The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 horsepower machine redefines extreme performance. This vehicle stands as the world’s quickest, fastest, and most powerful muscle car. It is the brand’s seventh and final “Last Call” special-edition model. Its unveiling occurred at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas festival. This Demon 170 sets a new benchmark for production car capabilities. It represents the pinnacle of HEMI muscle.
The Pinnacle of Muscle Car Performance
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 horsepower output is staggering. It produces 1,025 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Torque reaches 945 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm. These figures are achieved with its production HEMI® engine on E85 fuel. This allows the Demon 170 to reach 60 mph in a blazing 1.66 seconds. It features the highest G-force acceleration. This measures an incredible 2.004 gs. On E10 fuel, the car still delivers 900 horsepower and 810 lb.-ft. of torque.
This special-edition vehicle is truly unlike any other. The Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the quickest car in Dodge’s 100-plus-year history. It is the first factory production car to run the quarter-mile under nine seconds. It holds an NHRA-certified 8.91-second ET at 151.17 mph. This car receives an NHRA violation letter. It runs sub-nine-second quarter-miles without a safety cage or parachute. It follows the original Demon’s legacy.
Engineering for Unprecedented Power
Achieving 1,025 horsepower from the factory demands extensive engineering. Nearly every primary engine power component was upgraded. Only the camshaft remains untouched from the original design. The 6.2-liter high-output supercharged HEMI engine underwent a rebirth. Its heart shares DNA with the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine. This connection also inspired the “170” in its name.
The 3.0L supercharger was modified. It came from the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine. This provides a 40% increase in boost pressure. Boost reaches 21.3psi, up from 15.3psi on the Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Airflow also increased by 30%. The 3.02-inch pulley offers 14% more overdrive. High-flow fuel injectors supply 164 gallons per hour. A fast-response ethanol sensor integrates into the fuel rail.
A 105mm diameter throttle body increases airflow volume by 33%. Valvetrain upgrades include nitride-coated intake valves. Upgraded valve guides and seat materials assist with ethanol compatibility. Aerospace-specification high-strength steel studs increase clamping load by 38%. Upgraded head and main cap fasteners allow a 44% increase in clamping load. Cylinder pressure is 32% higher. It measures 2,500psi on E85 fuel. Main and rod bearing materials upgraded to copper-lead for increased load capability. Higher-strength connecting rods and improved pin bushing support increased combustion pressure. Block machining was modified. A viscous crank damper reduces torsional vibration. New spark plugs have a lower heat range. This optimizes combustion with ethanol fuel.
Driveline Durability for Extreme Launch
Harnessing such immense power requires an incredibly robust driveline. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170’s driveline components are heavily reinforced. The rear prop shaft is 30% stronger. It maintains its original packaging space. Aerospace-grade metals are used in the reinforced rear axle housing. This housing is 53% stronger. It features a new Direct Connection logo.
New driveline components include a stronger rear prop shaft. This is 30% stronger than the 2018 SRT Demon driveshaft. It boasts increased tube diameter. It also has thicker tube walls. Larger CV joints are also present. The 240mm rear axle features HIP processed housings. This is the first time this has been used in driveline components. It eliminates porosity in castings. A larger 240mm ring and pinion is included. A new input flange accommodates a larger CV joint. New geometry housing with a Direct Connection logo is fitted. Larger rear cover-mount fasteners are utilized. Increased case depth and other features result in a 53% stronger housing. 43-spline rear half shafts have larger inner-connecting splines. Revised heat treatment improves durability. The interconnecting shaft has a larger diameter. It has larger joint splines. Optimized stiffness improves acceleration performance.
Specialized Drag Racing Technology
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 arrives as the first-ever factory production car. It is built with staggered drag radial tires and fender flares. This setup creates more launch force. It exceeds the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Dodge collaborated closely with Mickey Thompson Tires. They developed exclusive applications for the Demon 170. This was crucial for achieving maximum traction.
Massive 17-by-11-inch rear wheels accommodate wider tires. Taller Mickey Thompson P315/50R17 ET Street R drag radials are fitted. These provide a large contact footprint. This bespoke version features added grooves for improved on-street performance. Mickey Thompson’s soft R2 compound offers superior traction. The ET Street R uses a nylon body for greater power transfer. This is better than standard polyester sidewalls. Increased sidewall, combined with tire construction, allows for a “wrinkle effect.” This improves power transfer. It also reduces tire slip.
Smaller 18-by-8-inch front wheels reduce weight. They keep rolling resistance down. These fit Mickey Thompson 245/55R18 ET Street front tires. They are optimized for the drag strip. The lighter front set helps transfer weight to the rear. It delivers higher traction. Rear Widebody fender flares cover the drag radials. Standard configuration front fenders keep weight down.
TransBrake 2.0 is a second-generation feature. It allows drivers to configure multiple launch-torque profiles. These match engine power to track conditions. This technology is used in competitive drag racing. Drivers can dial-in launch and shift torque settings. A memory function customizes to different grip surfaces. TransBrake allows engine throttle to increase up to 2,350 rpm. It generates greater powertrain energy. This offers an up to 110% increase in engine stall torque. It produces up to 15% more torque at the rear tires. TransBrake works with Torque Reserve. Torque Reserve maintains supercharger airflow. It provides faster engine torque response. It also creates a unique exhaust note.
Additional returning features include Line Lock. This enables smoky burnouts. It warms up rear tires for racing. Launch Control manages tire slip. It helps achieve maximum vehicle acceleration. Launch Assist reduces wheel-hop. It maintains optimal tire contact.
Weight Reduction for Maximum Agility
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 comes standard with forged aluminum wheels. Optional Lacks Enterprises carbon-fiber wheels are available. These shed significant weight. The lightweight 17-by-11-inch rear wheels shave almost 12 pounds. Front 18-by-8-inch wheels save over 20 pounds. These two-piece carbon-fiber wheels feature a forged aluminum center. They have titanium alloy hardware.
The Lacks carbon-fiber wheels lower unsprung mass. This reduces vibrations. It maintains consistent tire load. It improves handling, acceleration, and braking. Overall weight reduction is 157 pounds. This is compared to a Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Additional weight savings come from lightweight front brakes. Hollow sway bars are also included. Passenger and rear seat delete options exist. Trunk trim and NVH pad delete contribute. Lightweight interior carpet and a minimal audio system reduce weight. Removal of front flares saves 16 pounds.
Optimized Cooling for Peak Performance
Cooling is paramount for a 1,025-horsepower machine. The innovative SRT Power Chiller returns. It helps cool the Demon 170. This feature can reduce air induction temperature by up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It diverts the air conditioning system. This cools the supercharger intercooler. The Demon 170’s Race Cool Down feature provides additional cooling. This occurs after the engine is shut down. Two additional key returning features are the Air-Grabber hood. Also, the Air Catcher headlamps are present. These maximize air intake flow. They work with functional, illuminated headlights.
Advanced Drive Modes and Driver Control
Weight management is crucial for performance. Uniquely tuned valves in adaptive-damping Bilstein shocks provide improved launch response. User-customizable drag race settings are available. Bilstein shocks are tuned for maximum acceleration. They offer a raised rear ride of 10mm. Rear jounce travel is restricted by 17mm. This accommodates the massive Mickey Thompson drag radials. Revised rear suspension camber increases contact patch. Softer springs and sway bars further aid weight transfer.
The updated Drag Mode option fine-tunes performance. Front Bilstein shocks are firm in compression. They are soft in rebound damping. Rear Bilstein shocks are firm in both. Drag Mode is one of three drive modes. Custom and Auto (Street) Mode options are available. Drivers can change parameters. These include transmission, shift paddles, traction control, suspension, and steering.
Choosing Drag Mode allows control over many features. Full power is enabled based on ethanol content. Transmission has fastest shift speeds. Steering wheel paddle shifters engage. Traction is dialed in for drag race applications. Suspension promotes optimized weight transfer. Steering delivers greatest feel and effort. SRT Performance Pages keep drivers informed. They provide real-time stats. These include timer pages, gauge info, G-force numbers, and engine performance data. Race Options deliver information on key drag-specific vehicle functions. This includes shift lights and Power Chiller.
Distinctive Design and Customization
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 offers all 14 exterior color options. This includes heritage colors like B5 Blue. Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green return. Destroyer Grey is a popular modern color. All colors are available with an optional Satin Black hood. Or, a Satin Black painted hood, roof, and decklid.
The badging re-imagines the original Demon badge. It features a “170” neck tattoo. A new E85-representative yellow demon’s eye decorates the front fenders. An SRT badge adorns the grille. Under the hood, a Demon-themed supercharger badge is present. All 2023 Challenger models boast a special “Last Call” plaque. Inside, a yellow and red Demon instrument panel badge calls out the VIN. A new cluster screen shows a red gauge design. The Alcantara performance steering wheel has an LED “SRT” logo. Real carbon-fiber bezels enhance the interior.
The Demon 170 comes with a lightweight houndstooth cloth interior. It sports the Demon 170 logo. This cloth interior minimizes weight. It maximizes performance. Standard passenger seat delete and rear seat delete are included. Trunk carpet and sound insulation delete are also present. A minimal two-speaker audio system is fitted. A premium leather interior option adds more content. Black Alcantara/Laguna leather seats carry the Demon 170 logo. Heated and ventilated seats are available. A heated steering wheel and 18-speaker Harman Kardon system are options. Demonic Red Laguna leather seats offer a colorful alternative. Rear seat delete is available for all interior options.
An Exclusive Ownership Experience
Dodge enhances the ownership experience for the Demon 170. Each owner receives a commemorative decanter set. It is serialized to the specific owner and vehicle. The set includes a custom Demon-styled decanter. It has the owner’s name and VIN engraved. Demon-badged coasters and whiskey cubes are included. Rocks glasses and a supercharger badge cover are also present. An owner name, build number, and VIN plate are part of the set. A unique illustration is on the inside cover. A custom instrument panel badge is ordered after delivery.
A unique Goodwool breathable mesh car shell is available. It protects the exterior. It mimics the vehicle’s appearance. It has 3D SRT and Demon 170 logos. Jay Leno’s Garage car care products are also delivered. Additional personalization options are available through Direct Connection. This includes a street wheel and tire package. A harness bar with carbon-fiber rear seat delete inserts is an option. A Parachute Mounting System is also available.
Owners must sign a waiver. This acknowledges the Demon 170’s unique characteristics. It is a purpose-built, street-legal drag car. Purchase includes a one-day SRT Experience class. This is at Radford Racing School.
The Final “Last Call” Legend
Production of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 began in summer 2023. It is limited to at most 3,300 units. 3,000 are for the U.S. and 300 for Canada. Final numbers depend on production capacity. Original 2018 Demon owners can match their VINs. The MSRP is $96,666.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the seventh and final “Last Call” model. It commemorates the Challenger and Charger. These end their HEMI-engine-powered forms in 2023. Six previous “Last Call” models were introduced. These include the Challenger Shakedown and Charger Super Bee. Three heritage exterior colors returned for 2023. These are B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple, and Sublime green. Destroyer Grey is a popular modern color. 2023 R/T models feature “345” fender badging. All 2023 models carry a “Last Call” underhood plaque. The Demon 170 is a fitting send-off.
Disclaimer Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change without prior notice. Always consult official documentation and perform due diligence before making any decisions related to vehicle acquisition or use. Information provided is for general guidance only.
Source: Dodge
AI Assistance: Gemini
