2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Debuts With 1025 HP and 945 LB-FT

Prices start at $96,666 before destination tax. Dodge plans to build 3,000 for the US and 300 for Canada.

After a development delay and a lengthy Last Call teaser campaign, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is finally here, and it has some impressive specs. When running on E85 fuel, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 1,025 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 945 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. Even on E10 gas, output is still 900 hp and 810 lb-ft.

Making a whopping 1,025 hp, the Demon 170 can hit 60 miles per hour in 1.66 seconds. It completes the quarter mile in an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. You’d probably need to be on a prepared drag strip to achieve those numbers, according to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis.

Gallery: 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The 170 name refers to two things. It comes primarily from E85 ethanol which is 170 proof. The other allusion is the Dodge Direct Connection Hellephant C170 crate engine, with which this model shares some DNA.

The Demonic Powertrain

This is not just a modified demon. To achieve these impressive performance numbers, Dodge had to replace almost the entire powertrain. The camshaft is the only major component carried over from the engine. The compressor’s displacement grows to 3.0 litres, against 2.7 liters in the Demon, and the throttle body is 105 millimeters, instead of 92 mm on the previous model. That boost is now 21.3 psi, compared to 15.3 psi in the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody.

The Demon 170 has smart engine management that can tell what percentage of ethanol is in the petrol. The system adjusts fuel and spark timing to optimize powertrain performance. There is even a display on the instrument panel showing the ethanol proportion. A full 1,025 hp is available when the figure is over 65 percent.

The transmission continues to be an eight-speed automatic, and the Demon 170 gets an improved TransBrake 2.0. It allows the driver to mash the gas and then pull a gear shift to start at the strip. In addition, a person can adjust the torque in tenths of a second increments to adapt the system to put down the power in precisely the fastest way.

Dodge Direct Connection accessories allow drag racing-focused customers to order parts such as a harness bar, carbon fiber rear seat panel and even a parachute.

The rest of the pack

A set of 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials in the rear put the power down. At the front there is thinner 245/55R18 rubber. However, these tires don’t perform well in wet or cold weather, so Dodge offers an optional wheel-and-tire package for times when drag radials aren’t appropriate.

Buyers can shed significant weight by getting another optional set of wheels that blend forged aluminum and carbon fiber. With them, the Demon 170 throws 20.12 pounds up front and 11.98 pounds out back over a Challenger Redeye Widebody.

The suspension consists of Bilstein adaptive dampers that raise the rear end by 0.39 inches. The drag mode setting adjusts the setup to firm up the front while softening the rear. Compared to a Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody, the 170 also has softer springs and sway bars that improve weight transfer during a launch.

Devilish appearance

The front design is largely carried over from the previous Demon, but the 170 does not have fender flares—a change that saves 16 pounds. A new badge features a 170 neck tattoo and yellow eyes, alluding to the E85 fuel.

The Demon 170 is available in 14 exterior colours, including the heritage colors B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple and Sublime Green. All are available with Satin Black on the hood only or on the hood, roof and trunk.

Inside, buyers can get the Demon 170 with just a cloth-upholstered driver’s seat and no rear bench. To limit the weight, it is possible to specify to get a car without trunk carpet, soundproofing and stereo with two speakers.

For people who want luxury with muscle, a mix of black Alcantara and Laguna leather is available. This setup also features heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and an 18-speaker stereo. A sunroof is an option.

To summon the demon

The Demon 170 retails for $96,666 before the destination charge. Dodge plans to make 3,300 of them – 3,000 for the US and 300 for Canada. However, the final number will depend on production capacity because the company will only make them from July to December 31, 2023.

Dodge will begin taking orders on March 27, 2023. The company will prioritize orders that dealers place at MSRP in an effort to deter markups. Interested buyers can view the available dealer assignments now at DodgeGarage.com.

Owners of an original 2018 Challenger SRT Demon will be able to request a Demon 170 VIN number that will match the previous model. For example, if someone has the 47th demon, that person can get the 47th 170.

Buyers get a package that includes a Demon-style carafe with owner’s name and vehicle VIN engraved, Demon-branded coasters and whiskey cubes, rocks glass, Demon 170 supercharger badge cover, and an illustration on the inside top of the package cover.