Loading

What year was the fastest Dodge Challenger?

The fastest Dodge Challenger, by common benchmarks, depends on the metric you use. For acceleration, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon delivers the quickest 0–60 mph time; for top speed, the 2019–2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody reaches about 203 mph.


Understanding the speed definitions


Speed can be defined in several ways. Two of the most commonly cited metrics are maximum velocity (top speed) and straight‑line acceleration (0–60 mph, often followed by quarter‑mile times). Below, we break down the leading figures for each metric, with model years and typical performance figures as reported by Dodge and independent tests.


Acceleration benchmarks: 0–60 mph and quarter-mile


Before the list, note that factory numbers and independent tests vary with testing conditions, fuel, tires and track setup. The Demon’s numbers come from drag‑strip‑specific configurations, while the Hellcat Redeye figures reflect stock, street‑legal versions.



  • 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon — 0–60 mph in about 2.3 seconds; quarter‑mile in around 9.65 seconds at roughly 140 mph (drag‑strip conditions, race fuel).

  • 2019–2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (and Redeye Widebody) — 0–60 mph in about 3.4 seconds; quarter‑mile in around 10.8–11.0 seconds depending on tires and gearing.


Concluding: In terms of acceleration, the 2018 Demon holds the quickest 0–60 time among production Challengers, while the Hellcat Redeye family is faster than earlier Hellcats but trails the Demon on a pure 0–60 basis.


Top speed benchmarks


Before the list, top speed figures hinge on aerodynamics, gearing, tires and electronic limits. The figures below reflect street‑legal configurations and Dodge marketing data, with independent tests where available.


Top speed by model



  • 2019–2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody — top speed about 203 mph, making it the fastest Challenger in production form by maximum velocity.

  • 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon — top speed around 168 mph, optimized for drag acceleration rather than high‑speed runs.


Concluding: When speed is defined as maximum velocity, the Hellcat Redeye Widebody (2019 model year onward) holds the crown at around 203 mph; the Demon is substantially lower in top speed but dominates in rapid acceleration.


Summary


In short, the fastest Dodge Challenger depends on the metric. The quickest to 60 mph is the 2018 SRT Demon. The fastest to reach the highest top speed is the Hellcat Redeye Widebody, available from 2019 through the final years, with a top speed near 203 mph. Different generations excel in different speed disciplines, underscoring the Challenger lineup’s split focus between drag‑strip prowess and straight‑line top speed.

Is a SRT 392 faster than a Hellcat?


The Hellcat accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and on through the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 117.3 mph. The last Durango 392 we tested needed (a still-quick) 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and 13.2 seconds to run the quarter mile at 103.5 mph.



Which one is faster, GT or RT?


The R/T is generally faster than the GT. In Dodge vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, the R/T is typically equipped with a more powerful V8 engine, while the GT usually comes with a less powerful V6 engine, giving the R/T the advantage in acceleration. For example, a Charger R/T can reach 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in about 4.74.74.7 seconds, while a Charger GT takes around 5.95.95.9 seconds. 

  • Dodge GT: Typically uses a V6 engine, making it a balanced option for daily driving but less powerful than the R/T. 
  • Dodge R/T: Features a V8 engine that provides more horsepower and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more classic muscle car performance feel. 
  • Example: The Mustang GT can be faster than the Challenger R/T in some aspects, but this is not consistent across all models and is often due to the Mustang's lighter weight and different performance focus. 



What year is the fastest Dodge Challenger?


2023
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT 170 Demon 0-60 MPH
Ever heard of a 0-60 mph time that fast? Probably not, because the Dodge Challenger Demon 170 is both the fastest new Dodge Challenger for sale and the world's quickest production car from 0 to 60 mph.



Which Challenger has the most HP?


The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has the most horsepower, producing up to 1,025 horsepower on an E85 ethanol blend. This makes it the most powerful production Dodge Challenger model ever made.
 

  • Horsepower: Up to 1,025 hp when using E85 fuel; 900 hp on E10 fuel. 
  • Engine: A heavily reworked 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8. 
  • Performance: Capable of 0-60 mph in 1.66 seconds and a quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds. 
  • Special features: The Demon 170's horsepower output is determined by the percentage of ethanol in the fuel. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.