The Dodge Demon is everything but ordinary; this car is an experience. A name that has transcended generations, the Demon has always been synonymous with power, performance, and drag racing dominance.
The Demon has been a symbol of excellence in the automotive world since the 1970s. Its formula is easy but irresistible: take a standard Dodge, plonk a performance-built V-8, beef up the drivetrain, and make it accessible to those who crave speed and performance.
As a result, the Demon has always pushed the boundaries of what we believe is possible and demanded its place as an icon among high-performance vehicles. Let's discuss the history and evolution of the Demon name and how it continues to capture our imagination while pushing new boundaries.
The 1968 Hemi Dart: The OG Demon's Ancestor
Back in the late 1960s, automakers were in fierce competition to win on the track and sell in showrooms. Among them, Chrysler Corporation reigned supreme thanks to their 426 Hemi engine, which dominated the racing circuit. However, in 1968, Dodge and Hearst took the competition to the next level by collaborating on the creation of one of the fastest cars in the world.
By fitting the powerful 426 Hemi engine into an A-body Dart GTS chassis, they produced a lightweight drag racer that was street-legal and capable of running mid-10-second quarter-mile times. This model was a triumph of engineering and it managed to take the muscle car world by storm and laid the foundations of what was to follow.
The 1971 Dodge Demon 340: A More Affordable Speed Demon
In the early 1970s, the automotive industry was facing a lot of challenges. Political pressures, bad press, emissions regulations, and insurance premiums were all making it tough for manufacturers to keep up. But where others saw limitations, Dodge saw opportunities. They really had to get creative with their models, and that's where the Demon 340 came in.
This model was a revelation, offering incredible horsepower-per-dollar value. Its 340 cubic inches V-8 engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission, could reach quarter-mile times of below 14 seconds. And with Dodge's SCAT packages, the car was capable of even greater performance upgrades. The Demon 340 defied the odds, proving that even in the most difficult of times, innovation can thrive. However, despite its impressive value proposition, the Demon 340 only stuck around for a short time. So what happened to the Dodge Demon 340?
It's a question that many car enthusiasts have had forever. Some believed the car was too powerful for its time, but the real reason was less exciting. People's preferences were changing. For example, there were concerns that religious individuals would have difficulty justifying driving a Demon to church on Sundays. Since then, times have changed in ways no one expected. The oil crisis really did eventually take its toll on the Demon name and it would be confined to the history books for decades to come.
The Demon's Dormancy, Resurrection And Evolution
The resurrection of the Demon was no ordinary project. The team codeine Benny worked tirelessly to create the ultimate drag-focused Challenger trim, and to do so, they needed the help of SRT or street and racing technology.
With an 840-horsepower monster powered by a highly modified Hellcat 6.2-liter Hemi engine, the team created a vehicle that could essentially wipe the floor with even the most expensive exotics. But with only 3300 examples and limited to one year model, it's no wonder the Demon sold out almost instantly.
The Demon 170: The Final ICE Powerhouse
Since its initial release in 2017, the Dodge Demon has been the talk of the town among hardcore car enthusiasts. The final iteration of the Demon, the Demon 170, has taken things up to the next level. With the ability to run on 85% ethanol, this car showcases the latest advancements in flex-fuel technology.
Moreover, the Demon 170 has 1025 horsepower and reaches a quarter-mile in less than nine seconds, making it the fastest production car in the quarter mile. From its lightweight carbon fiber wheels to its need for a parachute on NHRA drag strips, the Demon 170 is an engineering phenomenon that will go down in history as one of the all time greats.
Reflecting on the Demon, it's hard not to be nostalgic about how far it has come. The Demon has undergone a tremendous transformation over time and has reached its ultimate form with the 170.
Despite the global shift towards electric vehicles, the Demon's dominance will be trying to challenge in the quarter-mile. The car's unparalleled acceleration and raw power make it the king of the drag strip.
The Demon 170 has many cutting-edge features creating a winner on the track with every inch of the optimized for maximum speed and performance. Developing the Demon 170 with such impressive performance took years of meticulous engineering. However, all that hard work has paid off for Dodge as the Demon 170 owners benefit from their dedication and perseverance.