4 Minutes
Demon 170 Steals the Show at Darlington
A recently released clip from Darlington Dragway in South Carolina puts a white Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 back in the spotlight. The short video shows the unmodified-looking Demon warming up its rear tires, launching hard at the tree and even lifting a front wheel briefly — the kind of raw, track-focused behavior that has made this model a favorite among drag racers and muscle-car enthusiasts.
On-track Action and the Rival Challenger
The run wasn’t just a solo pass against the clocks: the Demon lines up beside another Challenger, a green car that flashes into view and bolts off the line like a ballooned bullet. From the brief glimpse it’s hard to be definitive about the opponent’s spec, but it could easily be another Demon 170 or a heavily tuned Hellcat — both are capable of similar launch violence. The white Challenger, however, is the star of the clip and shows the combination of wheelspin, power delivery and traction management that makes the Demon 170 a drag-strip menace.
Vehicle Specifications
The Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the high-water mark for internal-combustion drag-focused muscle cars from Dodge. Key factory figures include:
- Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 (heavily upgraded)
- Peak power (E85): 1,025 bhp
- Peak torque (E85): 945 lb-ft (1,280 Nm)
- Power on E10: ~900 bhp and 810 lb-ft (1,097 Nm)
- Official quarter-mile: 8.91 seconds at 151+ mph (243+ kph)
- Reported runs: as quick as 8.8 seconds at 151+ mph; other private runs have broken into the low-9s or high-8s
- 0-60 mph: an astonishing 1.66 seconds (factory figure)
Performance, Launch and Fuel Strategy
What makes the Demon 170 so effective on the strip is the synergy between extreme power, traction hardware, and tuning. On E85 the engine delivers over 1,000 bhp, which combined with drag-oriented suspension, wide rear tires and advanced launch control produces dramatic off-the-line acceleration — including wheelies and massive burnout smoke when drivers prep the tires. The fuel choice matters: E85 unlocks the full 1,025 bhp potential, while E10 reduces output to around 900 bhp, a noticeable drop for maximal quarter-mile performance.
Design, Driving Feel and Market Positioning
Though its silhouette is classic Challenger, the Demon 170 is purpose-built for straight-line speed: structural reinforcements, aerodynamics tuned for stability, and interior modifications oriented toward racing rather than comfort. Price varies widely: examples trade from roughly $120,000 up to $250,000 depending on mileage, condition and any aftermarket changes. For buyers seeking the ultimate factory-era drag Challenger, the Demon 170 represents a niche but compelling value compared with bespoke race cars or limited-run exotics.
How It Stacks Up: Demon 170 vs. Hellcat vs. Supercars
Compared to Hellcat derivatives, the Demon 170 is in a different league for pure drag acceleration thanks to its higher peak output on E85 and race-oriented calibration. Against modern supercars and hypercars, the Demon’s 0-60 and quarter-mile numbers are startling: its sub-1.7-second 0-60 claim and high-130s to 150+ mph quarter-mile speeds outpace many exotic cars that cost far more. The trade-offs are obvious — the Demon is heavier and less nimble in corners — but on the drag strip it’s a benchmark performer.
Final Thoughts
The Darlington video is another reminder that the Challenger SRT Demon 170 can exceed its factory estimates in real-world conditions, especially when paired with the right fuel and track setup. Whether you’re a drag racing enthusiast, a muscle car fan, or simply someone intrigued by straight-line performance, the Demon 170 continues to be one of the most extreme, attention-grabbing production-based cars available.
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