The World's First Muscle Car That Can Pop A Wheelie
For decades, Muscle Cars have been defined by brute force, straight-line acceleration, and the raw experience of putting down some serious horsepower. But one car pushed the boundaries of what a production muscle car could do—so much so that it could quite literally lift its front wheels off the ground under acceleration. Until this Dodge came along, wheelies were reserved for dragsters, modified hot rods, and purpose-built racing machines. No one expected a factory-built muscle car to achieve the same level of performance without extensive modifications.
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This monumental vehicle took the automotive world by storm, shattering records and redefining what was possible for a street-legal car. It wasn’t just about horsepower; it was a carefully engineered package designed to dominate the drag strip right off the dealership floor. With restrained good looks as standard, a high-output V8, and factory support for maximum quarter-mile efficiency, this car turned heads in a way no muscle car had before.
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The 2018 Challenger SRT Demon Was The First Production Muscle Car That Could Wheelie
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon launch
Dodge unleashed the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon with one goal in mind: make the fastest, most powerful factory drag car ever. In doing so, it achieved something no other production muscle car had before—it could lift its front wheels under acceleration. Officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the first production car capable of a wheelie, the Demon proved that Dodge wasn’t just chasing horsepower figures but delivering real-world performance that left the competition behind.
The key to the Demon’s wheelie ability wasn’t just its staggering horsepower but the way Dodge engineered the car to maximize traction and launch control. The combination of a transbrake system, optimized suspension geometry, and specially designed tires allowed the car to hook up so efficiently that it lifted its front end. This was no gimmick—Dodge spent considerable time fine-tuning every aspect of the car to ensure it could replicate this feat consistently under the right conditions. Unlike traditional drag cars, which require modifications to achieve similar feats, the Demon did it right off the showroom floor.
The Challenger SRT Demon's Hemi V8 Made An Astonishing Output
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2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Key Specs
Engine | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 |
Power | 840 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
Torque | 770 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Curb Weight | 4,300 lbs |
Source: Dodge
At the heart of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. While this might sound similar to the Hellcat's powerplant, Dodge took things to the next level. The Demon’s engine produced a monstrous 808 horsepower on pump gas, but when fed 100-octane racing fuel, it cranked out a staggering 840 horsepower. Torque was equally ridiculous at 770 lb-ft.
The Source Of The Incredible Power
The power increase over the Hellcat came from a larger 2.7-liter supercharger, increased boost pressure, and reinforced internal components designed to handle extreme stress. Dodge also introduced a unique cooling system, the SRT Power Chiller, which redirected air conditioning refrigerant to cool the supercharger’s intercooler, ensuring optimal performance even under intense drag racing conditions. The result was an engine that not only delivered immense power but did so reliably—something crucial for a street-legal drag car.
Additionally, Dodge included a high-strength valvetrain and forged pistons to ensure that the Demon’s engine could sustain the repeated abuse of hard launches. These upgrades made it one of the most capable factory-built V8 engines ever put into a muscle car, setting new standards in the world of high-performance vehicles.
A camo 2023 Dodge Demon 170 badge side close shot
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Dodge's 'Demon Crate' Made It Even More Potent
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Dodge knew that many buyers would take the Demon straight to the drag strip, so they offered a special package to maximize its potential. Known as the ‘Demon Crate,’ this package included everything needed to unleash the car's full potential in a quarter-mile setting.
The crate came with a new engine control module (ECU) tuned for high-octane fuel, a conical air filter for better airflow, and a set of skinny front wheels designed to reduce rolling resistance. It also included a hydraulic floor jack, a torque wrench, and even a tire pressure gauge—everything an owner needed to prepare for a proper drag racing session.
Demonic (And Friendly) Down The Drag Straight
More than just a collection of tools, the Demon Crate also allowed owners to unlock Dodge’s factory-designed Drag Mode, which adjusted suspension settings, transmission shifts, and traction control for maximum launch performance. This meant that drivers could optimize their Demon for the track without needing third-party modifications, making it one of the most user-friendly drag setups ever offered by a manufacturer. With these factory-backed upgrades, the Demon could fully exploit its 840-horsepower potential and make full use of Dodge’s sophisticated launch control system.
The Demon's 1/4-Mile Time Was A World Record (As Per Dodge, At Least)
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Dodge made a bold claim when they introduced the Demon—it was the fastest quarter-mile production car in the world. According to their testing, the Demon could blast through the quarter-mile in just 9.65 seconds at 140 mph. This was faster than many supercars and even challenged some purpose-built dragsters.
Too Fast For Its Own Good?
However, there was a catch. The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) banned the Demon from competition at its sanctioned events because it was too fast for a factory stock car without additional safety equipment. This only added to the car’s legend, reinforcing its reputation as an outlaw machine built for those who wanted to dominate the drag strip without compromise.
While Dodge's claim was impressive, some critics argued that the 9.65-second time was achieved under ideal conditions with a professional driver. Real-world results varied, but the Demon consistently posted sub-10-second runs, something no other factory muscle car could match at the time. Regardless of whether the time stood as an official world record, there was no denying that Dodge had created an absolute monster of a car, redefining the limits of what a production muscle car could achieve.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was unlike anything that had come before it. With its ability to pop a wheelie, its record-setting quarter-mile performance, and Dodge’s factory-backed commitment to making it a true drag racer, it changed the game for muscle cars. While other manufacturers focused on balance and track performance, Dodge doubled down on straight-line acceleration, proving that the true spirit of muscle cars was alive and well. Even years after its production run ended, the Demon remains an icon—a muscle car that did what no one thought possible.
