The Dodge Demon has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts, especially those interested in ballistic performance. So, when the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was unveiled in Las Vegas recently, many were eager to see how it would compare to its predecessor, the 2018 Dodge Demon. While the 2018 Demon was certainly no slouch, the 170 takes things to a whole new level.
With an even more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and numerous other enhancements, the 170 packs so much more. So, what sets the 170 apart from its predecessor? Let’s look closer and see what makes the Demon 170 a far more potent machine as opposed to the 2018 Demon.
A Head-To-Head Comparison
The Demon & Demon 170 both share similarities, but significant differences make the Demon 170 more powerful. The OG Demon introduced the high-output 6.2-liter engine, with 25 major component upgrades from the Hellcat, including a 12.5% bigger supercharger and an increased boost pressure from 11.6 PSI to 14.5 PSI. On pump gas, the original Demon produces 808 horsepower and boosts up to 840 horsepower, while the Demon 170 produces a whopping 1025 HP on E85 fuel and 945 pound-feet of torque for effortless acceleration that will leave you breathless!
Furthermore, the 2023 Demon can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds and complete a quarter-mile run in 8.91 seconds at 151.2 mph on a prepped dragstrip. In comparison, the 2018 model goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and completes a quarter-mile run in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph.
The Demon 170 is an absolute monster - it's undergone a major upgrade of almost every engine component, resulting in an out-of-this-world 47% increase in boost pressure to 21.3 PSI! Its larger 105 mm throttle body enables 33% more airflow volume, and its awesome cylinder pressures reach up to 2500PSI when using E85 fuel – that's 32 % higher than the original Demon model.
The Dodge Demon Challenger 170 will have another 3,300 units made, ensuring its exclusivity remains intact. It has genuinely taken its performance to the next level. Both vehicles are banned from the NHRA as they run sub-nine-second quarter miles without a safety cage or parachute stock. The Demon 170 is now the most powerful mass-produced vehicle in the world.
Get A Thrilling Experience With Power-Drunk Supercharged V-8
The Demon 170 is a whole new beast. To handle the incredible force of this powerful machine, significant components have been reinforced with pistons and connecting rods crafted from billet caps for enduring strength. Even the cylinder-head bolts can’t keep up; they’ve been replaced with more resilient studs that won’t bow under pressure!
Moreover, the new Dodge Demon 170 is a force to be reckoned with: its powerful 3.0-liter supercharger, giant throttle body, and 164 gallon-per-hour fuel injectors allow it to achieve an impressive 1,025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque - all you need for full potential is a tankful of E85! So it’s no surprise that the “170” in its name refers to E85 is 85% alcohol or 170 proof; if that didn’t raise eyebrows enough already, this eye-popping muscle car also comes complete with whiskey stones decanter so that owners can make their mark on the road.
How The Demon 170 Differs From Its Counterpart
The Demon 170 may look like its predecessor, but there’s more than meets the eye with this new iteration. You can enjoy a sleeker look with the absence of front fender extensions. The additional engine and drivetrain fortifications have slightly increased the car’s overall weight, but you shouldn’t let the extra weight fool you.
The Demon boasts 18x11" Wheels Nitto NT05R tires (315/40R18) for impressive grip on the road. Meanwhile, the Demon 170 model is equipped with 18x8" front, and 17x11" rear wheels paired with Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires (315/50R17 rear, 245/55R18 front) to handle the power and deliver maximum performance.
But perhaps the most significant difference with the Demon 170 is that there is no Demon Crate on offer this time around, but the 170 now offers a seat for a friend, unlike its single-seater predecessor - though at a cost.
The 2023 model comes with a higher price tag of $100,000 compared to the 2018's $86,000. In addition, shipping costs for the 2022 model have increased by around $400 compared to the previous edition, which was $1,100. While the price difference is a substantial $14,000, inflation must be considered. In terms of production volumes, the 2018 version saw 3,000 sold in the U.S. and 300 in Canada.
Getting The Power To The Ground
With its revised suspension designed for instantaneous power transfer, the Demon 170 also packs a punch of torque routed through an eight-speed transmission. Moreover, Dodge beefed up the driveshaft - 0.4 inches larger in diameter than before with 30% more robustness compared to the Hellcat Redeye. In addition, the 3.09:1 rear axle is even stronger now, boasting shot-peened gears and a pressure cast case that offers a 50% increase in strength over the previous model!
Dodge was willing to wait for the perfect component - Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires – before launching their latest high-performance vehicle, The Demon 170. As a result, optional ($11,000) titanium bolt carbon fiber and aluminum wheels are available for those who desire an even faster time on track day; these lightweight options shave 32 pounds off of the standard wheel choice and spin up speedily due to a more centralized weight distribution. So get ready to feel the ground shake beneath your feet as you unleash this monster.
Go From Zero To Hero With the Demon 170 In Under A Minute
When it comes to speed, Dodge leaves its competition in the dust. But let’s not forget about the dragstrip prepped with VHT that helped achieve their incredible times. Without that sticky, tarlike coating, the Demon 170 might not be as impressive as it seems. On an unprepared surface, the 0-60 time is expected to be in the low two-second range, and the quarter-mile result will be firmly in the nines.
Nonetheless, the Demon 170 is not a car that can easily knock out repeatable max-attack sprints to 60 mph all day. But Dodge has built a few new tools to help drivers tame this hell beast. The driver can simply flat-foot the throttle in the starting box thanks to the reworked transmission-brake launch procedure. Even if the tires spin on launch, the driver can turn to the Demon’s infotainment system to dial in a custom torque curve for the first 1.6 seconds of subsequent runs.
Own A Piece Of History With The Incredible SRT Demon 170
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is an absolute monster of a Muscle car, designed for those who want to experience pure adrenaline and power on the road. While it may not be the most practical choice for everyday driving, it’s a showstopper that will turn heads wherever you go. This car is a fitting tribute to the end of the Hellcat era, showcasing the best of what combustion muscle cars offer before the world transitions to electric power.
So in short does the Demon 170 live up to the hype? Hell yeah, 100 percent. With its stunning performance capabilities and impressive engineering, the Demon 170 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most insane production cars to ever hit the road. If you’re a gearhead who craves warp speed and excitement, there’s no doubt that the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 can deliver, provided you can get your hands on one that is.
For more on how the Demon stacks up against the Demon 170, MarSpeed takes an in-depth look at how the two compare.