The Dodge Challenger Is Being Permanently Discontinued, But It’s Going Out On A High Note
Before the Dodge Challenger is discontinued, a total of 3,300 Demon 170s Dodge Challengers will be manufactured.
Get ready to blast “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC when the 1,025-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 comes out, even if only for a short time. This speed demon is sure to sell quickly, as fans of classic muscle cars will pay top dollar for a limited edition and the last of its kind.
In recognition of the gas-powered, V-8-engined Dodge Challenger and the company’s transition into the electric vehicle age, Dodge created a monster—or, more precisely, a demon. The base price of a Demon 170, before adding on the gas tax that might put it over $100,000, is $96,666. This vehicle will be a mobile inferno in every sense of the word.
According to a recent CNN piece, a total of 3,300 Demon 170s will be manufactured, with 3,000 for the United States and 300 for Canada; however, production will be halted when Stellantis’ Brampton, Ontario, Canada facility, where the Challenger is made, closes at the end of this year. Tim Kuniskis, chief executive of Stellantis’s Dodge, claimed, “if all 3,300 cars haven’t been built by then, then that’s it. That’s all there will be.”
The adage “the devil is in the details” certainly applies to this Dodge. In ideal conditions, the Demon 170 can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 1.7 seconds, according to Dodge. It generates the most horsepower by utilizing E85 race gasoline, which contains up to 85 percent alcohol. Moreover, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 can cover a quarter mile in 8.9 seconds.
But before you get the Dodge Demon 170 while it’s hot (and scarce), let’s take a short drive along memory lane and then peak around the corner.
Modern Dodge Challenger, Circa 2008
In 2008, the modern Challenger made its debut. According to Carcovers.com, it was based on the 1970 version but improved. Indeed, the design was similar to the previous Challenger with several modifications. The performance of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and its homage to earlier versions made it a fan favorite. Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class influenced the front suspension, while the E-Class inspired the rear suspension. Air conditioning, cruise control, and 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard luxury amenities.
Enter the 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon
In 2018, Dodge introduced the drag-racing Challenger SRT Demon. With the Demon’s 840 horsepower, 770 lb-ft of torque, 5.3 seconds 0-60, 5.1 seconds to 100 mph, and 9.65 seconds to 140 mph, it was the most powerful production vehicle V8 engine at that time. The Demon had a tighter front suspension, firmer rear springs, and colossal drag radials that could be driven on the street. The two-step ignition timing made the supercharger eight pounds heavier, and the stock transmission brake ensured the launch was as strong as possible.
Fast-Forward to the Future
When the V8-powered Dodge Challenger and Charger are no longer made, the Charger Daytona SRT concept is slated to take their place in 2024. The company unveiled this two-door, all-electric muscle car in August that looks like a Dodge Challenger from the 1980s. The “R-Wing” front fascia, “Fratzonic” exhaust, and “split deltoid” with three arrow shapes are all references to Dodge’s long history and reminiscent of when Stellantis owned the company.
