The Demon of the Dragstrip: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

In the modern era of the automobile, manufacturers are obsessed with creating the perfect all-rounder: cars that can navigate a racetrack, comfortably commute to work, and get reasonable fuel economy. Dodge, however, decided to take a completely different approach. They looked at their already unhinged 707-horsepower Hellcat and decided it wasn't nearly crazy enough. The result was the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. It is a purpose-built, street-legal drag racing monster engineered with a singular, violent objective: to dominate the quarter-mile.

The 9.65-Second Factory Drag Car

When Dodge unveiled the Demon, they didn't just break the mold; they shattered it. It was the first production car ever designed specifically for drag racing. Its performance figures are so extreme they read like a typographical error.

When running on high-octane race fuel and equipped with its factory-supplied drag slicks, the Demon produces 840 horsepower. It launches with an unbelievable 1.8 Gs of force—the highest G-force acceleration of any production car ever built. It hits 60 mph in a verified 2.3 seconds. But its crowning achievement is the quarter-mile: it crosses the line in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph (225 km/h).

The 6.2L Supercharged V8

At the heart of the Demon is a heavily modified version of the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter Hemi V8. Dodge engineers upgraded over 50% of the internal components. It features a larger 2.7-liter twin-screw supercharger producing 14.5 psi of boost, strengthened connecting rods, a stronger crankshaft, and an upgraded valvetrain.

To keep this massive engine cool and fed with air, the Demon utilizes the "Air-Grabber" hood—the largest functional hood scoop of any production car (45.2 square inches). Furthermore, it features an innovative "SRT Power Chiller," which uniquely diverts the car's air conditioning refrigerant to cool the supercharger's air-to-water heat exchanger, drastically lowering intake temperatures before a drag run.

The TransBrake and Drag Mode

What truly separates the Demon from a standard muscle car is the integration of professional drag racing technology. It was the first production car to feature a factory-installed TransBrake.

A TransBrake mechanically locks the transmission in both first gear and reverse simultaneously. This allows the driver to hold the car completely stationary while applying throttle to build engine RPM and supercharger boost without relying on the footbrake (which would cause the car to creep forward). When the driver releases the steering wheel paddle, the transmission instantly disengages reverse, launching the car with explosive force.

Combined with a specially tuned "Drag Mode" suspension that softens the front shock absorbers to maximize weight transfer to the rear wheels, the Demon literally lifts its front wheels off the ground (a "wheelie") during a perfect launch.

The Demon Crate

Dodge offered a unique accessory for the Demon: the "Demon Crate," available to buyers for exactly one dollar. Inside this massive crate was everything needed to unlock the car's full 840-horsepower potential at the drag strip.

It included a new Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibrated for 100+ octane race fuel, a replacement switch module for the center console containing the high-octane button, a conical performance air filter, passenger mirror block-off plate, and a set of narrow front "runner" wheels designed purely for reducing rolling resistance on the drag strip. It also included a hydraulic floor jack, a cordless impact wrench, and a torque wrench, complete with the Demon logo.

Banned by the NHRA

The Demon's performance was so extreme that it achieved a highly unusual distinction: it was officially banned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) from competing in stock form.

The NHRA rules state that any car capable of running the quarter-mile faster than 9.99 seconds or faster than 135 mph requires a certified roll cage, window net, and the driver must wear a fire suit and helmet. Because the Demon left the factory capable of a 9.65-second run without a roll cage, it was deemed too fast to legally race without significant aftermarket safety modifications. Dodge famously advertised this ban as a badge of honor.

Technical Specifications (SRT Demon)

• Engine: 6.2-liter (6,166 cc) Supercharged Hemi V8
• Valvetrain: OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
• Power Output: 840 hp @ 6,300 rpm (on 100 octane race fuel); 808 hp on 91 octane
• Torque: 770 lb-ft (1,044 Nm) @ 4,500 rpm (on 100 octane)
• Transmission: TorqueFlite 8HP90 8-speed automatic with TransBrake
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
• Chassis: Steel unibody
• Weight: Approx. 1,941 kg (4,280 lbs)
• 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h): 2.3 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 9.65 seconds @ 140 mph