For decades, the Dodge Challenger has stood as a symbol of raw American muscle, blending retro design with modern engineering. Since its modern revival in 2008, it has cultivated a loyal following of enthusiasts who crave power, performance, and presence on the road. Among the many variants that have emerged, few have captured attention like the Demon—a car engineered to push the boundaries of street-legal performance.
Now, in 2023, Dodge has unleashed its most extreme creation yet: the Challenger SRT Demon 170. The Demon 170 represents the culmination of over a decade of performance innovation, designed for those who believe a car should not only move you but leave a trail of thunder in its wake.
A Glimpse Under the Hood
The result? A jaw-dropping 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque—figures that firmly place the Demon 170 at the top of the street-legal performance food chain. What sets this version apart is its ability to run on E85 ethanol fuel, a high-octane blend that allows the engine to unlock its full potential. When running on E10 gasoline (standard pump fuel), it still produces a brutal 900 horsepower—but it’s only when fed E85 that it transforms into a full-fledged drag strip demon.
Even more impressive is its quarter-mile time of 8.91 seconds at 151 mph, making it the first production car ever to break the 9-second barrier on a drag strip—all without any aftermarket modifications. This level of performance isn’t just about brute force—it’s the result of careful engineering and tuning. A larger 3.0-liter supercharger, strengthened pistons, improved valvetrain components, and recalibrated fuel systems are just a few of the upgrades that enable this beast to perform at such a staggering level.
The 2023 Demon 170 isn't just fast—it’s a technical marvel. Every detail under the hood has been optimized for maximum output and reliability, ensuring this car not only dominates the strip but also upholds Dodge's legacy of delivering unmatched performance at a relatively accessible price point.
Track-Ready Engineering
Delivering over a thousand horsepower is only part of the story—the real challenge lies in harnessing that power and putting it to the pavement efficiently. They had to ensure the entire car was engineered to survive—and thrive—under the intense forces of high-speed acceleration and drag racing. One of the most critical upgrades is the reinforced driveline, designed to handle the extreme torque generated by the HEMI V8.
The suspension, too, has been optimized specifically for drag racing. Tires play a crucial role as well. The Demon 170 comes factory-equipped with 315-width Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, a first for any production car. Braking, though often overshadowed by acceleration, hasn’t been ignored. High-performance Brembo brakes ensure the Demon 170 can be safely brought back to a stop after blistering quarter-mile runs, and the chassis has been stiffened to maintain control and stability at high speeds.
In essence, every component of the Demon 170—from the suspension geometry to the cooling systems—has been meticulously tuned for one purpose: to dominate the drag strip while remaining street legal.
Read Also : 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Limited Edition Exclusivity
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 isn’t just a high-performance monster—it’s a rare breed. Adding to the sense of exclusivity, Dodge introduced a unique opportunity for owners of the original 2018 Challenger SRT Demon. If a previous Demon owner places an order for a 2023 Demon 170, they can opt to have the same VIN number assigned to their new vehicle. This thoughtful nod to continuity creates a rare collectible pairing that links two iconic muscle cars in a personal and historical way.
Every Demon 170 comes with a commemorative "Last Call" plaque under the hood, signifying its place as the final iteration of Dodge's V8 muscle legacy. The badge also includes a silhouette of a demon with a "170" neck tattoo—an evolution of the original Demon logo—symbolizing the ethanol fuel (170 proof) that helps unleash its full potential. This detail not only reinforces the car's identity but also gives it a visual flair that's both symbolic and aggressive.
Buyers also have the option to customize their Demon 170 with a range of paint colors and finishes—including vintage Dodge heritage colors—to further enhance its uniqueness. Dodge’s Direct Connection program also allows enthusiasts to fine-tune or accessorize their vehicles with official performance parts, without voiding warranty coverage. Because of its rarity, performance pedigree, and end-of-an-era status, the Demon 170 is already being seen as a future classic.
Design and Style
In fact, the design is a crucial part of its identity—bold, aggressive, and unmistakably muscle. Every line, vent, and stance cue exudes the car’s drag-strip intentions while honoring the classic Challenger silhouette.
Exterior: The exterior design of the Demon 170 balances form and function with purposeful aggression. It retains the widebody stance that gives it a planted, intimidating presence, with flared fenders that house massive 315mm drag radial tires on all four corners. The front end features a functional dual-snorkel hood that feeds cool air into the supercharged HEMI engine, helping to optimize performance during high-intensity launches.
Subtle yet distinct visual upgrades set the Demon 170 apart from other Challengers. The rear spoiler is finished in satin black, complementing the aggressive color options and emphasizing its racing focus.
Owners can personalize their Demon 170 with 14 available paint colors, including heritage hues like Plum Crazy and B5 Blue. The interior materials strike a balance between sport and substance. Alcantara and leather-trimmed seating, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and custom Demon 170 badging on the dashboard and digital display add a premium touch. The instrument cluster features unique startup animations and performance timers tailored to drag strip use.
