Dodge has once again redefined the limits of muscle car performance with the introduction of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a machine engineered for unparalleled speed and power. This seventh and final “Last Call” special edition model is not just a car; it’s a statement, a culmination of the HEMI muscle-car era, and it arrives with a signature – the Demon 170 Key Fob, exclusively in red. Unveiled at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas performance festival, the Demon 170 immediately set a new benchmark for factory-produced performance.
Packing a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb.-ft. of torque from its production HEMI engine, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.66 seconds. It achieves the highest g-force acceleration of any production car at 2.004 gs. Even when running on E10 fuel, it still delivers a formidable 900 horsepower and 810 lb.-ft. of torque. The Demon 170 isn’t just about raw power; it’s about precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, all accessible, or rather, unleashed, with its distinctive red Demon 170 key fob.
A Legacy of Speed and Exclusivity, Encapsulated in a Red Key Fob
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is more than just the quickest vehicle in Dodge’s history; it’s a record-breaker. It’s the first factory production car to conquer the quarter mile in under 9 seconds, boasting an NHRA-certified time of 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. This incredible performance earns the Demon 170 an NHRA violation for running sub-nine-second quarter-miles without mandatory safety equipment, echoing the original Demon’s legacy of being too fast for the strip without modifications. And unlike its predecessor with its black and red key fob system, the Demon 170 leaves no room for restraint. Only a red key fob comes with this beast, symbolizing the unadulterated power within.
The original 2018 Challenger SRT Demon used a black key fob to limit horsepower and a red key fob to unlock its full potential. However, the Demon 170 operates on a different principle. Its horsepower is governed not by the Demon 170 key fob, but by its advanced sensors that detect the ethanol content in the fuel. This intelligent system ensures optimal performance based on fuel type, making the red Demon 170 key fob not just a symbol of power but also a key to a technologically advanced driving experience.
Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis, aptly stated, “To celebrate the end of the HEMI muscle-car era, we pulled off all the governors to reach a new level, a new benchmark of ‘factory-crazy’ production car performance.” He highlights the Demon 170 as the world’s first sustainable-energy, eight-second factory-production, street-legal muscle car, a testament to Dodge’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. And this pinnacle of performance is signified by the red Demon 170 key fob, a mark of distinction and entry into an exclusive club.
Engineering Marvels Under the Hood: Power Beyond the Red Key Fob
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170’s extraordinary power is a result of extensive component upgrades. Almost every primary engine power component of the 6.2-liter high output supercharged HEMI engine has been enhanced. This includes a modified 3.0-liter supercharger with a larger snout and 105mm throttle body, increasing boost pressure by 40 percent compared to the Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody. High-flow fuel injectors, capable of delivering 164 gallons per hour, and an integrated ethanol sensor ensure the engine is fueled for maximum output.
Driveline upgrades are equally significant, featuring an all-new driveline with a 240mm ring gear, stronger differential housing, and half shafts. The Demon 170 rides on massive 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, the first time such tires are offered on a production car. These enhancements, working in harmony, deliver the Demon 170’s record-breaking performance, a performance that is ready to be unleashed every time the red Demon 170 key fob starts the engine.
Key upgrades include:
- Improved Supercharger: Boosting pressure by 40% for enhanced power.
- Fueling Horsepower: Optimized for high ethanol fuel blends, adapting performance based on ethanol content.
- Driveline Upgrades: Reinforced components to handle extreme power and torque.
- Massive Drag Radials: Providing unprecedented traction for maximum launch force.
- TransBrake 2.0: Offering torque-shaping capabilities for optimized launches.
- Unique Drag Mode Suspension: Tuned for maximum weight transfer and drag strip performance.
- Staggered Widebody Design: First factory production car with staggered drag radials and fender flares.
Production of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is limited, adding to its exclusivity. With only up to 3,300 units planned, owning a Demon 170, and possessing its red key fob, places you in a very select group of automotive enthusiasts. The opportunity for original 2018 Demon owners to match their VIN further emphasizes the collectibility and unique nature of this vehicle.
Unlocking the Demon’s Potential: Ethanol and the Red Key Fob Experience
The “Corn Demon” teaser campaign hinted at ethanol as the key to unlocking the Demon 170’s full potential. The powertrain control module (PCM) automatically optimizes fueling and spark timing for both premium and high ethanol-blended fuel. The ethanol percentage is displayed in the instrument cluster, visually represented by a gas pump icon that changes color based on ethanol content. When the icon turns blue, it signals that the full 1,025 horsepower is unleashed, ready to be commanded with the turn of the red Demon 170 key fob.
Drag Strip Domination: Engineered for Speed, Started with a Red Key Fob
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is built for drag strip dominance. Its staggered drag radials and fender flares, a factory first, maximize launch force. The next-generation TransBrake 2.0 and uniquely tuned Drag Mode suspension further enhance its drag racing capabilities. Features like Line Lock, Launch Control, and Launch Assist are all designed to optimize performance on the strip. Even the wheels are engineered for weight reduction, with optional carbon fiber wheels available. Every detail, from the engine to the tires, is focused on delivering the quickest possible quarter-mile time, an experience initiated every time with the red Demon 170 key fob.
Demon Demeanor and Ownership Experience: Beyond the Red Key Fob
The Demon 170 is available in all Challenger exterior colors, including heritage and modern options. Unique badging, interior accents, and a serialized instrument panel badge further distinguish this special edition. Owners receive a commemorative Demon decanter set, adding to the exclusive ownership experience. Even a custom car shell is available, mirroring the Demon 170’s aggressive appearance. Owning a Demon 170 is more than just possessing a high-performance car; it’s embracing a legacy, a culture, and a community, all symbolized by the red Demon 170 key fob.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 represents the pinnacle of Dodge’s muscle car engineering. It’s a fitting “Last Call” to the HEMI era, delivering unprecedented power, performance, and exclusivity. And it all starts with the red Demon 170 key fob – your key to unlocking the ultimate muscle car experience.
