Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170: Technical Specs and Review

The Dodge Demon 170 changed everything in the muscle car world. This beast delivers 1,025 horsepower from the factory. Dodge built it to dominate drag strips across America. Only 3,300 people worldwide can own this limited-edition monster. The name “170” comes from its top speed in the quarter-mile run. This car runs the quarter-mile in just 8.91 seconds. That’s faster than any production car ever made.

Dodge created the Demon 170 as their final V8 masterpiece. The company wanted to end the supercharged era with a bang. They succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations. This car isn’t just fast—it’s history on four wheels. Every part serves one purpose: getting down the track quicker than anything else.

What Is the Dodge Demon 170?

The Dodge Demon 170 is a street-legal drag racing machine. It starts as a Challenger body. Then Dodge transforms it into something completely different. Think of it as a race car you can drive home.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Produces 1,025 horses on E85 fuel.
• Reaches 170 mph in the quarter-mile.
• Breaks into the 8-second zone.
• Comes with factory racing equipment.
• Limited to just 3,300 units worldwide.
• Costs around $96,666 before dealer markups.
• Features drag radial tires from the factory.
• Includes a parachute mounting bracket.
• Gets NHRA certification for racing.
• Represents the last supercharged V8 from Dodge.

This car doesn’t compete with normal sports cars. It exists in its own category. No other manufacturer offers anything like it.

The Engine That Powers the Beast

A massive supercharged V8 sits under the hood. This 6.2-liter HEMI engine represents pure American power. Dodge engineers pushed every limit to extract maximum performance.

Engine breakdown:

• Displacement: 6.2 liters (376 cubic inches)
• Configuration: V8 with 90-degree bank angle
• Forced Induction: 3.0-liter IHI supercharger
• Boost Pressure: 21 psi maximum
• Peak Power: 1,025 hp at 6,000 rpm (E85)
• Peak Torque: 945 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm (E85)
• Gasoline Power: 900 hp on premium fuel
• Gasoline Torque: 810 lb-ft on premium fuel
• Redline: 6,500 rpm
• Fuel System: Dual-fuel capable

The supercharger weighs 59 pounds by itself. It spins at incredible speeds to force air into the engine. More air means more fuel. More fuel creates bigger explosions. Bigger explosions equal more power.

Internal components include:

• Forged aluminum pistons for strength.
• Forged steel connecting rods.
• Upgraded crankshaft bearings.
• High-flow cylinder heads.
• Sodium-filled exhaust valves for cooling.
• Improved oiling system.
• Dual fuel pumps for E85.
• Heavy-duty valve springs.

The Air-Grabber hood scoop feeds cool air directly to the supercharger. This keeps intake temperatures lower. Cooler air is denser. Dense air makes more power. The system works perfectly together.

Transmission and How Power Reaches the Ground

Getting 1,025 horses to the pavement requires special equipment. The transmission must handle extreme torque without breaking. Dodge chose the TorqueFlite 8HP95 automatic for this job.

Transmission features:

• Eight forward gears.
• Handles over 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
• Shift speeds under 100 milliseconds.
• Built-in TransBrake function.
• Drag racing calibration.
• Heavy-duty clutch packs.
• Reinforced internal components.
• Dedicated cooling system.

The TransBrake is pure racing technology. It locks the output shaft while the engine builds boost. Press the throttle and brake together. The engine revs to 2,350 rpm. Release the brake button. The car launches like a rocket.

Size and Weight Details

The Demon 170 measures similar to a regular Challenger. However, Dodge widened the body for bigger tires. They also removed weight wherever possible.

Physical Measurements

Dimension	Measurement
Length	197.5 inches
Width (without mirrors)	78.8 inches
Height	57.4 inches
Wheelbase	116.2 inches
Track Width (Front)	65.8 inches
Track Width (Rear)	65.7 inches
Ground Clearance	4.5 inches

Weight Specifications

Configuration	Weight
Curb Weight (no passenger seat)	4,225 pounds
Curb Weight (with passenger seat)	4,280 pounds
Front Weight Distribution	54%
Rear Weight Distribution	46%
Rear Seat Delete Weight Savings	55 pounds

Dodge removed the rear seats permanently. The passenger seat is optional. This saves around 55 pounds. Every pound counts in drag racing. Lighter cars accelerate faster.

The widebody design adds visual aggression. Flared fenders cover wider wheels. This gives the car a planted stance. It looks fast sitting still.

Suspension Setup for Drag Racing

Normal suspensions don’t work for drag racing. Dodge redesigned everything for maximum traction. The goal is transferring weight to the rear wheels at launch.

Front suspension changes:

• Bilstein adjustable dampers.
• Stiffer springs than standard Challenger.
• Revised geometry for weight transfer.
• Heavy-duty ball joints.
• Reinforced control arms.
• Extended shock travel.
• Race-tuned anti-roll bar.

Rear suspension modifications:

• Independent multi-link design.
• Special springs rated for launch forces.
• Adjustable dampers with multiple settings.
• No rear sway bar (deleted for weight transfer).
• Reinforced differential mounts.
• Heavy-duty bushings throughout.

The suspension compresses at launch. This transfers weight rearward. More weight on rear tires means more grip. Better grip equals faster acceleration.

Brakes and Wheels That Handle the Speed

Stopping from high speeds requires serious braking power. The Demon 170 uses massive Brembo brakes at all four corners.

Brake specifications:

• Front rotors: 15.75 inches diameter
• Rear rotors: 13.8 inches diameter
• Front calipers: Six-piston Brembo
• Rear calipers: Four-piston Brembo
• Rotor design: Vented and slotted
• Brake lines: Stainless steel braided
• Brake fluid: High-temperature racing grade

The Line Lock feature locks only the front brakes. This lets you spin the rear tires for burnouts. Heating the tires improves grip for the launch.

Wheel and tire package:

• Front wheels: 18×11 inches
• Rear wheels: 17×11 inches
• Front tires: Nitto NT555RII 315/40R18
• Rear tires: Mickey Thompson ET Street R 315/50R17
• Material: Forged aluminum
• Finish: Satin black
• Center caps: Demon logo

The staggered wheel sizes look unusual. Smaller rear wheels allow proper drag radial fitment. The Mickey Thompson tires hook incredibly well. They’re DOT-approved for street use but designed for racing.

Each wheel weighs less than standard Challenger wheels. Less rotating mass helps acceleration. The forged construction provides strength without excess weight.

Body Design and Aerodynamic Features

Every exterior element serves a purpose. The Demon 170 looks aggressive because it needs to be.

Key exterior features:

• Air-Grabber hood scoop feeds supercharger.
• Dual snorkel design for maximum airflow.
• Widebody fenders accommodate wider tires.
• Carbon fiber headlight bezels save weight.
• Large front splitter aids stability.
• Functional side air extractors cool brakes.
• Massive rear wing generates downforce.
• Quad exhaust tips exit at rear corners.
• Lightweight rear quarter windows.
• Available carbon fiber roof panel.

The Air-Grabber hood is functional, not cosmetic. It pulls outside air directly into the intake. Cooler air makes more power consistently.

Inside the Cabin

The interior focuses on function over luxury. Dodge stripped out unnecessary items. Weight savings was the priority.

Standard interior items:

• Carbon fiber racing seats (front only).
• Alcantara steering wheel.
• 8.4-inch touchscreen display.
• Digital gauge cluster.
• Performance data pages.
• Carbon fiber trim panels.
• Basic air conditioning.
• Power windows.
• Manual seat adjustments.

Racing equipment included:

• Roll bar behind front seats.
• Five-point harness mounting points.
• SFI-certified driveshaft safety loop.
• Parachute mounting bracket.
• TransBrake steering wheel button.
• Line Lock activation button.
• Launch control switches.

The racing seats hold you firmly in place. They feature Demon embroidery on the headrests. The Alcantara steering wheel feels perfect in your hands.

Sound insulation is minimal. You hear the supercharger whine clearly. The exhaust note fills the cabin. This adds to the racing experience.

Technology and Performance Systems

Modern electronics control every aspect of performance. The Demon 170 uses sophisticated computer systems.

Drive modes available:

• Street (default daily driving)
• Sport (spirited street use)
• Track (road course setup)
• Drag (maximum acceleration)
• Custom (personalized settings)
• Valet (limited power and speed)

Drag mode transforms the car completely. It adjusts the transmission shift points. The suspension softens slightly. Traction control recalibrates for drag radials. Everything works together for one goal.

Performance features:

• TransBrake: Holds transmission while building boost.
• Torque Reserve: Pre-loads the drivetrain before launch.
• Launch Control: Manages RPM and wheel slip.
• Line Lock: Front brakes only for burnouts.
• Launch Assist: Limits wheel spin in first 60 feet.
• After-Run Chiller: Continues cooling after engine stops.

The performance pages display real-time data. You can see boost pressure climbing. Watch the speedometer during your run. The system even estimates your quarter-mile time.

How It Differs from Other Fast Cars

The Demon 170 doesn’t compete directly with anything else. Other fast cars focus on different goals.

Versus the original Demon:

• 215 more horsepower.
• 160 extra lb-ft of torque.
• 0.7 seconds quicker quarter-mile.
• 25 mph faster trap speed.
• Bigger supercharger (3.0L vs 2.7L).
• Better cooling systems.
• Improved aerodynamics.
• More aggressive factory tune.

Compared to expensive supercars:

• Costs half as much or less.
• Faster in straight lines.
• Easier to maintain.
• Better parts availability.
• Simpler mechanical design.
• More interior space.
• Louder and more raw.
• Purpose-built for one thing.

A Lamborghini handles better around corners. A Ferrari sounds more exotic. But nothing matches the Demon 170 in its specialty. Quarter-mile dominance is its mission.

Fuel Economy and Daily Driving

This car drinks fuel quickly. Efficiency wasn’t a design priority.

EPA ratings:

• City: 13 mpg
• Highway: 21 mpg
• Combined: 15 mpg
• Tank capacity: 18.5 gallons
• Range: 220-390 miles per tank
• E85 capable for maximum power

Real-world fuel economy varies greatly. Spirited driving drops it significantly. Quarter-mile runs consume fuel rapidly. Plan for frequent fill-ups.

Safety Equipment and Features

Racing-focused doesn’t mean unsafe. The Demon 170 includes important safety systems.

Standard safety equipment:

• Multiple airbags throughout cabin.
• Electronic stability control.
• Traction control system.
• Anti-lock braking system.
• Rearview camera.
• Tire pressure monitoring.
• Factory roll bar structure.
• Racing harness mounting points.
• SFI-certified driveshaft loop.

The roll bar provides structural protection. It’s welded into the chassis permanently. This adds rollover protection beyond standard requirements.

Conclusion

The Dodge Demon 170 stands as the ultimate American muscle car. Its 1,025-horsepower supercharged V8 delivers unmatched straight-line performance. Only 3,300 examples exist worldwide, making it instantly collectible. This factory-built drag racing machine runs 8.91-second quarter-miles at 170 mph. It represents the final chapter of Dodge’s supercharged legacy before electrification arrives. The combination of extreme power, limited production, and historical significance creates something truly special. No other manufacturer will build anything like this again.