Dodge ushers in the history’s strongest Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the swan song of the gas-powered American muscle car classic, but it’s one hell of a loud one.

The last special-edition Challenger ever comes powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 block as the Demon spec, but the company considers it “nearly all-new”. For one thing, the mill now receives assistance from a 40% more powerful supercharger, as well as an improved fuel system, spark plugs, connecting rods and valves. There is also a high-end intercooler in the mix.

The result amounts to a staggering 1,039 metric horsepower (1,025 hp / 764 kW) and 1,280 Nm (944 lb-ft) of torque as long as you pour in E85, which the car supports from the factory. Even running on regular pump gas, the beast ride still makes 913 PS (900 hp / 691 kW) and 1,097 Nm (809 lb-ft). The electronics on board automatically determine the ethanol concentration down to a percent and tune the internals accordingly.

The eight-speed automatic transmission enjoys a fresh calibration with many drivetrain parts, including the driveshaft, reinforced to withstand the loads. The use of special staggered rims and high-traction tires ensure maximum power delivery to the ground. The front wheels are actually larger at 18 inches across than the rear 17-inch ones, but the rear ones are wider. Forged aluminum is the default option, and you can go for part-carbon rims if interested. The suspension makes use of adaptive shocks and softer dampers.

Outfitted like this, the Challenger hits 60 miles per hour (9.66 km/h) in dizzying 1.66 seconds – but the company does mention a running start. It also leaves the standard quarter-mile drag strip behind in 8.91 seconds going at 243.28 km/h (151.2 mph) at the finish line. A host of driving assists will help drivers with acceleration. And if you wondered how hard it slams down on your chest, the overload at launch amounts to 2.004 G, the highest among production cars.

On the outside, you will recognize the ultimate Challenger by its massive hood intake, revised lights and missing fender flares at the front end. Those into street-racing may order a cabin layout with just one seat, an added bar for multi-point safety harnesses, and just a couple of lightweight audio speakers.

Pre-ordering will open on Monday, March 27, 2023. The starting price before any markups will be $96,666. Only 3,000 units will be made for the United States and another 300 for Canada.