What is the highest level of Dodge Challenger?
The highest level of Dodge Challenger today is the SRT Demon 170, a limited-edition, drag-focused variant that delivers up to 1,025 horsepower on E85 and represents the pinnacle of the model line.
When people refer to the “highest level” of a Challenger, they commonly mean the most powerful, the most exclusive, and the most track-focused variant Dodge offers. This article details where that top trim sits in the lineup and how it compares with its historic predecessors.
Current top-tier trim: the SRT Demon 170
The Demon 170 stands at the top of the Challenger hierarchy, built specifically to maximize straight-line speed and drag-strip performance. It uses a heavily revised version of Chrysler’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8, tuned to produce up to 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel, with performance-oriented hardware and limited availability.
Below are some of the hallmarks that set the Demon 170 apart within the current generation:
- Limited-production, track-focused configuration designed for drag racing
- Extreme power output with ethanol-compatible tuning
- Enhanced performance features, including upgraded cooling, drivetrain adjustments, and launch-oriented systems
- Distinctive styling cues and bespoke interior/exterior options tied to its elite status
With its unprecedented power for a production Challenger, the Demon 170 is Dodge’s answer to customers seeking unabashed straight-line performance, even as the broader market shifts toward electrification and crossovers. Its rarity and specific use-case distinguish it clearly from other high-performance variants in the lineup.
Where the Challenger lineup typically stands
For context, the modern Challenger lineup climbs from everyday comfort-focused trims to drag-strip-ready performance models. Here is a snapshot of where the major trims sit in terms of performance and positioning.
- SXT – base model with essential comfort and capability
- GT – rear-wheel-drive V6 or V8 options with enhanced handling
- R/T – performance-oriented V8 option with sportier tuning
- Scat Pack – more power and handling tweaks for enthusiasts
- Scat Pack Widebody – wider stance and additional traction for aggressive driving
- Hellcat – high-output supercharged V8 with substantial performance gains
- Hellcat Redeye – even more horsepower and aggressive tuning
- Jailbreak – limited edition with unique aesthetics and configuration options
- SRT Demon 170 – the current pinnacle, limited and drag-focused
The Demon 170 sits at the apex of this ladder, offering power and a purpose-built package that goes beyond the capabilities of the standard Hellcat and Redeye variants.
Historical context: the Demon lineage
The Challenger’s Demon lineage began with the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a factory drag car that traded everyday civility for extraordinary straight-line acceleration. It produced up to 840 horsepower on race fuel and claimed a sub-10-second quarter mile under ideal conditions, a landmark for a production car at the time. The subsequent Demon family has evolved, culminating in the Demon 170, which pushes power even higher and emphasizes modern efficiency and emissions-compliant performance while maintaining its drag-focused DNA.
How the Demon 170 differs from earlier Demons
Compared with the original Demon and earlier variants, the Demon 170 uses updated engineering to reach its 1,025-horsepower figure on ethanol blends, incorporates contemporary electronic and suspension systems, and remains a limited-run model designed for serious enthusiasts and collectors. The result is a modern take on a storied badge that preserves its drag-strip pedigree while leveraging today’s technology and manufacturing standards.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger’s highest level today is the SRT Demon 170, a limited-run, drag-focused flagship with up to 1,025 horsepower on E85. It represents the culmination of the Challenger’s performance legacy, outpacing prior Hellcat and Redeye variants while staying true to the model’s original drag-strip roots. For many enthusiasts, the Demon 170 epitomizes the peak of Challenger performance, even as Dodge continues to evolve its lineup for a changing automotive landscape.
Which is better, GT or RT?
Performance and Mechanical Differences
R/T Models: Feature power-house V8 engines, like the Charger's 5.7L HEMI V8. GT Models: Typically equipped with V6 engines that balance power and efficiency, ideal for enjoyable daily driving.
What are the levels of the Dodge Challenger?
The 2023 Dodge Challenger has ten available trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, R/T Scat Pack Widebody, SRT® Hellcat Jailbreak, SRT® Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak, SRT® Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak, SRT® Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak, and SRT® Super Stock.
What is better, SRT or RT?
Neither SRT nor R/T is objectively "better"; the choice depends on your priorities. SRT offers higher performance with more powerful engines, better handling, and premium features, but comes at a higher cost. R/T is a better choice for those seeking a more balanced and budget-friendly option, providing a traditional American muscle car experience without the premium price of SRT models.
SRT (Street & Racing Technology)
- Performance: Higher horsepower, better handling, and more advanced braking and suspension systems.
- Features: Comes with premium, exclusive features like upgraded interiors, larger brakes, and advanced suspension.
- Cost: More expensive to purchase and maintain, with higher insurance premiums.
- Best for: Drivers who prioritize ultimate performance and are willing to pay a premium for it.
R/T (Road/Track)
- Performance: Offers a balance of performance and efficiency with a powerful engine, but less powerful than an SRT model.
- Features: Offers a more traditional muscle car experience and a wider range of options, making it a solid all-around choice.
- Cost: More budget-friendly to purchase and maintain, with better fuel economy and lower insurance premiums.
- Best for: Drivers seeking a high-performance vehicle that is also a practical daily driver and a good value for the money.
What are the levels of challengers?
The levels of Dodge Challenger trim levels range from the entry-level SXT and GT, which use a V6 engine, to the performance-oriented R/T and R/T Scat Pack, which feature V8 engines. At the top are the SRT models, including the Hellcat, Hellcat Widebody, Hellcat Redeye, and Super Stock, which provide the highest horsepower with supercharged V8 engines. Special editions like the Demon 170 represent the most powerful versions available.
This video provides an overview of all the Dodge Challenger trim levels from 2021 to 2023: 46shellcatguyYouTube · Jul 28, 2021
Base and entry-level trims
- SXT: The entry-level model, typically featuring a 3.6L V6 engine and available with all-wheel drive.
- GT: Shares the V6 engine with the SXT but adds performance-inspired styling and all-wheel drive, making it a good option for various road conditions.
You can watch this video to learn more about the SXT and GT trim levels: 58sDashboardDanielYouTube · Aug 29, 2024
Mid-level V8 trims
- R/T: Offers a significant power increase with a V8 engine over the SXT and GT.
- R/T Scat Pack: A V8-powered model with even more horsepower, and the option for a wide-body configuration and other performance enhancements.
High-performance SRT trims
- SRT Hellcat: Features a supercharged HEMI V8 engine, providing a substantial increase in horsepower and performance.
- SRT Hellcat Widebody: Adds extra width to accommodate wider tires for superior handling.
- SRT Hellcat Redeye: A more powerful version of the Hellcat, with a higher horsepower output.
- SRT Super Stock: The pinnacle of the standard Challenger lineup, with the most powerful version of the supercharged V8 engine available from the factory.
Special editions
- SRT Demon 170: A limited-edition model at the very top of the Challenger hierarchy, representing the most powerful and exclusive version.
- Jailbreak models: A designation available on higher trims, which allows for more customization options.
