Is the Dodge Demon RWD or AWD?
The Demon is rear‑wheel drive (RWD); there is no factory all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) variant. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, including the original 2018 version and the later Demon 170 limited run, is built around a drag‑focused, RWD platform with a high‑output supercharged V8 and a performance‑tuned automatic transmission. The Demon produced up to about 840 horsepower on 93 octane and 770 lb‑ft of torque, all routed to the rear wheels for straight‑line acceleration.
Drive layout: RWD only
Key facts about the Demon's drivetrain that clarify its layout and performance goals:
- Rear‑wheel drive design with no factory AWD option in the Demon lineup and its later variants.
- Powertrain features a 6.2‑liter supercharged HEMI V8 delivering peak output in the high‑hundreds to 800+ hp range, tuned for drag applications.
- Transmission is a robust 8‑speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP70) connected to the rear axle, with specialized calibration for launch control and high‑rpm stability.
- Drag‑oriented features such as a trans brake and dedicated launch modes to optimize straight‑line acceleration on drag strips.
- Limited/special‑edition status: the Demon line is a limited‑production, purpose‑built drag car rather than a mainstream, all‑weather performance model.
In summary, all Dodge Demons produced to date use rear‑wheel drive, paired with an automatic transmission and drag‑focused systems designed for straight‑line performance rather than all‑weather handling.
Why this matters for performance
The choice of RWD directly influences how the Demon delivers its power on a drag strip: a long, straight launch relies on rear‑axle traction, tire adhesion, and launch‑control capabilities rather than per‑wheel torque distribution. While AWD can improve traction in low‑speed conditions, it can also add weight and complexity that drag racers often trade off for a simpler, lighter, more track‑ready setup like the Demon's RWD configuration.
Recent developments in the Demon line
In recent years, Dodge expanded the Demon concept with limited‑run variants such as the Demon 170, which continues to use the same rear‑drive layout configured for extreme straight‑line performance, rather than adopting AWD.
Summary
Bottom line: the Dodge Demon is an RWD car. There is no AWD Demon in production, and all known Demon variants—original 2018 models and the later Demon 170—prioritize rear‑drive, drag‑strip performance with a high‑power V8 and an automatic transmission. For potential buyers or enthusiasts weighing drivetrain choices, the Demon’s RWD setup is a core part of its identity and performance philosophy.
