That's a Wrap: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Production Officially Ends
The final 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon rolled off the production line at Fiat Chrysler’s Brampton Assembly Plant on Wednesday. While the Ontario facility continues building the Chrysler 300, as well as Dodge’s Charger and Challenger, the drag-focused Demon’s time on Earth has passed.
Currently a black-on-black beast, the car will be repainted “Viper Red” before joining the last Dodge Viper ever made at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction. The duo will be part of a packaged lot, representing the final chance to own either vehicle with no miles on the odometer, with all proceeds from the sale benefitting the United Way.
Rated at 840 horsepower, assuming you’re using the right fuel, the Challenger SRT Demon was as odd as it was vicious. Dodge claimed it as the industry’s “first and only purpose-built, street-legal production drag car.” However, its potential 1/4-mile time of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph meant it required a competition license and roll cage — neither of which can be provided by the factory.
Dodge proudly boasted that the car was so fast that it was “ officially banned by NHRA.” That’s a half-truth and some exceptionally clever marketing. While you’d be asked to leave the track if you took an unmodified Demon and gave it the beans, simply letting off before you hit the finish line should keep most drivers from getting into trouble. In fact, you can make as many runs as you want, so long as you keep your final 1/4-mile above 9.99 seconds.
Limited to a single production year and just 3,300 units, the SRT Demon is the only four-wheeled production vehicle we know of that is capable of wheelies. We’re incredibly sad to see it go and we imagine the same goes for the dealers — some of which marked up the $84,995 car to over $175,000.
Running from June 20th to the 23rd, the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction will be held at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. If you’re an incredibly wealthy Mopar fanatic, details on the Viper/Demon sale can be found here.
[Images: FCA]
Consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulations. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Since adding automotive writing to his repertoire, he has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, discussed the status of the automotive sector on national broadcasts, participated in a few amateur rallying events, and driven more rental cars than anyone should ever have to. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and learned to drive by twelve. Alleged to be contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer and motorcycles.
More by Matt Posky
Latest Car Reviews
Read moreLatest Product Reviews
Read moreRecent Comments
- MaintenanceCosts We need a $15k EV, probably a tall hatch, that satisfies US safety standards with reasonable comfort and durability and a warranty. That would actually be affordable to the median wage earner.
- Calrson Fan I'll take a simple over cheap. Although that should equate to cheap or at least cheaper. I'm so over all the useless & intrusive tech. common in today's cars & trucks. Which is why I drive older stuff. We need more vehicles geared towards simplicity and longevity, like the Slate. if that ever makes it to market. As I once heard on American Hot Rod, less is more. Isn't that the truth!
- 28-Cars-Later Maybe it will eventually change but as of right now even if you spend the money to build these stations everywhere, if the electricity sold is 100%+ of what its sold for in residential rates it will never take off. To a degree a convenience charge amount (of not 100%) could fly but smart owners will understand the trade off and limit their use of it. Those without home charging capabilities simply won't continue to pay through the nose on electricity - a utility of which has skyrocketed even wholesale and I suspect will continue to do so.
- KOKing Need and want are definitely different, especially today. Not only are relative expectations different from 40-50yrs ago, but used cars' value/features/quality probably make them more attractive options than a couple generations ago. I suspect for the same $21k as a Hyundai Venue, a lot of people would choose a ~5yr old Ford Explorer instead. Today's gas prices might make some think twice, but a lot of the same people probably won't think as far as repair costs.I think something interesting to look at in other global markets where historically cheap, small cars continue to be available, where cheap Chinese cars are becoming available, whether the latter end up quickly displacing the former in the low-cost segment long-term (I suspect yes).
- Lorenzo What the American market needs is a 1997 Honda Civic EX in coupe or sedan form, fully loaded like in 1997 at 1997 prices ($19K) or a slightly bigger 1997 Nissan Altima GXE sedan with the larger 2.4L engine and reliable Jatco automatic for about the same price. I have owned both, and wish I had either one back so I could get rid of the keyless Cr**p, the drive-by-wire, and the touch screen, and operate the car myself with buttons and knobs..
Comments
Join the conversation
Haven't been to a drag strip in over a year, not seen one at a car show. In fact the only place is on TV during a Mecum auction.
FCA and the United Way: birds of a feather.