The Dodge Demon: Muscle Car That Redefined Performance
The Dodge Demon wasn’t just a muscle car—it was a drag-racing powerhouse. With 840 horsepower, a 9.65-second quarter-mile, and groundbreaking tech like the TransBrake, it became a legendary, street-legal beast built for dominance.
Key Takeaway:
- The Demon features an 808-hp V8 engine with a 2.7-liter supercharger.
- It’s the fastest production car, hitting 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds.
- The Dodge Demon holds a Guinness World Record for the longest wheelie at 2.92 feet.
Contents
A Name With History
The Dodge Demon wasn’t just another high-horsepower muscle car—it was a purpose-built drag machine that rewrote performance standards. While the Dodge Demon name dates back to the early 1970s as a Dodge Dart variant competing with the Plymouth Duster, it wasn’t until 2018 that it became an automotive legend.
Dodge had previously experimented with the name in 2007 for a concept roadster, but the true Demon arrived over a decade later, shocking the industry. Dodge engineers designed the Challenger SRT Demon as an extreme version of the Hellcat, pushing the limits of a street-legal drag car with record-breaking performance.
Unmatched Power And Performance
Under the hood, the Dodge Demon featured a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with a 2.7-liter supercharger, delivering up to 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque on high-octane racing fuel. This made it the most powerful production muscle car of its time.
- 0-60 mph: 2.3 seconds (fastest factory muscle car launch)
- Quarter-mile time: 9.65 seconds at 140 mph
- G-force acceleration: 1.8 Gs (highest of any production car at the time)
The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) deemed it too fast for competition without an NHRA-certified roll cage, proving its dominance.
Engineering Marvel: Air Grabber And Torque Reserve
One of the Demon’s key innovations was its Air Grabber hood scoop, the largest functional hood scoop ever fitted to a production car. It allowed the engine to inhale 173 cubic feet of air per minute—comparable to the lung capacity of 816 humans.
Another groundbreaking feature was Torque Reserve, which preloaded the supercharger with up to 8 psi of boost at launch, delivering instant power. This contributed to its record-breaking acceleration times, making it a drag-strip monster.
The First Production Car With A TransBrake
For hardcore drag racers, Dodge introduced the first-ever factory-installed TransBrake in a production car. This system locked the transmission’s output shaft, allowing drivers to build up massive launch torque before release—significantly reducing reaction time and increasing consistency. Combined with drag radial tires, a weight-reduction package, and specialized suspension tuning, the Demon was engineered to dominate the quarter-mile.
The Demon’s Guinness World Record
The Dodge Demon didn’t just excel in straight-line performance—it made history. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest wheelie by a production car, lifting its front wheels for 2.92 feet from a standing start. This feat was officially documented, further solidifying the Demon’s place in automotive history.
How Does The Demon Compare To Rivals?
While the Demon stood alone in raw straight-line performance, it had competitors in the high-horsepower segment:
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE – 650 hp, focused on track handling rather than drag racing.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – 760 hp, quicker than the Hellcat but not as extreme as the Demon.
- Tesla Model S Plaid – 1,020 hp, faster 0-60 mph but lacks the muscle car experience.
Despite these challengers, no factory-built muscle car matched the Demon’s drag-focused engineering.
Ownership Insights: Collector’s Value & Future Outlook
Though production ended in 2018, the Dodge Demon remains a highly sought-after collector’s car. Market trends show values steadily rising, especially for low-mileage, well-maintained models.
Current Market Trends:
- Original MSRP: ~$85,000
- Resale Value (2024): $130,000+ for well-preserved models
- Rarity Factor: Limited production run of 3,300 units (3,000 for the U.S., 300 for Canada)
With the automotive industry shifting toward electric power, the Demon represents one of the last great gas-powered muscle car icons.
Why The Dodge Demon Became A Legend
The Dodge Demon wasn’t just another muscle car—it was a purpose-built drag racing machine engineered for record-breaking performance. With its combination of extreme horsepower, cutting-edge technology, and historical significance, it became an instant classic.
For those lucky enough to own one, the Demon is more than just a car—it’s a piece of muscle car history that will be remembered as the ultimate street-legal dragster.
What Makes The Dodge Demon Legendary?
The Dodge Demon is legendary due to its 808-hp V8 engine, world’s fastest 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds, and its record-breaking wheelie, making it a symbol of ultimate muscle car performance.
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