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DODGE CHALLENGER DEMON 170 WILL OUTRUN A TESLA PLAID, SETS MULTIPLE RECORDS

1,025 Horsepower For Under $100,000

2023 Dodge Challenger Demon 170 SRT Hellcat Hellephant Transmission Engine Quarter Mile Specs Top Speed 0-60 Horsepower Torque
Image via Dodge

The final word. Today, Dodge blew the doors off the performance car community by revealing its magnum opus – the Challenger SRT Demon 170. It’s the last one, guys. They promise this time.

And don’t be so quick to say that it’s a new Demon. Because, even though the name is there, just about everything has been redone or rethought. Using the Challenger Demon from the 2018 model year as the starting point, the engine is almost entirely new, save for some small parts and the camshaft. The chassis is almost entirely redone, with new shocks that also play well with different set of tires. Out with the Nittos, in with the Mickey Thompsons. You’ll notice, too, that they got rid of the skinny tires up front. And the Demon Crate is no more. Instead, you can order performance upgrades through Direct Connection.

Dodge Challenger Demon 170
Image via Dodge

You’ll want them, too. Because the Dodge Demon 170 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 1.66 seconds –faster than even a Tesla Model S Plaid – running an 8.91 second quarter mile. Also faster than the Plaid. This is largely thanks to an extensively reworked supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 engine, running on E85 fuel. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to, the engine is fully FlexFuel capable, meaning it can run a mixture of premium gasoline and E85 if need be, or pure gasoline. Max output? a staggering 1,025 horsepower, and 945 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than double a new Ford Mustang Dark Horse. That’s nearly 200 hp more than a Demon on race fuel. And it’s the grand finale of the Hemi V8 engine.

How much for this record-setting performance? How much for the absolute authority on modern American muscle? $96,666. And Stellantis plans to build as much as 3,300 examples of the Dodge Demon 170, with 3,000 for the USA and 300 for Canada. Just like the Demon, and more than any other “Last Call” muscle car. Of course, that’s before taxes, title, destination, Gas Guzzler Tax, and the dreaded dealer markup.

You’ll have to hand over seven figures if you want anything close to this kind of factory performance from just about anybody else. But this is Dodge’s winning formula: as quick and as powerful a car as possible.

This is also how Dodge says goodbye to an era of muscle car dominance. What happens next will not be the same, but they’re sure going to make it as exciting as possible.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 2023
Image via Dodge

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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