By Nyle Molina
If you make this deal with the latest Mopar devil, you will need some additional safety equipment to dominate your local track.
Automotive news and media outlets are on fire with the birth of a new Demon in the Mopar Family. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the company's last hurrah before they axe the HEMI-powered option for Challengers and Chargers. Similar to moves made by every other manufacturer, Dodge will soon have these cars propelled by electric powertrains.
The latest SRT Dodge debuted on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 20th, 2023. Drag Racing was the focus for this Demon, but the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is saying NO WAY. This Challenger's brute power has posted insane numbers for a factory-built car, leaving the automotive industry in awe. Now, the drag racing sanctioning body needs to make sure this beast is safe for tracks across the U.S.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About The Factory Drag Car: The Dodge Hemi Dart
Dodge Demon 170 Specs Get It Exorcised From NHRA Drag Strips
The sanctioning body, and authority, in American drag racing is the NHRA. There are several safety rules to follow. Running those weekend Test & Tune sessions with your personal vehicle must adhere to these standards as much as competition dragsters. Most people barely need a helmet to have fun on the drag strip, but as you post faster times, you must use specific safety gear.
NHRA's violation letter "ban" states that the SRT Demon 170 cannot run sub-nine-second quarter miles without a safety cage and parachute. That's right, this Dodge Challenger can hit the end of a drag strip in 8.91 seconds at 151 miles per hour! 0-60mph comes in only 1.66 seconds. It is mind-blowing to think about how this happens from a factory-built car.
You will have to build a custom cage to comply with NHRA's violation letter. That is because manufacturers cannot install one from the factory in the U.S. However, Mopar's Direct Connection performance parts supplier has a factory-backed solution for the parachute. Purchase and install one of these to get one step closer to demonizing your local track.
Related: Tesla Model S Plaid Faces Potential NHRA Ban From Drag Strips—Here's Why
E85 Gave Yellow Eyes To SRT Demon 170
Tuning for the highest horsepower numbers, if utilizing pump gas, requires E85. The corn derived fuel powers this Dodge Challenger with 85 percent ethanol (E85). That equates to 170 proof alcohol, hence the "170" designation and neck tattoo on the Demon emblem. The yellow theme from the Demon's eyes continues throughout the SRT Challenger to honor its design around the super fuel.
Using E85 unlocks the maximum output of the Demon 170's 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8. A total of 1,025 horsepower at 6500rpm, and 945 foot-pounds of torque at 4200rpm, is what you will summon to accomplish the blistering quarter-mile times. On standard gasoline (E10), the numbers drop to an equally impressive 900hp and 810ft-lbs. A nice Easter egg is the "Alcohol Injected" logo you can find on the hood.
Related: Watch How E85 Fuel Help This Dodge Viper Pull Incredible Numbers On The Dyno
The Challenger Demon 170 Is No Hellcat
It is better! Based on the Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine, this supercharged HEMI sees boost of 21.3psi versus 15.3psi in the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. A 105mm throttle body flows 33% more than the Redeye or 2018 Demon. It is big enough to fit your fist into, and helps punch a massive amount of air through the intake.
High-performance engines require efficient fueling and ignition systems as well. Dodge supports the demonic power numbers with an upgraded fuel rail, and injectors that can provide a flow rate of 164 gallons per hour. Lower heat range spark plugs support the use of E85 to optimize combustion.
To not blow up, the 6.2L HEMI in the Demon 170 has some heavy-duty components to keep everything together. Using high-strength steel studs for the aluminum cylinder heads adds 38% more clamping force. Aerospace-spec main bolts and billet caps allow a 44% increase in clamping load. Upgraded internals like connecting rods and bearings handle increased load from combustion pressure.
Related: This Dodge SRT Hemi Powered Dragster Makes An Insane 11,000 HP
SRT Demon 170 Scorches The Ground It Launches On
Dodge created the first factory production vehicle to have staggered drag radials with the Demon 170. A set of Mickey Thompson 315/50R17 ET Street R drag radials wrap the rear 17"x11" wheels. Another set of Mickey Thompson 245/55R18 ET Streets mount on 18"x8" wheels in the front. A carbon fiber wheel option will also be available to for greater weight savings. Lightweight brakes, hollow sway bars, and interior deletes are standard in the overall fat-trimming scheme.
Beefier driveline components handle the extreme forces the Challenger Demon 170 creates. The rear prop shaft is 30% stronger than the 2018 Demon from a larger tube diameter and wall thickness. A stout rear axle housing boasts a 53% increase in strength. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) castings accomplish this along with 43-spline axles shafts.
Next-generation TransBrake 2.0 allows the driver to run blazing burnouts, and hard launches. Demon Drive Modes also help tailor the SRT Challenger to the specific situation. Specific drag-focused suspension aids in keeping this beast under control.
Related: 10 Things You Should Know About Using Track Mode On Roads
How To Tame The Demon 170 Into Your Garage
Dodge will be producing 3,000 units for the U.S. (plus 300 for Canada). Limited production and toasting 0-60mph times will also pair with more customized goodies. This includes matching the VIN to your existing serial number if you own a previous Demon model, and an exclusive decanter set to honor the alcoholic E85 gulping monster.
Pricing starts at $96,666 before destination and fees. Place an order today through the Dodge Horsepower Locator tool at DodgeGarage.com. You will also have to sign a waiver, as with previous models, that acknowledges the devilish characteristics of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.
Sources: Stellantis
