Introduced in 2008, when Dodge basically revived the nameplate after a 25-year hiatus, the fourth-generation Challenger is the oldest muscle car available in U.S. showrooms and one of the longest running models as of 2017. Using underpinnings that date back to the W211-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2002-2009), the Challenger managed to survive all these years agains the more modern Mustang and Camaro, redesigned in 2013 and 2015, respectively. But, even though the Challenger is dated compared to its rivals, it can be had with some of the most powerful drivetrains its segment, which is one of the reasons it’s still popular with pony car fans.
One of these engines is the supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 that pumps no fewer than 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque in the Challenger SRT Hellcat. The impressive output makes the Hellcat the quickest and most powerful factory muscle car ever built. Most gearheads love it and dream about, while others 
find it rather ludicrous. Well, prepare for something downright insane, as Dodge is preparing Challenger to end all Challengers. It goes by the name SRT Demon and will break cover at the 2017 New York Auto Show.
Confirmed in January 2017, the Demon is pretty much a mystery right now. It’s design isn’t difficult to imagine since it’s based on the Hellcat (also confirmed by teasers and spy shots), but we’re still waiting for hints as to what might lurk under the hood. More details should become available as Dodge launches more teasers, so make sure you stick around for updates. Meanwhile, check out my speculative review below for what we already know about the Demon.
Continue reading to learn more about the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
Exterior
Although the first teasers don’t provide too many details as to what will set the Demon apart from the Hellcat, we did spot a bigger hood bulge, a larger front bumper splitter, and a new spoiler atop the trunk lid. Further details come from a couple of spy shots posted by Instagram user “illegal_machine,” which shows that the Demon also sports wider wheel arches front and rear. These were likely design to accommodate wider wheels. All these features were also seen in the video in which Vin Diesel discussed the upcoming “Fate of the Furious” film, which was posted in December 2016. Apparently no one paid much attention to the two silver-painted cars, mostly because they were thought to be customized Hellcats.
The SRT Demon will be the most menacing-looking Challenger on the street!
Alongside the new features described above, the Demon will also have a couple of “demon’s head” badges and logos on its body, as well as a revised SRT badge. The car in the spy shots also appears to have unique wheels. Although the rear fascia isn’t visible, I expect it to boast a redesigned bumper and new exhaust pipes. Other than that, the Demon should be very similar to the Hellcat. However, with Dodge advertising it as a much lighter car, several body panels could be made from carbon-fiber.
All told, the SRT Demon will be the most menacing-looking Challenger on the street!
Interior
Not much is known about the Demon’s interior, but the Instagram spy shots reveal a “Demon” logo for the display in the instrument cluster and unique “SRT” logo for the main infotainment screen. Everything else remains a mystery, but don’t expect more than just a mildly revised version of the Hellcat’s cabin. Changes could include a different flat-bottom steering wheel, more “Demon” logos and badges on the dashboard and center console, revised sides, and maybe unique upholstery and trim.
Note: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat interior shown here.
Don’t expect more than just a mildly revised version of the Hellcat’s cabin.
Other than that, expect to find the same features you would get with the Hellcat. Highlights will include aluminum trim and French-seamed stitching on every leather surface, an electronic shifter with a driver-oriented T-handle on automatic models, and a throwback ball shifter on manuals. The Demon should come standard with heated and ventilated front seats with large side bolsters and SRT-embroidered Nappa leather/Alcantara trimming.
Drivetrain
There’s little doubt that Dodge won’t use the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter V-8 in the Demon, but it remains to be seen how much oomph the supercharged engine will generate in the new setup. My best guess is that Dodge will go with around 800 horsepower, which will be almost 100 more than the Hellcat’s 707-horsepower rating. Torque should also increase from 650 to at least 700 pound-feet of twist.
I don’t think Dodge will go with more than 800 horsepower as a higher output could ruin the V-8 reliability. What’s more, with the Hellcat being wild enough at 707 ponies, a 900- to 1,000-horsepower Challenger could prove very difficult to tame on public roads.
Note: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat interior shown here.
My best guess is that Dodge will go with around 800 horsepower.
Naturally, a higher output engine will result in a quicker car. I expect the extra horsepower to shave a tenth-second off the Hellcat’s 0-to-60 time. Specifically, the manual model should get there in 3.8 seconds, while the automatic should hit the benchmark in 3.5 ticks. Of course, assuming that Dodge will offer both transmissions. As far as top speed goes, the Demon shouldn’t have any issues hitting more than 200 mph.
The big question here is, will the Demon have all-wheel-drive? With the Challenger now available with AWD through the GT model, Dodge could borrow the system for every version of the coupe, including the Demon. Granted, a high-performance muscle car with all-wheel-drive might start a riot among purists, but performance could improve dramatically. With 800 horsepower sent to all four wheels, the 0-to-60 sprint could drop in the low three-second range with the manual transmission and maybe below three seconds with the automatic. An all-wheel-drive Demon would be really cool, but I’d be happy with the RWD version too.
The revised drivetrain will also bring significant upgrades to the chassis, as well as bigger brake discs and upgraded calipers. Dodge might also use several lightweight components here given that the Demon is supposed to be lighter than the Hellcat.
Prices
As the quickest and most powerful vehicle of the lineup, the Demon will also become the most expensive Challenger. There’s no hit as to how much it will cost yet, but with the SRT Hellcat priced from $64,195, the Demon could fetch at least $70,000 before options. That may sound like a lot compared to the base $27,100 Challenger, but hey, we’re talking 800 horsepower here.
Competition
Competition? What competition? There is no competition for the Hellcat or the Demon from Ford and Chevrolet. At least not from the factory. If you want a Mustang or a Camaro as powerful as the Demon, you’ll have to take it to aftermarket tuning shops.
Shelby GTE
While not in the same category with products from Hennessey or Callaway, the GTE isn’t exactly factory-built either, with Shelby making conversions of stock models. The GTE package was developed for both the EcoBoost and GT versions of the Mustang and output can be as low as 340 horsepower, but the Shelby also offers a 750+ horsepower upgrade for the V-8 model. There’s no specific word whether output can exceed 800 horses, but it should be possible given that Shelby can deliver Super Snakes with more than 1,000 horsepower. The GTE also gets Shelby exterior elements for a more aggressive look, unique components inside the cabin, and a carbon-fiber pack for a lighter car. The 750+ version can also be fitted with track-ready cooling systems, a short-throw shifter, Wavetrac differential, a bespoke twin-disc clutch, and 3:73 or 3:55 gearing. Shelby also offers track-ready suspension and braking systems, which are highly recommended for the supercharged V-8 engine option. Specific pricing for the 750+ horsepower model isn’t yet avaialble, but the GT model starts from $50,644. My best guess is that range-topping upgrade goes for around $70,000.
Read more about the Shelby GTE here.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 by Hennessey
If you’re a Camaro guy, you can take your Chevy to either Callaway or Hennessey for a powerful mod. But while Callaway does a great job, I’d recommend Hennessey as the Texas-based firm has some of the most insane packages for the Camaro ZL1. The HPE800 upgrade takes the ZL1’s supercharged V-8 to 800 horspeower, but you can take things a bit further with the HP850, which has 854 horsepower. But if you want to really knock down every Demon in your path, the HPE1000 and its 1,000 horsepower at 6,300 is the ultimate answer. This amazing package comes with a high-flow supercharged system, forged pistons and steel rods, custom camshaft, and upgraded fuel system. Hennessey also adds an intercooler heat exchanger, long-tube stainless steel headers, and high-flow catalytic converters. The HPE1000 has a one-year or 12,000-mile warranty, but less powerful upgrades have two-year warranties. Pricing information is not public, but expect to pay in excess of $60,000 for any of the three upgrades.
Find out more about the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 by Hennessey here.
Conclusion
There isn’t much to say about the Demon at this time except that it will be freaking awesome! Sure, 800 horsepower isn’t anything new in the muscle car world, but the really fascinating thing about the Demon is that it will be a factory-built vehicle with full warranty and all the niceties that come with a car purchased from a dealership. Hopefully the Demon will give both Ford and Chevrolet something to think about and we’ll see some Mustang and Camaro competition in the future.
Press Release
When the Demon makes its New York City debut in April, it will be more than 200 pounds lighter than its current Hellcat brother.
Based on the clues given in the video, “adjustments” have been made to the wheels, steering, suspension, brakes, interior construction and components.
Fans are encouraged to watch the 24-second “Reduction” video multiple times at www.ifyouknowyouknow.com for clues to follow the story of what’s next from Dodge and SRT.
In case you missed it:
Leading up to the New York reveal, Dodge is launching its first-ever pre-debut video teaser campaign, including a new website www.ifyouknowyouknow.com, where fans and followers can get weekly updates, download sharable content and gain insight into the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s engineering prowess.
The first video “Cage” debuted January 12.
In the coming weeks, Dodge will continue to bring fans and followers in on more details by slowly peeling away layer upon layer of the new Challenger SRT Demon via video shorts that highlight the engineering that has gone into its development.
All videos in the series will be featured at www.ifyouknowyouknow.com. A countdown clock tells viewers when the next installment will be uncaged. The final chapter arrives when the Challenger SRT Demon is revealed in New York City, prior to the New York International Auto Show.
Dodge is promoting the teaser campaign on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media pages, directing fans to www.ifyouknowyouknow.com and encouraging them to use the hashtag #DodgeDemon.