The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is an automotive performance beast, setting new benchmarks for straight-line acceleration. Its ability to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds makes it the world’s quickest production car, surpassing even multi-million dollar hypercars. If you’re seeking intense, neck-snapping thrust off the line, nothing else can match this limited-edition muscle car’s capabilities.
Demon 170 Highlights
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 represents the swan song for the current generation Challenger. It’s the seventh and final “Last Call” special edition model from Dodge.
This over-the-top monster cranks out a mind-boggling 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2L supercharged V8 Hemi engine when running on high-octane E85 ethanol fuel. Even on regular premium gas, it still makes a prolific 900 hp.
To enable its blistering acceleration, the Demon 170 employs hardcore drag racing tech like:
- Transbrake launch control system
- Drag radial tires
- Lightweight components
- Optimized aerodynamics
It’s a purpose-built, street-legal drag racer in every sense of the term.
Pricing and Availability
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 comes at a premium price befitting its extreme performance capabilities and limited production run.
The base MSRP in the United States is a staggering $96,666. Adding options like the premium interior, carbon fiber wheels, and appearance packages can easily push the price over $150,000.
Dodge is only building 3,300 examples total – with 3,000 allocated for the U.S market and 300 for Canada. So availability will be extremely limited.
Blistering Straight-Line Performance
Numbers don’t lie, and the Demon 170’s performance stats are simply outrageous:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 1.66 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 8.91 sec @ 151 mph |
| Top Speed | 215 mph (claimed) |
| Peak Power | 1,025 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 945 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
That 0-60 mph time of 1.66 seconds makes it the quickest production car ever. And it’s also the first factory-built muscle car to dip into the 8-second quarter mile bracket.
To put those numbers into perspective, the $3 million Bugatti Chiron takes 2.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. The vaunted Tesla Model S Plaid needs 2.3 seconds.
What Makes it So Quick?
So how does the Demon 170 achieve these mind-warping straight-line performance stats? A few key factors:
Prodigious Power: That 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft of torque from the 6.2L supercharged V8 is simply monstrous. It gives the Demon 170 an immense power-to-weight ratio.
Drag Optimized: With its wide body design, drag radials, and aerodynamic enhancements, the Demon 170 cuts through the air and maximizes traction off the line.
TransBrake Launch Control: This advanced system allows for perfect, consistent hard launches by locking the transmission output shaft. It virtually eliminates wheel spin.
Lightweight Components: To shed excess weight, Dodge employed lightweight brakes, wheels, driveline components, and removed the passenger/rear seats.
It’s an engineering masterclass in extracting maximum straight-line performance from a street-legal machine.
Owner Reviews and Real-World Acceleration
While the numbers are amazing on paper, what do owners have to say about actually experiencing the Demon 170’s thrust in the real world?
Many positive reviews rave about the brutal, unrelenting acceleration and how it just seems to defy physics. Owners describe a visceral wave of g-forces that slams you back in the seat like nothing else.
“It’s hilariously, insanely, stupidly fast off the line. There’s just no other way to put it into words,” said one Demon 170 owner in an online forum.
However, some experienced drag racers note that it can be challenging to achieve the claimed times consistently due to traction and environmental variables. Dedicated drag prepping and tuning is often required.
“Unless you’re running sticky drag radials and have the launch technique down perfectly, you’ll probably only see 1.8-1.9 second 0-60 times on a good day,” remarked one owner.
How it Stacks Up Against the Competition
In terms of straight-line acceleration, the Dodge Demon 170 simply outmuscles every other production vehicle on the market today.
The 0-60 mph and quarter mile times put the latest supercars and hypercars to shame:
- Tesla Model S Plaid: 0-60 in 2.3 sec
- Lucid Air Sapphire: 1/4 mile in 9.2 sec
- Porsche 911 Turbo S: 0-60 in 2.6 sec
- Ferrari LaFerrari: 1/4 mile in 9.7 sec
No $1 million+ hypercar can match the Demon’s thrust off the line. It’s the ultimate bragging rights speed machine for the street and the drag strip.
Of course, those exotic machines hold big advantages in areas like top speed, handling, comfort, and day-to-day livability. But for smokin’ the competition from every stoplight, nothing tops the Demon 170.
Modifications for Even More Power
For some, the Demon 170’s factory power output still isn’t enough. The aftermarket is already delivering go-fast goodies to push acceleration into the further stratosphere.
Some of the most popular mods include:
- Ported/polished superchargers
- Upgraded fuel systems and injectors
- Bigger throttle bodies
- Steeper rear gears
- Drag radials with even stickier compounds
With the right combo of power-adders and drag racing upgrades, it’s entirely possible to see 0-60 times dipping well into the 1.4-1.5 second range.
But beware – reliability can become a major concern when pushing a factory powertrain to these insane extremes.
Pros and Cons for Street Driving
As a street-driven performance machine, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 delivers an intense, unparalleled driving experience. But it’s not without some drawbacks to consider.
Pros
- Staggering, never-before-seen acceleration for a production car
- Immense pride of ownership and street presence
- Exclusivity as one of just 3,300 units produced
- Outrageous, menacing soundtrack from the supercharged V8
Cons
- Extremely expensive $100K+ pricing, even for the base model
- Rough ride and very loud at all times, not a luxury cruiser
- Impractical for daily driving, difficult ingress/egress
- Terrible fuel economy, expect single digits in city driving
The Demon 170 is really meant as an ultra-high performance weekend toy and show piece. For those wanting a somewhat livable street performance car, Dodge’s other Hellcat models are better daily drivers.
Alternative Power Monsters to Consider
If the Dodge Demon 170 is simply too extreme of a performance machine, there are some slightly more tamed (but still very potent) alternatives to consider:
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: 797 hp supercharged V8, 0-60 in 3.4 sec, quarter in 10.8 @ 131 mph. More livable but still insane.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: 760 hp supercharged V8, 0-60 in 3.3 sec, quarter in 10.7 @ 133 mph. Immense bang for the buck.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: 668 hp supercharged V8, 0-60 in 3.4 sec. A delightfully rowdy yet sophisticated sports sedan option.
Tesla Model S Plaid: The all-electric rocket can hit 60 in 2.3 sec and runs the 1/4 mile in 9.2 seconds at over 150 mph, all with instant torque. A greener alternative to the Demon’s thunderous V8.
For those on a tighter budget who still crave straight-line thrills, the 650 hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and 760 hp Shelby GT500 also deliver blistering performance for $60-70K.
While none can keep up with the Demon 170’s purebred acceleration prowess, these rip-roaring machines still provide immense driving thrills and “wow” factor that will satisfy all but the most hardcore speed junkies.
Who Should Buy the Demon 170?
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 represents the apotheosis of the modern muscle car — an over-the-top domestic performance machine engineered solely to accelerate with violent force.
It’s purpose-built for hardcore drag racers and speed enthusiasts who want the ultimate bragging rights for stoplight heroics. If owning the quickest accelerating production car is your goal, this is the only vehicle that fits the bill.
However, its extreme nature, six-figure pricing, and very limited production numbers mean the Demon 170 just isn’t a rational choice for the average performance buyer. Its soul-crushing acceleration comes at the cost of daily drivability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
For those who don’t need the ultimate quarter-mile weapon but still crave prolific horsepower in a (relatively) practical package, Dodge’s other Hellcat models or the Camaro ZL1/Shelby GT500 make more sensible choices.
Common Issues and Maintenance
Anytime you cram over 1,000 horsepower into a street car’s powertrain, there are bound to be some potential durability issues and added maintenance considerations.
Some of the most common problems Demon 170 owners may face include:
- Overheating issues from extreme cylinder pressures
- Transmission failure if not using correct fluids
- Tire wear from brutal acceleration events
- Fuel system problems from running E85 ethanol
Beyond routine maintenance like frequent oil changes, there are a few added precautions:
- Use only Dodge’s specified high-rated coolant and transmission fluids
- Avoid any extended high-RPM, wide-open-throttle driving outside of short drag strip passes
- Inspect tires, driveline components, and supercharger regularly for damage
Following Dodge’s severe-duty maintenance schedule is an absolute must to ensure long-term component survival in the Demon 170.
Demon 170 0-60 MPH FAQ
Is the Demon 170 street legal?
Yes, despite its extreme performance focus, the Demon 170 is street-legal and can be registered and driven on public roads like any other production vehicle.
Does it need premium gas or race fuel?
The Demon 170 is designed to run on 109 octane E85 ethanol fuel for its full 1,025 hp output. However, it will still make 900 hp on standard 93 octane premium gasoline.
How much faster is it than the original 2018 Demon?
The new 2023 model shaves around 0.3 seconds off the original Demon’s 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds. It’s also around 0.2 seconds quicker in the quarter mile.
Is the Demon 170 the fastest accelerating car ever produced?
Yes, with its certified 1.66 second 0-60 mph time and 8.91 second quarter mile, the Demon 170 is the quickest accelerating production car in the world as of 2023.
How much does the Demon 170 cost?
The base MSRP in the U.S. is $96,666. However, due to extremely limited availability and high demand, dealers are charging over $150,000 for many Demon 170 examples.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is an extreme exercise in wringing maximum straight-line acceleration out of a street-legal production car. Its ability to blast from 0-60 mph in just 1.66 seconds thanks to 1,025 horsepower is simply mind-warping.
While many hypercars and exotics may ultimately be faster overall, nothing can match the Demon 170’s violent thrust off the line or its incredible quarter mile acceleration. It redefines what is possible from a factory-built American muscle car.
Of course, with such immense power comes significant compromise in terms of daily drivability, comfort, and efficiency. The Demon 170 is very much a specialized drag racing tool and not really suited for anything but hardcore acceleration shenanigans.
Still, for those who demand the ultimate in production car straight-line performance at any cost, the Dodge Demon 170 is in a class by itself. It’s an engineering marvel and rolling testament to the boundless ingenuity and passion of Detroit’s best and brightest performance minds.
