Hellacious, monstrous, bombastic, mind-blowing, an "absolute beast" — the Twitterverse has no shortage of colorful euphemisms for Dodge's new hellhound, the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon. But for those of us at a loss for words, there's always the devil emoji.
After being teased for months, the Challenger SRT Demon was unveiled — rather, unleashed — at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. Later, a lucky few, including Managing Editor Joe Bruzek, got to experience the beast at a Demon launch event at Lucas Oil Raceway drag strip in Indianapolis.
With 840 horsepower, the Demon is billed as the fastest and most powerful production V-8 in the world. It goes from zero-to-60 mph in 2.3 seconds and is capable of a 9-second quarter-mile. With devilish good looks to boot, it's enough to bring a tear to your eye. Just blame your tears on burnout smoke. (We won't tell.)
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon ������ 840 Horsepower out of the factory is enough to make a grown man cry �������� #dodge #demon #MuricanMuscle pic.twitter.com/S0SRn04pc4
— AmericanMuscleCars (@MuricanMuscles) July 9, 2017
The Demon was made to breathe fire on a drag strip, which means that videos of Demon screams and burnouts abound. Activating the Demon's line-lock feature applies brake pressure to the front tires only, allowing the back tires to spin freely. The ensuing burnout earns the beast its name.
I just got goosebumps from watching the @Dodge Demon launch video even though I've seen it 10 times ������
— Olivia Copeland (@LivCopeland) July 19, 2017
I'd be lying if I said I haven't been watching videos on the dodge demon for the last 30 minutes
— Kailin Kenworthy (@_kay_doh) April 24, 2017
After seeing the Demon in all its fury, most people's first thought is "whoa" — and their second thought is, "I want that. Now." But with a starting price of $86,090, including destination, that does not include passenger seats (those are $1 extra), the Demon doesn't come cheap.
The Dodge Demon is an absolute beast! I want one!!!!!! or maybe two!! https://t.co/Sp7TYol4dS
— James Kernan (@JKernan) May 24, 2017
Man I want that Dodge Demon so bad ���� what I gotta do??
— CrawBabe (@__taralynnx) July 19, 2017
Which kidney I gotta sell to purchase that new Dodge Demon
— Greatest Ever ������ (@Urban_Supremacy) April 24, 2017
If I ever win the powerball... I'm buying a @dodge Demon... because who doesnt want 840hp?
— MunneY AKA Joey (@ImMunneY) July 18, 2017
For some, 90K is practically a steal:
Dodge Demon is roughly around 90k. Fastest production car in the world in 60 & 1/4 mile or you could buy the Bugatti Veyron for 1.4m more ��
— Kyle Hunter (@KyLiveIt) July 18, 2017
For others, the luxury-car price — as well as safety concerns and insurance headaches — mean the Demon is best left to collectors:
Everything I read about the #Dodge #Demon, the insurance or lack of insurance, the waiver on safety, it's definitely a collector's car.
— G.E. Finkelstein (@G_E_Finkelstein) July 13, 2017
Dodge and Chevrolet fans alike are gearing up for a drag-strip rivalry of biblical proportions: Hennessey Performance preempted the Demon launch with an announcement of the 1,000-hp "The Exorcist" Chevrolet ZL1 Camaro upgrade. Yes, it's named The Exorcist.
Looks like the Dodge demon has some competition. Chevy all the way. pic.twitter.com/IyiaXGMoIN
— K.O.P. (@ryderrrzzz) July 16, 2017
I'm just excited to see if chevy and ford make something to oppose the dodge demon on a drag strip.
— Johnny (@AllNewJohnGG) April 24, 2017
@FordMustang chevy is coming out with a chevy exorcist and dodge is coming out with a dodge demon we need to join and make a mustang jesus.
— Matthew Bro �� (@mbro620) June 9, 2017
Before launch, the Demon made its feature film debut in "The Fate of the Furious," the eighth installment of the wildly successful "The Fast and the Furious" franchise. Over-the-top car chases and flashy paintjobs are the franchise's M.O., so the Demon fit right in.
Just realized dom was driving the dodge demon in fate of the furious. They slipped that one in.
— SKIT-CI (@SKITCI) July 15, 2017
@Dodge #Demon That car is ruthless!!! I cant wait to see Fate of the Furious. Vin Diesel wanted a 10 second car he got a better one.
— crzywhiteboy78 (@25straight78) April 12, 2017
"The Fate of the Furious" star Vin Diesel even introduced the Demon at the 2017 New York International Auto Show in April.
@dodge demon reveal..Hey look who's here!! @vindiesel #dodgedemon #Demon @Dodge @driveSRT pic.twitter.com/Dm6bIUQIvd
— Peter Ciani (@Ne_Drivers) April 12, 2017
If you can't get enough of the Demon, check out our full coverage here.