The Dodge Demon delivers between 808 and 1,025 horsepower, depending on model year and fuel.
The dodge demon- how much horsepower? question sounds simple, yet the answer depends on which Demon you mean and what fuel is in the tank. Dodge built two factory Demons, and both play by different rules. If you are shopping, comparing specs, or just bench racing with friends, it helps to sort those numbers with a bit of context.
This guide breaks the two factory Demons down in plain terms. You will see how power changes with race fuel versus pump gas, how the Demon stacks up against Hellcat and Super Stock trims, and what that means on the street and strip. That way you can talk Dodge Demon horsepower with confidence instead of vague guesses.
Dodge Demon Horsepower By Model And Fuel
Quick Overview
There are two official Dodge Challenger SRT Demons. The 2018 Demon makes 808 horsepower on premium pump fuel and 840 horsepower on 100 octane race fuel with the Demon Crate tune active. The 2023 Demon 170 moves output to 900 horsepower on standard E10 pump gas and 1,025 horsepower on E85 ethanol blend.
The table below gives a clear snapshot of how Dodge Demon horsepower changes across years and fuel types.
| Model | Fuel | Rated Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Challenger SRT Demon | 91 octane pump | 808 hp |
| 2018 Challenger SRT Demon | 100+ octane race | 840 hp |
| 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 | E10 pump gas | 900 hp |
| 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 | E85 ethanol blend | 1,025 hp |
One easy rule helps keep things straight. If someone mentions a Demon with 840 horsepower, they are talking about the 2018 car on race fuel. If they quote 1,025 horsepower, they mean the Demon 170 on E85.
How Dodge Builds Demon Horsepower From The Hemi V8
The Demon story starts with the familiar supercharged 6.2 liter Hemi V8. Chrysler engineers reworked that engine heavily for Demon duty. The 2018 version gained a larger supercharger, revised internals, and a fuel system that can flood the engine with enough gasoline for nine second quarter mile runs straight off the showroom floor.
The Demon 170 goes further. Dodge replaced or upgraded so many components that team members say only the camshaft carries over from the earlier Demon engine. Stronger internals, a tweaked supercharger, and revised fueling allow that engine to deliver 1,025 horsepower on E85 while remaining street legal and emissions compliant.
High output comes from three basic levers. Dodge raises boost pressure, pushes more fuel, and carefully manages knock with calibration tailored to the fuel in the tank. The higher the octane or ethanol content, the harder the engine can run without detonation, which is why Demon horsepower jumps when you switch from regular premium to race fuel or E85.
Fuel Types And Why Demon Horsepower Swings So Much
Fuel Quality Basics
Horsepower numbers for the Dodge Demon only make sense if you match them to the gasoline that Dodge used in testing. The 2018 Demon ratings reference 91 octane premium and 100 octane race fuel. The Demon 170 ratings reference E10 pump gas and high ethanol E85.
Higher octane gasoline resists knock. That lets the engine run more ignition timing and boost without damage, which directly increases horsepower. Ethanol adds another twist. E85 carries oxygen and also cools the intake charge, so the Demon 170 can add even more timing and boost when the tank is filled with that blend.
Practical Fuel Choices For Owners
From a practical standpoint, most owners keep their cars on pump fuel for daily use. Race fuel and E85 settings shine at the drag strip or during special events. A few simple habits help you get the best from Dodge Demon horsepower without risking hardware.
- Check the fuel label — Confirm whether the pump dispenses 91 octane, 93 octane, or an ethanol blend such as E85.
- Match the tune to fuel — Follow the owner manual and only activate high output modes when the correct fuel is in the tank.
- Monitor conditions — Hot weather, altitude, and questionable fuel quality can all reduce knock margin, so leave a cushion if conditions look marginal.
Dodge Demon Horsepower Versus Hellcat And Super Stock
The Demon does not live in a vacuum. It sits at the aggressive end of a family tree that includes the Challenger Hellcat, Hellcat Redeye, and Super Stock. That context matters if you are deciding how much power you really want to handle.
The list below shows where Dodge Demon horsepower lands relative to those related trims.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat — 707 to 717 hp depending on year and tune.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye — Around 797 hp with wider tires and more hardware from the Demon program.
- Challenger SRT Super Stock — About 807 hp, tuned as a more street friendly drag package.
- 2018 Challenger SRT Demon — 808 hp on premium, 840 hp on race fuel with Demon Crate setup.
- 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 — 900 hp on E10, 1,025 hp on E85.
On the road, the difference between 707 horsepower and 808 horsepower already feels huge. The gap from 808 to 1,025 horsepower adds another step again. The Demon 170 can hit 60 miles per hour in 1.66 seconds and run the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds with proper prep, moving factory Challenger performance into territory once reserved for full race cars.
Real World Performance: What Demon Horsepower Feels Like
Dodge built the Demon with drag strips in mind. The 2018 car arrived with transbrake hardware, drag radial tires, and a suspension that allows weight transfer to the rear tires during launch. Those pieces work alongside the engine to deliver nine second quarter mile times under the right conditions.
The Demon 170 extends that formula. Wider rear rubber, a revised suspension tune, and the stronger engine move it under the nine second barrier. That performance triggered an official warning from the National Hot Rod Association, which requires additional safety equipment for cars that run that quickly. Dodge often mentions that letter with a grin, since it underlines just how serious the Demon package is.
Not every owner will chase nine second slips. Many simply want a Demon that can hook reasonably well on the street, pull hard from a roll, and feel special every time the supercharger whine fills the cabin. For that style of driving, horsepower is only part of the picture. Tire choice, pavement temperature, and driver technique can make more difference than another twenty horsepower on a spec sheet.
Buying Tips: Picking The Right Dodge Demon Horsepower Package
Budget reality matters with this car. Used 2018 Demons and new or lightly used Demon 170s both sit in rare territory. Prices move fast and depend heavily on mileage, options, and current muscle car hype. Before you chase numbers, pick a realistic price range and stick to it.
Once you know what you can spend, factor these points into your search.
- Decide on fuel strategy — If race fuel or E85 is hard to find near you, buying purely for the top headline number may not make sense.
- Check build documentation — Cars with original window stickers, Demon Crate pieces, or allocation letters often command higher values.
- Inspect for drag use — Look for signs of heavy track use such as rock chips behind rear wheels, extra safety gear, or logbook notes.
- Drive before you commit — A short test drive is the best way to feel whether 808 horsepower already feels wild enough, or if you still crave the Demon 170 hit.
Both versions answer the horsepower question in their own way. The 2018 car represents the original shock, a factory machine that could pull the front tires on a prepared surface. The Demon 170 closes the chapter with more power, more speed, and a clear sense that this kind of car may not return soon.
Key Takeaways: Dodge Demon- How Much Horsepower?
➤ Two factory Demon models exist with distinct power levels.
➤ Horsepower changes with fuel grade or ethanol blend.
➤ 2018 Demon peaks at 840 hp on race gasoline.
➤ Demon 170 reaches 1,025 hp on E85 fuel.
➤ Real performance depends on grip, setup, and driver skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dodge Demon Street Legal From The Factory?
Both the 2018 Demon and the Demon 170 ship as street legal production cars. They pass emissions tests, carry full interiors, and meet crash standards that apply to the Challenger line as a whole.
Track prep changes that add roll cages or harness bars can alter street comfort and daily usability. Check local regulations before committing to heavy safety modifications on a tagged car.
Why Did The NHRA Send Violation Letters To Demon Owners?
The National Hot Rod Association requires extra safety equipment for cars that run the quarter mile quicker than ten seconds. That usually means a roll cage, harnesses, and other upgrades beyond normal street trim.
Since a stock Demon can dip under that threshold with drag prep, Dodge received notices stating that the car needed added safety gear for sanctioned events. Owners could still race, but only with the required upgrades.
Can You Run Regular Fuel In A Dodge Demon?
Dodge calibrates the Demon for premium gasoline at minimum. Running regular fuel can cause knock, reduce power, and risk engine damage. The control system will try to pull timing, yet that is a last line of defense rather than a normal mode.
If premium is not available, keep rpm low, avoid heavy throttle, and refill with the correct fuel as soon as possible. Demons are happiest on fresh, high octane gasoline.
How Does Weather Affect Dodge Demon Horsepower?
Supercharged engines breathe dense air on cool days and thinner air on hot days. The Demon feels strongest on crisp mornings when intake temperatures stay low, which also reduces knock tendency and keeps power closer to rated figures.
High heat or altitude can soften the punch even when fuel and tune stay the same. Planning serious drag runs around local weather patterns can shave tenths from your elapsed times.
Is The Demon 170 Worth It Over A Hellcat Or Super Stock?
For drivers who mainly enjoy street pulls and occasional casual track nights, a Hellcat or Super Stock already offers serious power with a slightly calmer demeanor. Parts prices and tire wear also tend to stay a bit friendlier for those trims.
The Demon 170 makes sense for collectors, hardcore drag fans, or anyone who wants the last word in factory horsepower. In those cases, the extra cost buys a very rare experience and an end-of-era muscle car.
Wrapping It Up – Dodge Demon- How Much Horsepower?
The dodge demon- how much horsepower? topic comes down to two headline answers. The original 2018 Demon delivers 808 horsepower on premium fuel and 840 horsepower with race gas and the Demon Crate calibration in place.
The 2023 Demon 170 moves to 900 horsepower on regular E10 pump gas and a massive 1,025 horsepower when filled with E85. Either way you slice it, Dodge built cars that reset expectations for what a factory muscle car can do on street tires, drag radials, and a valid registration.

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.