Automotive

Dodge Demon pricing reveals it's good bang for your buck

Dodge Demon pricing reveals it's good bang for your buck
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
View 7 Images
The Demon Crate, which costs just $1
1/7
The Demon Crate, which costs just $1
Dodge will give you two skinny front tires for the drag-ready Demon
2/7
Dodge will give you two skinny front tires for the drag-ready Demon
The VIN and build number of each Demon is also on the Demon Crate
3/7
The VIN and build number of each Demon is also on the Demon Crate
You can run the Dodge Demon on race fuel
4/7
You can run the Dodge Demon on race fuel 
The Demon comes with just one seat, but adding the passenger seat costs just $1
5/7
The Demon comes with just one seat, but adding the passenger seat costs just $1
Dodge shows you what's inside the Demon Crate
6/7
Dodge shows you what's inside the Demon Crate 
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
7/7
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
View gallery - 7 images

The Dodge Demon caused a serious stir when it launched at the New York Auto Show in April, but some details remained unclear: namely, how much it would cost. Now we have a price tag, it's clear the road-legal dragster offers more horsepower-per-dollar than you can get almost anywhere else.

Dodge will be selling the Demon for US$84,995 without any options, making it $35,000 more expensive with the (slightly) less powerful, (significantly) less focused SRT Hellcat. That's a lot of money for what is, at its core, the same unsophisticated Challenger first shown in 2008.

Although there are a few options, they aren't priced like the options on normal cars. The "Demon Crate", which includes narrow front wheels for the drag strip and unlocks the full engine output, costs just $1. Adding a passenger seat will also cost $1, as will the rear seats. Carpet for the trunk is another $1 add-on. Some regular options are also available – a leather comfort package is available, and the satin black exterior package will set you back $3,495, while a sunroof adds $4,995.

The Demon Crate, which costs just $1
The Demon Crate, which costs just $1

So, what else could you buy for the money? If you have German tastes, the BMW M4 is around $20,000 cheaper than the Demon, but its turbocharged inline-six engine makes just 317 kW (425 hp). To even get close to the 626 kW (840 hp) you get from the Dodge in something German, you'll need to shell out at least $100,000 for the Mercedes E63S AMG and its 450-kW (612-hp) turbo engine.

Those determined to stick with all-American muscle could drop their hard-earned on an $80,000 Corvette Z06 with 485 kW (650 hp). The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat comes closest to the Demon, but its $50,000 price only buys you 527 kW (707 hp).

In other words? The Demon might be expensive, but when you think about how much power you get for that outlay, you need to look to the world of modifying. And it's worth remembering, modified cars don't come with specialized insurance or a factory warranty.

Just 3,000 Dodge Demons will be sold in the US, with a further 300 bound for Canada. You can check the car out in the video below.

Source: Fiat Chrysler

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Running Footage

View gallery - 7 images
6 comments
6 comments
Milton
Dodge created a drag-strip car that is not allowed at any drag-strips because they neglected to install a roll-bar. Palm-To-Face
Michael Wilson
Folks here must not drag race, because the car may not be NHRA certified, but it won't stop most techs at most tracks from letting you race it for fun. *MOST* (nearly all) cars sold are not NHRA certified and require additional equipment for serious competition. Things like rollbars/cages, driveshaft loops, parachutes and external ignition cut-off are required for various class of drag racing and just about no car sold, save the non-street legal Mustang Cobra Jet come equipped with these items. Most tracks have Test & Tune nights specifically geared towards hobbyists to race for fun, vs the "Sports man" classes that require more safety gear.
Bob
I love it that the fire breathing monsters are back but they do require a little skill and judgement to drive. I love the little fish tail wiggle my Corvette does at highway speeds when I step on it but it's not a good thing as you are passing another car. When you have so much horsepower that driving on dry pavement is like driving on wet and icy roads, you have to have the skill to handle that. Traction control doesn't make up for common sense.
A-A-Ron
Sooo the Demon is $84,995 for 840 HP, $101.18 per HP. The SRT Hellcat is $50,000 for 707 HP, $70.72 per HP. A 2017 Dodge Caravan SE is $26,000 for 283HP, $91.87 per HP. My conclusion is that the Demon does NOT offer more bang for your buck. Granted, it's offering a lot of bang, but worse "value" than a Caravan is not what I'd consider good.
fasteddie2020
Demon ad campaign theme: Faster than a Tesla....and almost as quick!
Fun. But, I need to ask that, given the challenges the auto industry has - especially FCA - why put even a penny towards this ridiculous vehicle when they are coming up short in so many other areas? Seeking a buyer for the company. Cheating on Diesels. A CEO who says green electric vehicles are a joke. Really?
Koolski
The sound of this baby is SWEET!