2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed in Hell's Kitchen

Banned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in America for being too quick on the drag strip, Dodge has revealed its record-breaking Challenger SRT Demon muscle car which offers an improbable set of performance figures.

By covering 400 metres in only 9.65 seconds and achieving a speed of 225km/h during an NHRA-certified run, the hardcore two-door Challenger has inherited the title of world's fastest production car in the quarter-mile sprint.

These feats are owning to a 6.2-litre Hemi 'Demon' supercharged V8 petrol engine that produces an astounding 626kW/1044Nm, which is good enough for it to be the most powerful bent-eight yet.

The performance hero's front wheels can lift 890mm off the tarmac when under heavy throttle at launch.

This powerplant has been employed previously by SRT Hellcat versions of the Challenger coupe and Charger sedan – as well as the recently-unveiled Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – but features 25 major component changes under the Demon's bonnet.

Perhaps the most unbelievable achievement is that the performance hero's front wheels can lift 890mm off the tarmac when under heavy throttle at launch, adding to its list of world firsts as verified by Guinness World Records.

Acceleration is a blur as the sprint from 0-100km/h is over in a scant 2.3 seconds, while dashing to 0-48km/h takes just a single second.

Total g-force during these quick bursts can total as much as 1.8g, which is another production car record.

Power is sent to the tarmac via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rear-wheel drive set-up.

Three driving modes are offered – either Auto, Drag or the configurable Custom – allowing drivers to adjust the suspension dampers, steering, transmission and traction levels.

An advanced launch control system that helps minimise wheel hop is required in order to provide step-off traction with maximum power.

Weight-saving measures led to a 90kg decrease in kerb weight when compared to the Hellcat, which has resulted in the Demon becoming a one-seater as standard at the sacrifice of the front passenger and rear seats.

Visual upgrades over the Challenger Hellcat include the largest functional bonnet scoop seen on street-legal vehicle yet.

Although they may not last too long, 18-inch alloy wheels are shod with extra-wide Nitto 315/40 rubber which is specially designed to be drag-friendly with the power and torque outputs.

Visual upgrades over the Challenger Hellcat include the largest functional bonnet scoop seen on street-legal vehicle yet – measuring 292 square centimetres – which helps maximise airflow, as well as wide-body fender flares.

Lucky North American residents will be able to get their hands on a Demon, with 3000 units allocated to the United States and another 300 for Canada, in what will be a single-year limited production run.

Buyers will also be treated to one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of high-performance driving alongside the purchase of their Demon.

While the Demon will never be sold in Australia thanks to its left-hand-drive-only status, it nonetheless still will have plenty of international fans – including those Down Under.

Dodge decided to unveil the Challenger SRT Demon at an event in the appropriately named Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan ahead of the New York motor show which kicks off tomorrow.

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