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I want to be a mechanic when I grow up.

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808. That's a legendary number in the music industry. Roland introduced the TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1980. The 808, its colloquial name, revolutionized the music industry because it was one of the first programmable drum machines in existence, which provided an avenue to all kinds of new, synthesized music. And 37 years later, that number is destined for fame again, this time for a different kind of revolution: horsepower. From the factory, with a warranty, in a street-legal, 50-states emissions-passing road car that costs $86,090, about $6,000 less than a bone stock 370 HP Porsche 911.

It's the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, and it doesn't stop there. If you've got an extra dollar, Dodge will happily sell you the Demon Crate (yes, it's literally a $1 dealer option). In addition to Demon logo-emblazoned parts and narrow front drag wheels, the kit includes a modified powertrain module that allows the engine to run 100 octane unleaded fuel. With the module installed, it can be filled up with that potent cocktail and press the H.O. button on the center console for an extra 32 hp and 53 more lb-ft of torque. This kit still honors all warranties and, somehow, meets emissions requirements, yet provides a brain-squishing 840 hp and 770 lb-ft of torque.

Insanity!

Pure, unattenuated, straitjacket-worthy insanity. The only other road car on the planet from a non-boutique brand that makes that power without hybrid help currently for sale is the Bugatti Chiron. Yeah, sure that Challenger SRT Demon has seatbelts, a stereo (I think) and other add-ons like a suspension and brakes, but who cares? I mean, seriously, we're in a reality wormhole here, leaping through dimensions, stretching to the far reaches of the universe; don't try to tell me you care about the number of airbags installed (it's seven, by the way).
The Execution
There are three different ways to launch the Demon on a drag strip. The easiest method is brake torquing -- left foot on the brake, right on the gas, let the engine rev up, release the brake and go. You can also switch on launch control, which uses a combination of brakes, engine and transmission slip to get a touch more torque to the ground at launch. But to maximize the Demon's ability, you must try the trans brake.

Unheard of in cars with a warranty and a window sticker, the trans brake is exactly what is sounds like -- it uses the transmission as a brake, instead of the friction brakes. This method allows you to launch with more torque, an amount that would overwhelm the rear brakes. Dodge engineers say the trans brake is worth a tenth of a second at the drag strip. The method is simple enough to learn, though tricky to master.

With your foot on the brake, hold down both shift paddles to engage the trans brake. Rev the engine to a little better than 2,000 rpm. Lift the right-hand paddle, lift your foot off the brake. The transmission is now the only thing holding the car in place. Release the left-hand paddle and, as quickly as you dare, add throttle. Too much throttle too soon and the Nitto drag radials light off in a fury of tire smoke. Not enough throttle and you feel like a dud.

Get it right, though, and wow. Immense forces first lift the front axle, then immediately yank you into the seat. It's jarring. The combination of a sticky drag strip and grippy tire works wonders with gobs of power. Peak acceleration of the Demon is 1.8 g. That means you feel nearly twice your body weight press against you. Internal organs strain to stay in place. Except for your stomach -- it gives in early and looks for an exit, first through your mouth, then your spleen.

The large amount of rage unleashed in such a short amount of time comes from the huge 2.7-liter supercharger sucking copious amounts of air from a massive hood vent, pressurizing it to 14.5 psi, then jamming it down the throat of the 6.2-liter Hemi powerplant. Good thing Dodge crafted the crankshaft out of forged steel, the pistons from a forged alloy and increased the strength of the connecting rods. Along with the supercharger, Dodge added 27 percent bigger than Hellcat fuel injectors and two large fuel pumps. They even divert cooling capacity from the air conditioner to cool the intake air further. That's right, the Demon puts the engine first, passengers second.

Not only can the eight-speed automatic transmission handle the torque, it rips off one lightning-fast shift after the other. Sixty mph goes by in 2.3 seconds, and you're besting 140 mph in a quarter of a mile. That takes 9.65 seconds, incidentally.
The Takeaway
While road legal, Dodge only gave us the Demon to drive at the drag strip. And, realistically, that's its place. It's a car that Dodge engineered to go well in a straight line. That includes tires, suspension, steering, software, everything. And they succeeded in their goal.

It's an exclamation point on wheels. A very special, fast-moving kind of Rhythm Composer. The Tempo is set to under 10 seconds, with lots of rumbling bass. For the record, in 1984 Roland replaced the 808 with a new model they named the TR-909.

Dodge, your move.

Robin Warner - Robin Warner is Editorial Manager at Autoweek. He once tried and failed to become a professional race car driver, but succeeded in learning about debt management and having a story to tell. A former engineer, Warner loves cars for their technology and capability.
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2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon first drag: We wreck the quarter-mile in SRT's monster coupe

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808. That's a legendary number in the music industry. Roland introduced the TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1980. The 808, its colloquial name, revolutionized the music industry because it was one of the first programmable drum machines in existence, which provided an avenue to all kinds of new, synthesized music.