“The end is near!” That’s what we hear repeated throughout the automotive enthusiast community when it comes to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, as a last hurrah and a huge middle finger to the forthcoming electric vehicle (EV) movement, Dodge unleashes the most powerful vehicle they have ever conjured up, taking the Hellcat/Demon creation to a whole new level to the tune of 1,025 horsepower!
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been revealed to put the ICE era to rest, but not without going out with a blast that will run from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds and pull a full 2.0g off the starting line. That zero to 60 mph time and NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph is achievable but will require an ideal drag strip surface – so don’t expect to run such a time on the street – actually, don’t even try because you’re asking for trouble. Moreover, all 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque from the Hellephant C170 crate motor is only available when you burn E85 fuel, which is where the Demon 170 gets its name – from the 170-proof rating of the E85 fuel. If you burn premium fuel, you’ll “only” get 900 horsepower and 810 lb-ft of torque directed through the reworked 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, on a non-prepped drag strip, Dodge estimates that your 0-60 mph time will be about 2 seconds – but again, don’t expect such figures on the street.
If you have taken note of the quarter mile time and know that such a time will get you banned from the strip if you don’t have a roll cage and parachute, then you’ll be happy to know that Dodge gives Demon 170 buyers the option of a parachute and roll cage.
As for other specifications that matter to you, the new Dodge Demon 170 will tip the scale at 4,275 pounds and sports the same widebody as other Hellcat and Demon Challengers retaining many Demon features, such as the Demon’s air-catching hood.
The suspension was retuned to get that power down to the ground, delicately to take advantage of sticky slicks in the rear upon launch in the transfer of weight and balance of the front end lifting at the line. Don’t worry, though, the 8-speed automatic transmission with an updated output flange has a larger diameter prop shift connected for added strength, and a larger 240-mm rear differential and CV joint with reworked geometry all play to make the Demon 170 handle all that power. Even the 8-speed automatic transmission plays differently with the transbrake to lessen torque at tenth-of-a-second intervals, so the tires don’t lose grip throughout a full run.
There were many “things” done to save on weight, such as having just one seat – the driver’s seat. Also, inside, the radio has just two speakers, there’s no sound insulation, carpet, and the trunk doesn’t even have a light. Lastly, you can opt to have two-piece carbon fiber wheels saving you up to 20 pounds. However, Dodge will offer the creature comforts of a usable interior and even go as far as offering a premium interior package with heated and ventilated front seats, rear seats, an 18-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, and even a $10,000 sunroof option. Yes, that’s a ridiculous price for just a sunroof – but Dodge says, “you’re going pay” if you want options! No $1 options here like the Demon from a few years ago.
Only certain dealerships will get the new Demon 170, and Dodge has made available a “horsepower locator tool” to find those dealerships so you can place your order. Orders for the 2023 Dodge Demon 170 will start March 27th and close on May 15th. The kicker here is that they probably won’t need much more than a day or two to full those allocations, but many will have to battle dealerships who mark these things up as high as the sky that the Demon 170 reaches for during a wrinkling-rear-tire-launch at a prepped drag strip. The ($96,666) $100,361 after destination MSRP is sure to be just a suggestion, but dealerships that offer the Demon 170 at MSRP will have priority to have the vehicles built before the others, so there’s that.
A production goal of only 3,000 of these Demon 170s has been set, which is the same number as the previous Demon. However, on December 31, 2023, the final Demon 170 will roll off the assembly line regardless of how many were allocated – which could be less than the 3,000 target – so get ready to place your order on March 27th!
