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Which Challenger has the most horsepower?

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 holds the horsepower crown, delivering up to 1,025 horsepower on standard 93-octane gasoline. It’s a limited-run model and the most powerful Challenger ever produced.


To understand this claim, it helps to look at the Challenger lineup through the years, how horsepower numbers are measured, and how different fuels and tuning affect output. The following sections break down the record holder and the most powerful production Challengers in history.


Record holder and how horsepower is measured


Horsepower figures for modern Challengers are typically engine crank horsepower rated under SAE standards. Drivetrain losses mean wheel horsepower is lower than the quoted engine output. The Demon 170’s 1,025 hp rating applies to 93-octane gasoline; when using higher-octane or race fuels such as E85, the engine can deliver higher power in controlled testing. When comparing numbers, note whether a figure is crank or wheel horsepower and which fuel was used.


Top horsepower Challenger models


Below is a concise ranking of the strongest production Challenger variants, with notes on fuel and special editions.



  • Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 — up to 1,025 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline; higher numbers are cited with race fuels such as E85 in controlled testing.

  • Dodge Challenger SRT Demon (2018) — 840 horsepower (stock; widely publicized for its drag-focused capability).

  • Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock (2023) — 807 horsepower, a drag-tuned, high-output variant.

  • Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody — 797 horsepower, offering substantial power in a more everyday-ready package.

  • Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (707 horsepower) — the earlier baseline Hellcat output (2015–2019), which preceded the Redeye’s higher figure.


Conclusion: The Demon 170 remains the horsepower king within the Challenger family for production runs, with the Demon lineage representing the peak of Dodge’s horsepower push. Other high-output variants offer impressive power, particularly on drag days or with premium fuels, but do not reach the Demon 170’s official rating.


Engineering strides behind the Demon 170


The Demon 170 achieves its extraordinary power through a combination of a high-boost supercharged V8, improved cooling and fuel delivery, and a drivetrain tuned for drag racing. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and launch-oriented controls, including features designed to optimize traction at the track. The car also integrates drag-specific equipment and weight-reduction measures to maximize performance on straight-line acceleration.


Fuel strategy and octane requirements


The power figures depend heavily on fuel. The 1,025-hp rating is listed for 93-octane gasoline, while alternate fuels such as E85 can push the engine to higher output in tested conditions. Track use and safety regulations apply, given the Demon 170’s limited-production status and extreme performance.


Summary


In summary, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 sits at the top of the horsepower chart for Challengers, with 1,025 horsepower on regular pump gas and even higher potential with race fuels. While earlier Demons and other high-performance variants deliver remarkable power (up to 840 hp in the original Demon, 807 hp in the Super Stock, and ~797 hp in the Hellcat Redeye), none match the Demon 170’s official peak. The Demon’s place in Challenger history reflects a peak in production-based horsepower and a commitment to track-focused performance.

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 Challenger has the most HP?


Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
Introducing the Hennessey® Demon 1700 Upgrade—the world's most powerful Demon 170. The performance package for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is our most exclusive upgrade that transforms Dodge's most powerful factory muscle car into a 1,725-horsepower twin-turbocharged monster.



What Challenger has 700 horsepower?


Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is where tires go to die. It's one of the last coupes with American-style V-8 thunder under its hood. The Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup's most reserved model spews 717 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine.



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. 


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.