Dodge Demon 170 Review: Last True Muscle Car's Brutal Sendoff

Raw Power Meets Purpose

The Dodge Demon 170 isn't just a car—it's a violent statement. As the final evolution of gasoline-powered muscle, this 1025hp beast (running on E85) demands respect. After analyzing Throttle House's hands-on experience, we confirm what makes this limited-production monster special: uncompromising focus on drag performance. Forget daily usability; this is engineering for quarter-mile warfare. With only 3,300 units built globally, it represents the end of an era where horsepower trumped everything.

Engineering the Demon

Core Philosophy: Drag Strip Dominance

Dodge didn't just tweak the Demon—they redefined it. The Demon 170's upgrades serve one brutal purpose: annihilating the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds. Key innovations include:

3.0L supercharger (larger than a Toyota Supra's engine)
Strengthened crankshaft and half-shafts to handle brutal launches
Unique staggered wheels (smaller rears for massive Mickey Thompson drag radials)
Trans Brake 2.0 for perfect launch control
E85 fuel system producing 1025hp (when ethanol quality permits)

According to SAE-certified testing, this setup generates 945 lb-ft of torque. The NHRA famously banned it for breaking 9-second runs without safety cages—proof of its terrifying capability.

Driving the Untamable

Real-World Brutality

Behind the wheel, the Demon 170 delivers visceral terror. As Throttle House experienced:

Acceleration defies physics: "Quarter-throttle feels like full power in lesser cars"
Traction is a myth: Even with drag radials, power overwhelms pavement
Supercharger whine dominates the sensory experience
Brakes feel inadequate for the velocity

Critical insight: The suspension is deliberately softer than standard Demons. This enables weight transfer during launches—essential for grip on prepped surfaces. On mountain roads? It’s "panic-inducing" but perversely thrilling.

The Drag Strip Paradox

Contrary to belief, launching this car requires elite skill. As MilesPerHour (owner and drag specialist) confirmed:

Tire pressures must be meticulously adjusted
Burnouts are mandatory to heat the rubber
Trans Brake settings need constant tuning
Without VHT track prep, it’s hopeless

This validates why purists argue it’s "wasted" if never drag raced. Yet the sheer absurdity of street driving delivers its own joy.

Cultural Legacy and Controversy

Last of the Mohicans?

The Demon 170 embodies traditional muscle philosophy: brute force over finesse. We argue its significance stems from:

Rejecting modern performance trends (AWD, hybrid tech)
Prioritizing straight-line speed above all
Offering "more of everything" without compromise

Debate point: Is the CT5-V Blackwing a superior driver’s car? Absolutely. But the Demon 170 stays true to muscle roots—it’s a dinosaur with a nuke for a heart.

Future Collectability

With Dodge shifting to electric Chargers, this marks the end. Investment potential is strong due to:

Limited production (300 units in Canada)
Historical significance (final ICE Challenger)
Over 80% value retention observed in early Demons

Demon Tamer's Toolkit

Actionable Steps for Owners

Find a prepped drag strip—street driving wastes its potential
Verify ethanol purity—low-quality E85 costs 25hp
Practice launches—master the Trans Brake before competitive runs
Check tire pressures—factory recommends 15-18psi for drag mode
Film your runs—data logs help refine technique

Expert Resources

NHRA Rulebook: Essential for safety compliance (avoid bans)
Mickey Thompson Tech Guides: Tire pressure/heat cycle management
Throttle House YouTube: Real-world driving dynamics (for context)
MilesPerHour Channel: Owner insights on launch tuning

Verdict: American Excess Perfected

The Demon 170 isn’t just fast—it’s a beautifully stupid celebration of power. Worth $110k? For collectors and drag racers, absolutely. For others, it’s a museum piece proving gas engines went out swinging.

"When trying drag radials, what pressure settings gave you the best hook? Share your setup in the comments!"