BRING IT! These Demons are still among the most powerful muscle cars to come out of Detroit in decades
September 3, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
Coming to the 2019 Las Vegas Auction: Several fine, low-mileage examples of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, what will likely be the ultimate collectible muscle car for generations to come.
Lot #724 has 26 actual miles and is presented in Indigo Blue paint.
In 1966, one of the most significant upheavals in the American auto industry was a single event known as “the Dodge Rebellion.” This marketing slogan took the brand to a new level in the eyes of performance-car buyers everywhere. Their pitch was more than just talk, since the almighty Street HEMI was unveiled at the very same time. Today, 53 years later, the Dodge Rebellion is still alive, doing extremely well and spreading goodwill to all those around it ‒ not to mention 9-second time-slips and wheelies on demand.
Lot #768 is #665 of 3,300 built. Heavily optioned with 695 actual miles. Goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, a quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds. Demon Crate included.
The modern Dodge Demon package pretty much gave every other performance car manufacturer in the world a run for their money. Follow that with the two sweetest words in all of racing ‒ Supercharged HEMI ‒ and you can see why this car is poised to create its own destiny in the collector market, a quarter-mile at a time.
Advertised horsepower is practically off the chart at 840. The torque rating is also substantial at 770 ft/lbs. The Demon’s blower is larger than the Hellcat’s and works with an upgraded intercooler, dual fuel pumps, bigger injectors and more boost. The sound of the blower whine is absolutely demonic, but in the very best way. A Direct Connection control unit permits the engine to use 100-octane gasoline when required.
Lot #674 is one of 122 2018 Dodge Demons in Redline Red. Has 600 actual miles and comes with Demon Crate and all accessories, original Window Sticker and keys.
The HEMI’s power burst is managed by what some have called the 21st-century TorqueFlite, only this one is an 8-speed. In the early ’60s, Dodge turned the tables on the drag racing scene with 3-speed automatic cars that could routinely best manual 4-speed competitors through the quarter-mile. So, it should be no surprise that the king of the quarter-mile today is still packing the ultimate evolution of Chrysler’s signature automatic transmission.
The Demon couldn’t look any more aggressive if it wanted to. It’s 3.5 inches wider than the Hellcat thanks to bulging wheel-well flares. The car is roughly 200 pounds lighter than the Hellcat as a result of countless tricks and tweaks. Then there’s the hood scoop that’s large enough to suck in an inattentive pedestrian. A selection of exterior hues reminiscent of Chrysler’s Psychedelic ’70s makes these cars impossible miss on the streets. So, don’t bother trying to sneak through traffic unnoticed when you’re in the driver’s seat.
This Demon headed to Las Vegas is #42 of 3,300 produced, and one of 174 finished in Octane Red. Has 34 actual miles and includes the Demon Crate.
The Demon Crate goodies that come with the package include narrow front wheels and tires to cut down wind and track-surface resistance during dragstrip passes. You’ll also find a bag of handy tools in addition to a cordless impact wrench, a hydraulic floor jack, a torque wrench and a tire pressure gauge, all designed to get the maximum out of the car on the old 1320. A modular roll bar also comes with the Demon option and can be installed in minutes for dragstrip action, then disassembled and stored just as quickly for the drive home. Some bag of tricks.
Lot #698 is #2,639 of 3,300 produced in the U.S. and Canada. One of 135 in B5 Blue and has 78 actual miles, as well as the unopened Demon Crate.
Just like that original Street HEMI, the modern Demon puts up the right numbers to stake claim to its place in history. Here are a few of our favorites. Zero to 60 in 2.3 seconds. Quarter-mile passes in 9.65 seconds with trap speeds of 140 miles per hour, all certified by the National Hot Rod Association. This machine can pull the front wheels on launch and generate 1.8 positive G-forces in the process ‒ the highest number ever recorded for a production vehicle legal for the street.
It’s easy to see how these precious few cars hold great ownership opportunities, since they will surely be hailed as the ultimate collectible muscle car for generations to come. The timing couldn’t be better to take ownership of your very own Demon, and let the good times roll. Long live the rebellion.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the 2019 Las Vegas preview docket (with more vehicles being added daily), click HERE.