The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon scorched new roads (and many a quarter-mile) as the most powerful street-legal, factory production car. But, is the high-performance Mopar muscle a good investment today?
Simply put, there is no other car on the market like the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Every aspect of the car embodies the pure, iconic spirit of the muscle car. Built for quarter-mile dominance, it is also versatile to work as a daily driver.
However, the limited-edition 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s rarity and pedigree make it an investment too. It is possible to find one in the preowned car market, but it may require patience and research — and a decent size budget considering that the reported going rate is between $95,000 and $131,000.
The Dodge Demon’s unparalleled performance includes best-in-class power and speed. This big power is largely due to the mighty supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Demon V8 engine. With irresistibly bold and aggressive styling and a comfortable well-appointed interior, the Challenger SRT Demon is a thrilling Mopar muscle car.
Produced only in 2018, it is a rare car. As such, demand has driven the price up in the used car market. Additionally, this is a serious machine and the track-bred potency may be too much car for some casual drivers. Maintenance and gas costs are higher than average. And the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is only offered with an eight-speed automatic, no manual.
As a high-performance car, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will require extra care, upkeep, and a breaking-in period to acclimate the driver with the machine. Ultimately, the Challenger Demon carries the spirit of Dodge’s 1960s- and early 1970s-era muscle cars, honing it with modern Mopar hellfire.
For those looking for a quarter-mile menace that can’t help but stir the senses, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is unmatched.
Birth of Muscle
As a result, Dodge became one of the most prolific and trailblazing names in the pony and muscle car game. With noteworthy nameplates like the Challenger and the Charger, Dodge was producing some of the first high-performance American cars.
First introduced in 1970, the first generation of the Challenger was a huge success initially. But due to the energy crisis, it only ran until 1974. It returned from 1978 to 1983, with a disappointing slant-six-powered subcompact to keep up with the times.
Finally, the Challenger returned in 2008 and it was completely reborn. Technology had evolved and the Challenger was taking full advantage. With a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 under the hood, it was 425 horses of purpose-built Mopar fire. And in keeping with the rise in temperature, Dodge offered the Challenger in SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat trims.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Demon Specs
In 2018, Dodge wanted to build a true drag race Challenger trim. After the success of the 707-horsepower Charger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat, Dodge felt they could increase the output and keep the price point reasonable.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon came off the lines and roared onto the scene powered by an 840 horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Demon V8. Paired to the very good eight-speed automatic gearbox, the engine gets 808 horses base and 840 and 770 lb.-ft. of torque on high-octane gas.
One key to the Challenger SRT Demon’s output is feeding the beast a lot of air. The SRT Demon’s Air-Grabber hood includes the largest functional hood scoop (45.2 square inches) of any production car. And in the front, the Demon uses halo lights that include surround intakes to let the engine breathe.
Specialized equipment on the Demon includes additional cooling systems, a transbrake, launch control, adaptive suspension with a drag mode, 18-inch wheels, four-piston lightweight brakes, an active exhaust system, and more.
For $1, drivers can include the Demon Crate; a very cool collection of performance parts, tools, and other components to boost performance.
With such an incredible powerplant, the rear-wheel-drive Demon was making and breaking records–and possibly a few laws of physics. 2018’s Challenger SRT Demon was named the world’s most powerful factory-production V8.
Certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), the Demon could run the quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, which also made the Demon the fastest quarter-mile car in the world. It also meant that the Demon was so impossibly fast, that the NHRA subsequently banned them for being too powerful. Blazing from 0-30 mph in one second, and sprinting 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds; it was a machine.
This is a driver’s car. With muscle style and adrenaline-inducing speed, it has the added value of comfort. It can seat four and is roomy inside. Dodge cut back on some interior amenities to keep the car lighter, but it doesn’t feel shortchanged.
There is ample cargo space, top-notch audio, infotainment screen that can also record track time, comfy seats, and more. However, the Demon did not come stock with passenger and back seating–but could be added on for–you guessed it–$1.
Another cool feature on the Challenger SRT Demon is that it was the world’s first production car to lift the front wheels at launch, setting the World Record for longest wheelie from a standing start by a production car at 2.92 feet, certified by Guinness World Records. And if that wasn’t enough, the Challenger SRT Demon also registers the highest g-force (1.8 g) ever recorded at launch in a production car.
Safety Ratings
Safety features include Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The NHTSA gave the 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon an overall rating of five out of five stars. And the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing to determine the car’s safety is “Good.”
Is the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Expensive?
It is, but it is an investment. Dodge only produced the Challenger SRT Demon for one year, and a total of 3,300 vehicles. It is absolutely possible to find one, but it may require patience and research. Having gone up considerably in value, it is following the hot muscle car market. The good news is that the Demon will only increase in value due to its rare pedigree and provenance.
Like any luxury car, sports car, or high-performance car, it will need to be well maintained to retain as much value. Well taken care of, the in-demand Demon will sell considerably above the $84,995 MSRP it was offered for in 2018.
Cost-wise, Hagerty gives the 2018 Demon a valuation of $95,000 for good and going up to $131,000 for Concours. Prices right now are skewing higher, and a clean, low-mileage Dodge Demon was likely to cost an average of $120,000.
What is Better: a 2018 Challenger or a Demon?
In 2018, the Dodge Challenger offered a number of trim options. The SRT Demon is the range-topping Challenger trim. Modified from the base Challenger, it is best suited for those who plan to use it on the track.
Otherwise, all the power and race-specs are unnecessary and will add considerably to the cost. Especially given a base 2018 Challenger can be found in the $27,900 range.
Ultimately it comes down to personal choice. In want of a muscle car, most drivers will find most Challenger trims offer ample kick and stellar performance.
But if a driver is seeking the pinnacle of American muscle, there is nothing better than the Challenger SRT Demon.
Is the Dodge Challenger Demon a Reliable Car?
Yes. Dodge Challenger and Challenger SRT Demons rate very high for reliability. J.D. Power rated the Demon an 83 out of 100. Scoring 81/100 for quality and reliability, 87/100 for driving experience, and 87/100 for resale value.
Where Can I Find a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon?
We looked around online and with Dodge and muscle car enthusiast groups. As a result, we were able to find like-new 2018 Demons for $119,000 at a car dealership, $119,000 at a used car dealer, $129,000 at DuPont Registry, and $134,000 on Edmunds.
Do your research, check out all dealers, and be aware that it will take time.
Is the High Cost of a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Worth it?
Ultimately, it is hard to find a muscle car with more grunt and glory than the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. It is a high-performance car that satisfies on every level. Truly, this is a car that engages the driver in a visceral way that is rare and special.
Yes, it is a higher-maintenance car. And given the competitive market, it is unlikely that any sellers are going to play ball. But is it worth it? It really is. For those who want to drive the car off the track and across the country, this is the perfect Mopar muscle equipped to thrill the right enthusiast.
Photos: Dodge
