2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Photos, engines & full specs

Dodge went full-throttle and let all the wild dreams of its engineers go live when it developed and launched the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, a car so potent that the NHRA banned it.

Dodge had a long history of creating unusually fast vehicles out of almost anything. It made the Lil’ Red Express pickup in 1979 the fastest American vehicle at that time. It also built the Ram SRT10 in 2004 and transformed it into another go-fast utility vehicle. However, in 2018, Dodge changed the pace and created the 840 hp (852 PS) Challenger SRT Demon, a car that could complete the quarter-mile run in stock form in less than ten seconds. That was enough for the NHRA to ban it from racing since it didn’t feature a parachute, albeit that was offered as an option by the automaker. However, Dodge didn’t just make the coupe go faster than any other Dodge ever made; it also transformed the car’s appearance and provided it with an unusual options list and a rather scarce interior despite its six-figure price.

From the outside, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon looked different than its siblings, but only a trained eye could see that. Viewed from the front, it expressed its intentions via the broad black grille and the quad headlights. The aluminum hood featured a wide and slim air intake that helped to cool the engine and was specific for this version of the Challenger. Furthermore, the lower bumper sported an apron with a large center air intake flanked by small side scoops, while it featured a carbon fiber splitter below the spoiler.

From its profile, the widebody kit was one of the elements that characterized the Challenger Demon. A unique badge featuring the contour of a demon adorned the front fenders. The lowered suspension and the standard black alloy wheels made the vehicle look meaner. To complete the aggressive appearance, the automaker installed a retro-styled duck-tail on the trunk lid. Finally, at the back, the Demon had a black rear fascia with wide rectangular taillights and the Dodge lettering between them. Finally, underneath the rear valance, the automaker installed wide pipes to help the engine breathe out.

Inside, the base version of the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon featured a high-bolstered driver seat and the dashboard. The automaker didn’t install a side-passenger seat or a rear bench in the back, albeit these were available as an option for one USD. These were considered unnecessary while drag-racing, and it was right. On the other hand, the AC unit and the touchscreen for the infotainment system remained in place. The former was needed to cool the air intake, while the latter was useful to provide additional information to the driver.

Under its hood, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon featured a 6.1-liter V8 powerplant. It was supercharged and produced a massive 840 hp (852 PS) and a huge 770 lb-ft (1.044 Nm) torque that could shred the rear tire in a split second. All that oomph was sent to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.