Dodge Demon Hints, Once Again, at Its Output While Showcasing Track Settings
Dodge dropped another unsubtle hint at the drag-focused Challenger SRT Demon’s power output this week, inserting it in a teaser that showcased the car’s unique performance data recorder for its Uconnect infotainment system.
After saying “nothing is a coincidence and everything means something” in an earlier press release, Road and Track speculated that a stamped serial number, reading 0757, was likely the the number of horses hiding beneath the Demon’s hood. Today, FCA let loose another video that showed the “Performance Pages” application in action, with the clock set for 7:57.
FCA has issued loads of cryptic messages over the last couple of months, but with the biggest question seemingly answered, perhaps it will be a little more straightforward when it comes time for the next announcement. I wouldn’t bet on it. As for the performance app, Dodge says the Demon will have graphical interfaces for just about everything a spec-hungry amateur drag racer could want, along with some extra bells and whistles for the strip.
The best of these are a driver-selectable line-lock, rpm-variable launch control, and a programmable shift light that’s adjustable for every single gear. Also included in the Performance Pages is a device to measure reaction time and individual timers for 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph, eighth-mile, and full quarter-mile runs. All of these also include vehicle speed, making the car a mobile drag strip. There are also progressive graphic displays for engine horsepower and torque, with gear changes plotted.
More practical features offer real-time readouts for all of the important stuff — engine oil pressure and temperature, coolant temperature, transmission fluid temperature, intake air temperature, air-to-fuel ratio, intercooler coolant temperature, boost pressure and battery voltage. The SRT Demon will also run the cooling fan and intercooler pump after engine shutdown until a targeted temperature is reached, hinting that the beast will probably achieve boost beyond the Hellcat’s paltry 11.6 PSI.
Like most new cars, this Dodge comes equipped with various preselected driving modes: Auto, Drag, and Custom. The latter can be coupled with whatever power level, steering response, suspension setup, traction control, and shift points you desire. However, all of the modes offer some level of customization for suspension, power, and steering. Once you’ve specified those and made a few passes, you can go back and look through all of the recorded performance data. You also might be able to record video using the app, similar to the Performance Data Recorder on the Chevrolet Corvette or Camaro 1LE. While dodge said nothing about it, I did notice a small camera logo near the top of the Performance Pages interface.
We’ll know for sure in April when the monster makes its official debut at the New York Auto Show.
[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I just loooooooove how every marketing group teasing everything from video games to cars is now following the major film studio model of "accidental" releases and "teaser" images beginning twenty months before the actual product.
Since the demise of the Viper, I wish they would have a track with turns oriented car again. Even if it is an Avenger 4.0 ACR built on a RWD Alpha platform. I WOULD buy that.