Final Dodge Challenger V8 muscle car steps forward with more than 1000 horsepower

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been unveiled in the US, celebrating the end of a 15-year production run of the current-generation model – before the new model ditches V8 power to go electric.

To celebrate, Dodge has given the final Challenger some mind-bending numbers, with 764kW – or 1025 horsepower – which can send the coupe from zero to 100km/h in approximately 1.7 seconds, the company claims.

On E85 ethanol-blended fuel, the 6.2-litre V8-powered Challenger can complete the 400 metre drag strip in 8.91 seconds at 151mph (243km/h) – as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in the US – with its 3.0-litre supercharger helping to send 1281Nm to the rear tyres.

The rear tyres are 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, and the Challenger is the first production car to offer them – as well as being the first production petrol-powered car to cover the quarter mile (400m) in less than nine seconds.

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For perspective, it takes a Bugatti Chiron approximately 9.6 seconds to complete the same length of drag strip, despite producing 1103kW from its 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine and having all-wheel drive.

Dodge proudly says that driving the quarter mile in eight seconds in a showroom-spec Challenger SRT Demon 170 will result in the NHRA issuing a violation letter to the driver, effectively banning the car from NHRA-certified drag strips until a roll cage and parachute are fitted.

Dodge also claims the Challenger SRT Demon 170 delivers the highest G-force acceleration of any production car, at 2.004Gs.

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Every part of the Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been designed to make it go fast in a straight line – from air intakes replacing headlights to upgraded driveshafts, and a differential case that's 53 per cent stronger – essentially making this Challenger a production drag car for the road.

Just 3300 vehicles are to be built for North America, with a demonic price tag of $US96,666 ($AU144,900).

However, reports from Twitter suggest almost all allocations have already been sold, with the few remaining slots being offered for as much as $US175,000 ($AU262,300) over the sticker price.