Dodge has a rich history of employing the “Demon” name on performance-oriented vehicles, each leaving its own distinct mark.
The most recent iteration, the 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170, embodies pure power with a mind-blowing 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel.
This achievement places the hefty American muscle car in the company of lithe supercars when it comes to raw muscle. However, the Demon 170 isn’t the sole heir to the Demon legacy.
It follows in the footsteps of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, another heavily modified variant that left its mark on the cutthroat world of quarter-mile drag racing.
Beyond muscle cars, Dodge explored the Demon name with a 2007 concept car. This two-door roadster was envisioned as a competitor to established names like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, offering a more affordable and exciting option in the sports car segment.
Dodge Demon Legacy (rostislav_prokop / Instagram)
But the story of Dodge and Demon goes back even further. The very first Demon originated as a performance variant of the popular Plymouth Duster.
Interestingly, this car was almost christened the “Beaver,” a name quickly discarded due to its slang connotation. Thankfully, Dodge opted for the more aggressive “Dodge Demon” moniker.
This original Demon lived up to its name, boasting a range-topping 275-horsepower engine and a driver-focused four-speed manual transmission.
A forgotten relic of Dodge’s muscle car era, the 1971 Dart Demon, is experiencing a digital rebirth courtesy of virtual car designer Rostislav Prokop. Despite its brief production run (1971-1972) and sales figures dwarfed by the Plymouth Duster, the Demon holds a special niche in Dodge’s history.
Overshadowed again by the modern Challenger SRT Demon’s earth-shattering performance, the original Demon’s appeal lies in its subtle aggression.
Prokop’s restomod breathes new life into the Demon, translating its classic muscle car charm into a design that resonates with modern tastes.
This digital project envisions a stunning transformation, but it’s more than just a cosmetic overhaul. Prokop’s reimagining hints at hidden potential, leaving us to wonder what lurks beneath the exposed engine compartment.
