√Final Dodge Challenger V8 muscle car steps forward with more than 1000 horsepower

As a celebration of the end of the road for the Challenger muscle coupe, Dodge has created what is essentially a drag car for the road, able to complete the quarter mile in less than nine seconds.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been unveiled in the US, celebrating the end of a 15-year production run of the current-generation model – before the new model ditches V8 power to go electric.

To celebrate, Dodge has given the final Challenger some mind-bending numbers, with 764kW – or 1025 horsepower – which can send the coupe from zero to 100km/h in approximately 1.7 seconds, the company claims.

On E85 ethanol-blended fuel, the 6.2-litre V8-powered Challenger can complete the 400 metre drag strip in 8.91 seconds at 151mph (243km/h) – as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in the US – with its 3.0-litre supercharger helping to send 1281Nm to the rear tyres.

The rear tyres are 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, and the Challenger is the first production car to offer them – as well as being the first production petrol-powered car to cover the quarter mile (400m) in less than nine seconds.

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For perspective, it takes a Bugatti Chiron approximately 9.6 seconds to complete the same length of drag strip, despite producing 1103kW from its 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine and having all-wheel drive.

Dodge proudly says that driving the quarter mile in eight seconds in a showroom-spec Challenger SRT Demon 170 will result in the NHRA issuing a violation letter to the driver, effectively banning the car from NHRA-certified drag strips until a roll cage and parachute are fitted.

Dodge also claims the Challenger SRT Demon 170 delivers the highest G-force acceleration of any production car, at 2.004Gs.

MORE: 2024 Dodge Challenger and Charger may offer turbo six-cylinder beside electric power

Every part of the Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been designed to make it go fast in a straight line – from air intakes replacing headlights to upgraded driveshafts, and a differential case that’s 53 per cent stronger – essentially making this Challenger a production drag car for the road.

Just 3300 vehicles are to be built for North America, with a demonic price tag of $US96,666 ($AU144,900).

However, reports from Twitter suggest almost all allocations have already been sold, with the few remaining slots being offered for as much as $US175,000 ($AU262,300) over the sticker price.

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