5 Dodge Challenger Demon SRTs Explode at Drag Event

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is one quick beast. Thanks to its 840 hp, 1044 Nm torque supercharged 6.2-liter V8, it can hit 0-100 kph in merely 2.3 seconds. All that power goes to the rear wheels, and the manufacturers at Dodge took measures to ensure the car can handle all that brute strength, such as having a new set of tires built specifically for the car. Unfortunately, although these upgrades are enough for most Dodge Challenger Demon owners, others weren’t as lucky.

At a private drag race event in Texas participated by 42 stock and five modified Demons, four stock and one modified suffered catastrophic failure. Take a look at the slo-mo video below.

The modified Dodge Demon appears first in the clip, while the stock one comes second. The cars were attempting to beat National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett‘s 9.65-second time in her personal Dodge Demon. Some drivers came close, but none managed to beat Pritchett’s record.

Experts said that the modified unit exceeded the rear differential’s factory torque ratings, which could be the reason for the failure. The stock cars however, indicate a possible issue with the drivetrain. That said, the actual cause of the failures remain unknown, but executives from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are already investigating the matter.