Dodge Demon Engine: More Than Just A Cool Name?

Sandy B
Feb 9, 2021

Red 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon From Driver Side

When you buy a muscle car, you want a big engine, with huge horsepower opportunities and one that sounds pretty cool, too. That’s why you may be interested in the Dodge Demon engine. While it’s no longer produced, it’s still quite sought after for various reasons.

What are the specs for the Dodge Demon engine? 

The Dodge Demon engine is a 6.2L (370 ci) V8 engine capable of 808 horsepower at 6800 RPMs (603 kW) and 717 lb-ft. (972 N.m). This supercharged engine goes 0-to-60 in 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 203 mph. 

Yes, it’s one of the biggest and boldest of engines out there, but there is a lot more to know about this engine. Whether you plan to buy a car with it or you’re thinking about tweaking your own, we’ll break down the history and answer questions here.

What Is the History of the Dodge Demon Engine?

The Dodge Demon has long been a powerful vehicle, one often sought after by those who want as much power and performance as is street legal (or even more). The vehicle was produced initially from 1971 to 1972.

This was an exceptional vehicle, though it was simply a more powerful Dodge Dart. The vehicle had dual exhausts, a Rallye instrument cluster, and a heavy-duty suspension system. What really made it though, was the engine.

This was a 340-cubic inch 4-barrel engine. It was capable of 275 horsepower. You could also purchase a 318-cubic inch V8 engine, capable of 230 horsepower if you wanted it.

These engines could hit 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. They also got to a quarter-mile in just 9.65 seconds. That’s incredible speed. This vehicle didn’t last long and was only produced those two years. Many regulations limited this vehicle’s success then.

One of the reasons it was pulled is because of its name. In 1971, the term “demon” wasn’t okay to use as readily as it is today.  That, and having too much horsepower, forced the company to rethink its vehicle and engine.

However, the Challenger SRT Demon came along in 2018. It brought back a lot of the features of the original Demon engine, and with it was ample performance that people love.

As an SRT vehicle, this vehicle is in the same line with other highly powerful vehicles, including the Dodge SRT Hellcat, Dodge SRT 392, and of course, the Dodge Viper SRT.

Now, we have the supercharged 6.2-L HEMI Demon V8 engine. This engine produced 840 horsepower and hits 770 lb-ft. It’s truly an impressive upgrade from the original Dodge Demon but still remains highly controversial because of its power.

Unfortunately, Dodge has once again pulled the Demon out of our hands, limiting our access to these powerful engines.

What Models Featured the Dodge Demon Engine?

The Dodge Demon engine has morphed through the years. However, this engine is found on several vehicles:

  • 1971 and 1972 Dodge Demon
  • 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

People Also Ask These Related Questions About the Dodge Demon Engine

Because this engine comes and goes so frequently, it’s easy to become confused by what it is and what is available today. Let’s break down some of the most common questions asked about the Dodge Demon engine today.

What Engine Is in the Dodge Demon?

The original Dodge Demon vehicle featured a 340-cubic inch 4-barrel engine getting 275 horsepower. The more modern Demon engine is a 6.2L V8 engine. This supercharged vehicle features an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Which Is Faster, the Demon or the Hellcat?

These vehicles are highly competitive. The Dodge Hellcat can go from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. The Demon shaves off that time by going 0 to 60 in 2.3 seconds. However, over distances, the Hellcat can hit a quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds. The Demon does this in 9.65 seconds.

Why Did Dodge Discontinue the Demon?

There is a lot of speculation as to why this is. The company said it produced the 2018 model as a one-time investment. It was not intended to be a long produced vehicle but rather a special muscle car designed for limited access. That’s only driving the value up.

Is the Dodge Demon a Street-Legal Car?

The answer here is yes. It is legal to drive the Demon on roadways. It is considered a sports or muscle car. It is sure to turn heads when you are on the road, too. There are limitations, and, of course, you can’t use the highest speeds on streets.

How Can You Buy a Dodge Demon Now?

Because it is out of production, it is harder to find or buy these cars. The company manufactured just 3300 units of the Demon in 2018. It does not have any plans to make more of them, which means it can be hard to find one even in the best of situations.

Which One Is Better, the Dodge Demon or the Redeye?

There are plenty of ways to spin this question, but the answer often comes down to speed. The Dodge Demon takes 9.65 seconds for a quarter-mile. The Redeye does this in 10.8 seconds. The Redeye, though, hits top speeds of 203 mph while the Demon hits 140 mph.

Is the Dodge Demon the Fastest Engine Out There?

This vehicle really does kick up the speed and has the fastest time from 0 to 60. However, the Bugatti Chiron is nearly identical, and the Tesla P100D with Ludicrous Plus mode can do it in 2.3 seconds.  That makes the Demon the fastest.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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