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Dodge Challenger

Dodge

Dodge Challenger: Dodge's modern muscle. From the 1970 Hemi Cuda to the 2018 Demon and 2023 Demon 170. The Hellcat platform that
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dodge's modern muscle. From the 1970 Hemi Cuda to the 2018 Demon and 2023 Demon 170. The Hellcat platform that defined an era.

The Dodge Challenger is an American muscle car produced from 1970 to 1974 (first generation) and 2008 to 2023 (third generation). The Challenger was originally Dodge's pony car competitor to the Mustang and Camaro, sharing the E-body platform with the Plymouth Barracuda. The Hemi Cuda variants of the 1970-1971 era are among the most valuable American cars ever produced. The third-generation Challenger (2008-2023) revived the Challenger name on the LX platform shared with the Charger. The Challenger came in numerous variants: SXT (V6 base), R/T (5.7 Hemi V8), R/T 392 (6.4 Hemi V8), Hellcat (supercharged 6.2 V8 making 707 horsepower), Hellcat Redeye (797 horsepower), Demon (840 horsepower), and Demon 170 (1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel). The Dodge Hellcat program (2015-2023) was particularly significant. The supercharged 6.2 Hemi V8 produced massive horsepower numbers in factory production cars at MSRPs significantly below European competitors. The Hellcat Challenger and Charger (covered separately) became the defining American muscle cars of the modern era. The Demon and Demon 170 variants pushed the formula further. The 2018 Demon was the first production car ever banned from NHRA drag racing for being too fast (sub-10-second quarter mile in factory trim). The 2023 Demon 170 with 1,025 horsepower was the most powerful production V8 ever sold. Production of the Challenger ended in 2023 alongside the broader Hellcat platform wind-down. Stellantis is transitioning to electric Charger and other future products; the Challenger will not be replaced directly. On WhipJury, Challenger submissions are highly active. Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon variants reliably top voting. Stock Challengers and modified builds appear regularly.

Top Dodge Challenger examples on WhipJury

1970 Dodge Challenger
1970 Dodge Challenger#1
Whip Score: 1198
2010 Dodge Challenger
2010 Dodge Challenger#2
Whip Score: 1184

Challenger Hellcat lineage

Hellcat (2015-2023). 707 horsepower from supercharged 6.2 Hemi.

Hellcat Redeye (2018-2023). 797 horsepower with Demon supercharger.

Demon (2018). 840 horsepower with race fuel and drag pack. First production car banned from NHRA.

Demon 170 (2023). 1,025 horsepower on E85. Most powerful production V8 ever sold. Banned from drag strips for being too fast.

Challenger on WhipJury

Modern Challenger submissions across all variants are highly active. Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon examples reliably top voting. Modified Challengers with built engines and chassis upgrades are common. The community recognizes the modern Challenger as the defining American muscle car of the 2010s and early 2020s.

Frequently asked questions about Dodge Challenger

Why was the Challenger discontinued?
Stellantis (Dodge parent company) ended production of the LX-platform Challenger in 2023 to make room for the new electric Charger and a future internal combustion model on a shared platform. The 15-year run of the LX platform was unusually long for an American sport coupe.
How much does a Hellcat Challenger cost?
Used pricing: standard Hellcat $50,000-$80,000+. Hellcat Redeye: $70,000-$100,000+. Demon: $100,000-$200,000+. Demon 170: $200,000-$400,000+. Pricing has held up well; some limited variants have appreciated significantly above MSRP.
Are Hellcats reliable?
Yes, generally. The supercharged 6.2 Hemi is fundamentally durable. Common issues include supercharger snout bearing wear (a known wear item, replacement is straightforward), occasional cooling system issues under sustained track use, and the usual modern luxury electronics gremlins. With proper maintenance and not constantly running at WOT, a Hellcat can be a reliable daily.
Why was the Demon banned from NHRA?
The 2018 Demon was the first production vehicle in NHRA history to be banned for being too fast. The car runs 9.65-second quarter miles in factory trim, which exceeds NHRA stock vehicle classifications. Owners with full safety equipment (cage, harness, fire suppression) can run the cars in modified classes; running the cars in stock class would require de-tuning.
Are Hemi Cudas the same as modern Challengers?
Different cars. The original Hemi Cuda (1970-1971) was a Plymouth Barracuda variant on the E-body platform. The modern Challenger (2008-2023) is on the LX platform and badged as Dodge. The two share Hemi engine heritage but are different vehicles from different eras. The Hemi Cuda is significantly more valuable historically; the modern Challenger is more accessible.

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