2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: No Other Speed Like It
Clive Branson
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All muscle cars have one thing in common, exceptional V8 power on straightaways, but this Demon – appropriately named – has taken it preposterously one step further, clocking a quarter-mile distance in 9 seconds with few modifications. Replace the backseat and you can drive the same car in your street ‘civies’ to the supermarket.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon knocked the critics off their chairs when Chris Baily set a world record for the best quarter-mile time in a Demon at 7.82 seconds, flying down the track like some F16 fighter at 170 mph. “The only factory production muscle car that can lift the front wheels off the ground at the stab of the throttle. It is so devastatingly fast that the NHRA banned it from competition for going too fast at drag strips in street trim,” declares Sergio Palumbo, the owner of a similarly stunning 2018 Demon. “The Demon’s reputation is a badge of honour among Mopar aficionados.” Not surprisingly, the Demon’s Herculean engine is based on Satan’s chariot, the Challenger Hellcat; a supercharged 808-hp 6.2-litre Hemi V8 monster that can make other muscle cars look like the family station wagon. To support such provocative statements, Dodge adapted a proper suspension that has been set up for rearward weight distribution under acceleration.
The thrust of the car is married to Mike Tyson-sized black alloy tires for maximum traction. The torque has such kickback, the seatbelts will squeeze your crown jewels till they turn blue, or give you a hernia, whichever comes first. It might as well be deemed, not supercharged, but supersonic.
The Demon has three Drive Mode selections: Auto (a comfortable speed for going shopping); Custom (which allows the driver to select suspension and steering feel); and Drag Mode (for obvious reasons). The adolescent in you immediately switches to Drag Mode. When you can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds it almost demands a separate driver’s license to handle this speed. Let’s just say, you should be taught how to drive this car at Le Mans. Dodge wasn’t satisfied with the Hellcat’s results. Dodge wanted to elevate even the Hellcat’s 707-horsepower. I can’t help but think: When is enough power, enough? The result was the Demon. This is a car built for those who are sick and tired of being plastic-wrapped by society. Never has a production street car reached such unmatched numbers. This is endorsed by Sergio. “The acceleration is like nothing I have ever felt before. It is basically unheard of to have a vehicle that can easily be driven in the city, the highway, and also be right at home at the race track.”
Even stationary, it looks menacing. Viewing it from the front, it expresses its intentions via the broad black grille and the quad headlights. The aluminum hood features a wide and slim air intake that relieves the engine with a constant flush of cool air and was specifically designed for this version of the Challenger. Furthermore, the lower bumper sports an apron with a large centre air intake flanked by small side scoops and a carbon fibre splitter below the spoiler that is low enough to scoop snow on the road. This car just sucks on gravity with perfect wide-body balance. To complete the aggressive
appearance, Dodge installed a retro-styled duck-tail on the trunk lid. In addition, the Demon has a black rear fascia with wide rectangular taillights that highlight the black omnipotence of the car. Finally, underneath the rear valance, the automaker installed wide pipes to help the engine breathe out. Under its hood, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon features a tarmac-ripping 6.2-litre V8 powerplant and topped it with a 2.8-litre supercharger producing a massive 840 hp (852 PS), 6,500 rpm, and a huge 770 lb-ft (1.044 Nm) torque that could shred the rear tires in a split second. All that oomph was sent to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. Of course, you pay the financial price for such unique luxury. “Yes, it is expensive, but I only drive it on nice days, where smiles per gallon are mandatory,” nods Sergio knowingly.
Every aspect of the car is specifically designed to handle speed, from the transmission to the brakes, from the suspension to the tires, and to keep Sergio on the road, or at least, keep the car straight. “Some neat options include factory line lock, trans brake and dot approved street legal race slicks with skinnies up front.
It can handle high octane race fuel like its smooth-tasting bourbon. The factory transmission shifts from gear-to-gear in milliseconds, or if you prefer, you can use the factory paddle-shifter.” It truly is a racing car in disguise. Interestingly enough, with only 3,300 units in production, the Demon is one of the rarest American performance cars as well. It has the ideal concoction: Hollywood good looks, plenty of horizontal performance, and gloats with American pride. It’s rarity makes it quite the desirable machine for collectors, enthusiasts, and probably, former NASCAR drivers. “I’ve always been a fan of classic muscle cars,” confesses Sergio. “This car instantly became my favourite version of modern American muscle as it combines raw power with modern technology. Coming from humble beginnings, being able to purchase such a vehicle was truly a dream come true.”
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