Was the Demon 170 a HUGE Mistake by Dodge? Thoughts 1 Year After it's Release! 

RacerX hats and keychains are now available on my new Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/listing/1753603671/racerx-launch-edition-hat Free keychain with the purchase of a hat until the end of Sept.

Dodge’s mistake wasn’t in conceiving the Demon 170. The mistake was in dismissing the SRT team that originally planned the car. The mistake was in doing nothing to protect Dodge customers from predatory dealers. The mistake was in Peugeot/Fiat repeatedly lying about the Demon 170’s capabilities.

I still own my 2015 Sublime Hellcat, I still have fun with it. I can’t believe it’s already 9 yrs old with 71k. It’s never been in the shop except for maintenance. I will pass it down to my son eventually. Thanks RacerX.

I still say the scatpack and plain hellcat are the best mopar has to offer from a car line up. You can drive both vehicles on long distance road trips and still take them out to the track.

The only car Dodge ever made that is worth $100k is the Viper. And we know how that ended.

still have my 18 demon and i feel for guys like you that are and have had issue after issue. car was a great concept but only time will tell on the 170. The 18 is bullet proof

1600 Miles on my 170. Love it and have zero complaints.

I am happy with my Hellcat, because it has a 6 speed manual transmission. And a manual transmission is so much more fun than an automatic.

This vehicle was a marketing gimmick. I think the engine is not built to ensure precious oil pressure under extreme G’s. Sure it may work for some, but I don’t think the engine failures will end. If you’re just monkeying around on the street, I’m sure it will be fine when it’s only using a fraction of all its power. Put it on a track, you’re gambling. I’m sure dealers loved it especially when some paid double or more of the MSRP.

I heard plenty of reports of the 170 blowing up prior to its launch. I personally believe that Stellantis knew there was a problem but was hoping most buyers wouldn't race them and find out. By then they've already got your money.

I'll gladly trade you my OG 15 HELLCAT for your Demon 😈

The folks who complain about the Demon 170's limitations - hard to launch, not being an all-wearher car, can't beat some EVs, etc. - don't understand what this car is. It's a modern take on the old factory-built musclecar/race cars. It isn't supposed to be perfect or a good daily driver. It's supposed to be like riding a bull at a rodeo. That's its charm. If you want something that does everything great, the Demon isn't it, because it was never meant to be great at everything. It's about power, image and attitude. Drive a Demon 170, one time, and you'll get it. It may not be right car for you, but you'll get it.

I have been utterly impressed with all of my Dodges! Absolutely love my 2018 Challenger R/T and 2016 Dodge Journey! I have put a SIGNIFICANT amount of mileage on the Journey and it has never had issues! Same with my Challenger and my Brother’s Challenger! They really are superb quality. I have a brand new Toyota 4-Runner with 3,000 miles and it is already giving me steering issues. Dodge is an incredible brand and I highly recommend that people drive/own them before making a baseless opinion! I completely agree with this video!

If I had the money to buy one I would buy one. But if I bought one, I will use it as a daily driver. I’m never gonna race it. I’d be afraid I’d fuck it up. Especially because i’ve never raced before. I’d put some mopar 20 inch rims, Michelin sport 4S tires and call it a day! It would be a super fucking fun day though!😂🚗

X! the launch edition hat is legit! Looking forward to seeing the new 170 engine at Bradenton!

🎵🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 Droppin' some knowledge, Racer X is the don Blazing down the track, and he's coming on strong, Torque to the limit, as the power adders stack, Engine screaming, as he's running down the track 🎵🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 Great video, Buddy! The Demon 170 is a beast for sure. There's nothing else like it. Sadly, I do not think there will be anything like it, ever again. I am glad that you were able to obtain one. 💯

Awesome content buddy 🙏👍💪

It's a Mopar, the king of muscle cars always was and always will. I grew up in the 60"s and the mopars had the reputation that dominated the street races and the body designs and crazy paint colors that were cool.

I’m so glad I didn’t buy one. Still got money for that 69 Dodge Charger.😉

Absolutely amazing that it was produced!

Right on racer X great video again agree with you. I am a demon 170 owner spot on thanks for the positive.

Glad I kept my 19 challenger hellcat redeye regular body....been in the process upgrading over time and should be in the high 900+hp at wheels and be reliable....plus with all of the markups made me not trade in....so the dealerships made my mind up and not get screwed over.

My opinion. yes! Trade it for a zr1 asap

If I was offered a 170 or Hellcat (with my specific factory options), I would take the Cat. I'm a SP owner, love my car.

Amazing how quick Dodge went from the best to the worst in the blink of an eye. Tavares need to go!

It’s not making 1025 to the wheels , it’s seeing that to the crank. It’s making about 880 to the wheels at the very most!

I always thought the 170 was a big waste of money considering a LSX with twins will make 1400-1600hp for a fraction of the cost.

Your last couple of minutes of comments are So True Mr.X! Give me Muscle or give me nothing👊

I think the 170 is a Mopar masterpiece. My son is 35yrs old and went out and bought one. I'm so proud of him because this is the last one folks and it's a true beast. I got to buy his 2018 Hellcat WB and let me tell you it scares the shit out of me. I also have a 2016 plum scat pack shaker and a 70 plum challenger 440 RT and a 69 Superbee and absolutely love each and everyone of them but they can't hole a candle to the hellcat it is super fast and the hellcat can't even touch the 170 demon. So if you can afford a 170 go get it, you only go around once.

The demon is the only car that ppl make excuses for every time it races or goes down the track 😂

In my opinion, if it's dry and you get to drive it on the street, awesome! If you get to actually go to the drag races, awesome. It is a very specific and special car. I love it! It is what Mopar is all about. It's a real BA car. Personally, I think it's a bit much. I think it's a car that you drive, not as a daily driver. It's truly a Mopar masterpiece. I think a Scat Pack is plenty for the street and can be driven daily. Maybe throw a different set of tires just to get your street miles on it if the weather is bad and you really want to drive. I love your Demon 170. Hope you keep it. Oh, and the block you have in the demon 170 is aluminum. The only iron block is the 392 in the new gen III Hemi blocks.

215 advertised, it'll run '151' but is limited to around 148 lmao. Gosh. Dodge marketing and internal communication really dropped the ball. They could've had some RFID sensor for the DEmon drag wheels and turn the limit off when not fitted, with owners signing their life away. Cool car if you got the pockets for it and patience. I guess what disappoints me is this was supposed to be a cool send off, nice gesture from a car company to send off one of their greatest models over 60+ years but it became a mess. Still, after the dust settles and hopefully it's reliable, it'll be worth it. Enjoy. Personally, I don't have all the toys already. I'd spend that 120k on a tow pig, a 850hp+ NA built LS Superlite SLC hyper kit car, a 1400hp LS drag based chassis and i'd still have spare money for tyres and consumables and both cars would smoke the Demon in any test except stock hp lol. Throw a built ZX10R for good measure ;P Pretty sure you used to ride bikes in the old youtube days or it was someone else with same name.

AwesomeX《☆》Demon 170 Ownership is an Elite Club👍🏾⚔🤳The Top Speed is a disappointment for me but the sheer acceleration has to be a Kick in the pants for sure😁Apparently the Tires & Driveshaft are the limiting factors for a higher Top Speed. Enjoy the Beast & keep us posted Brother✌🏼😎☯️

So Dodge Lied about it and even posted a phony time at the press reveal when it ran down the drag strip? WOW…

I like that 1000hp charger better you had

Considering all the problems these 170s are having. I’d say yes that car were a mistake.

The redeye and superstock are the best options for the platform

Anyone who bought one of these cars & is holding onto it in their garage with 0 miles & speculating that it will be a good investment are making a mistake. The Demon 170 is getting a poor reputation as an unreliable car for those that actually drive them...this would not be a car to own out of warranty

THANK YOU RACER X for showing me what a flop the Demon 170 is. I decided not to buy one and cancelled my order.

I just wish the 2023 last call was at least a redesign cause that markup for something that been around since 2015 just added extra dressing. But my favorite challenger is the super stock and the 2018 demon

Unless you’re planning to race the car a lot it really isn’t worth buying, plus anytime you race things are bound to break so you have to ok with that, I don’t race that’s why I bought a scat pack charger good everyday driver, wish you the best with the 170 racer X 👍👍👍

9:54 there are a couple places in the world where you can it those speeds the Autobahn in Germany, for instance. And based on the popularity of Dodge models amongst military and related expats It does make it more lively than one would think to see a hellcat or a demon in around Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Munich, or cologne.

That 8.91 number was fake. 😂

they didn't do anything hellcat owners hadn't already been doing for 5 years for power adding..needed e85 too hit the advertised power output as well. If they wanted to really have a revolutionary ultimate muscle car and charge 300,000 like some dealers did it should have been all wheel drive via dual electric motors on the front hubs and output 1300+ horsepower on 93 octane pump without having to track down e85. Instead they sold a hopped up jalopy that hellcat owners had been doing for the prior 5 years...dodge could have eliminated traction issues..kept it pump 93 octane and the engine more reliable, and a year round all weather driver by adding twin electric motors and built the ultimate modern American muscle.

Awesome car, the execution could’ve been better but I’m glad they released something cool to end this era. I think the 2018 demon was the most iconic car though, nothing could beat the reveal of that car

I just bought a 2023 rt 500 miles and when I drive around 20-35 mph it feels little bumpy then goes away, doesn’t happen all the time but I notice putting it in sport mode helps that problem..

Never thought I’d say this about a new car designed to race but the 170 should have been bought as a museum piece and slide for profit later

Anything made by Stellantis is a mistake. You should have bought a 2018 Demon or a pre 2021 Redeye. Everyone who has bought anything made by Stellantis is a damn fool.

For the money, I would much rather own a 1970 Ram Air IV Trans Am 4 speed in blue The Demon 170 is a loser. Too much money, poor workmanship, engines blowing up and a rev limiter.

Paid 36k for 18 Camero ss put 40k in built engine, transmission, and a go fast goodie. I drive it anytime, any weather. Here kitty kitty!

I just want to get to 140 quick as hell and get right back on the brakes.. To hell with hanging out at over 150 miles an hour for to long..

It's actually kind of perfect analogy for the current state of Mopar......

I agreed with you on most of your point and that the 170 is the only production track car is awsome❤

how far along are you in the break in? Just wondering how much longer before we see you take the demon bake to the drag strip.

When you’re out driving like this, are you running the Mickey Thompson tires, or do you have some Hellcat/Scat Pack wheels and tires you put on?

I like this racer x guy a lot. Wish he’d buy a gm hotrod and have one of the top shops drop another 250hp on it and post up.

When he gives it gas and says this thing is nasty made me die laughing

All of the lies and how the dealerships treated clients is why I am not buying one of the remaining hellcats!! I refuse to do business with these clowns! It’s totally ridiculous that this was allowed to go on! Liars and deceptive marketing from these corporations is exactly what is wrong with our economy right now! They have been allowed to do basically whatever they wanted to consumers and were supposed to deal with it! I refuse to play that game

can't wait for you to go down the track again!

Love my 170, I have super stock, Durango, TRX, Daytona 1075 to wheels & a69 Valiant with a hellcat in it. But 170 is my favorite. It's been raining here 30 days straight. GRR about to get in my demon now and try to make it to a car show. Hopefully I don't get caught in the rain coming back LOL

Hello RacerX, thank you for your outstanding channel! I have been a Dodge enthusiast for many years, and still think the Demon 170 is the ultimate automobile. I have owned 4 different Gen III Hemi powered vehicles since 2005. My first was a 2005 Ram 1500 that I still drive every day. With an honest 433,000 miles on the original engine. My question to you concerns your experience with Dodge and the warranty of your 170 engine replacement. My wife's 2022 Smoke Show Scat Pack Challenger had a intake valve break and lock up the motor on a drive down the interstate. This vehicle has 37,000 miles on the odometer. We are going into week 3 with no answer from Dodge on engine replacement warranty. In your experience with Dodge, is this normal? Thanks for any advice you can relay to me. Keep up the great content please sir.

"who wants to go 18-190? you need to get your head checked if you want to drive at those speeds" Meanwhile me in my procharged-C6/twinturbo-C7Z/C8Z Corvettes: Yes, I would like to make an appointment to get my head check doctor.

$108k doesn't sound that bad until I put it into perspective. In 2012 I bought my 4 year old house for $132,500. I borrowed $105k @ 3.5% interest rate from the bank. It took me 9.5 years to pay it off and my mortgage payment was almost $700/month. So in essence that Demon 170 cost more than my mortgage, lol. However, I wouldn't mind having a 2018 Demon. I know it has less power but it's more reliable apparently. With all of these engines blowing, Dodge is going to have to start refurbishing the blown engines, lol. I'll stick to my slow 2022 challenger scat pack widebody manual for now until I'm ready to upgrade to something else. I do enjoy your videos @RacerX so please keep making these informative and entertaining videos.

You got to take the slicks off the back and put regular wheels on there

I have 2016 Chrysler 200C AWD incredible performance car very fast and quick, I use paddle shifts very frequently. Quality is really good. I only have 51,000 miles on car.

They went with a powerhouse with amazing capabilities, to an engine with so much power, itll eat itslef to achieve numbers worthy of bragging rights ? Theres much older builds with more power and much more reliable. Stop being hyped by the brochure. One of many reasons why the original car scene is done. From Ford to dodge to chevy, anything past 2017 is a gamble. Too much new tech!

I suspect you had one of the engines missing a crank bearing! Not a design flaw but assembly quality.

It seems like QA issues cropped back up on a number of dodges coming off the line starting in 2022 as the shutdowns were announced. Thankfully the only problem my TA392 order had was the exhaust was hung weird and unneven, had gnarly weld blemishes...basically just pushed the idea on a more handsome exhaust note on a car that already had a good sound profile to begin with, but knock on wood that ends up being all I ever deal with, so far so good. Really killer to hear how much people paid for a 170 and just the kind of hassle it seems they've been on an engineering point.

If RacerX can manage to get a ZR1 that would be great and probably the one and only youtuber to explore the car in every possible way.

all you guys that say this car is a flop have obviously never had a drag race car. Just because it won't do an 890 does it mean it's slow a low nine is still very fast and quick particularly for a heavy newer car. I do think Dodge made a mistake by not making the car lighter everywhere they could

Sad what Dodge is doing. Maybe sell & buy a ZR1 next year? Will be interesting no prep comparison.

Nobody that took possession and immediately went after the 8.9s time slip had the carbon wheels and thus identical setup that made that magic pass, correct?

Are you getting the 215 mph set up for the demon 170? I wanna see it drag race again 🔥💯💯

The issue is that engine has a huge amount of boost with a small duration camshaft. A simple performance cam swap would decrease cylinder pressure by lowering boost AND increase performance. But I understand it has a warranty..

RacerX, TAKE A FEW POLLS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ,PUTTING THR 270 against a few other cars. The viewers are “Speaking p” every show. Onvpce you get consistent times anepd hit in the eights ,you can move on to another project. Your shows are always informative with an entertaining delivery. Rock on. CONTACT A MUSIC LABEL. PUT A CD OUT OF RACERX PICKS. If first is successful ,there will be vol. after vol. released.

As far as the top speed on the 1/4 goes. So what happens if someone has modified there car in such a matter they need to run faster in the 1/4. Would it break 160 mph or more if the car was made to be quicker.

Listen to this one X, I had to have the clutch replaced at 40k on my Scatpack, which I didn’t get because I only street raced it occasionally, but when the new clutch was installed the mechanic said there was no throw out bearing in the transmission? Of course they put a new one in so I guess I have to blame it on Tremec. Does any of this sound a little weird to you? Just wondered.

🏆Racer X 🏆 awesome 🍀 ride you got there 👀✌️

Yes

NEVER THAT CAR IS RARE AND WILL BE WORTH HEAPS IN GOOD CONDITION IN YEARS TO COME

Can't believe its already been a year!!

Great review

Biggest mistake is calling it a Demon in the 1st place.

The demon 170 looked best in the original silver and red color

Great videos, you have a perfect car..👍🏻

Bro. You should really rematch a plaid ... gotta save face.

The biggest scam pulled on auto buyers

Good sales man racer X....

I love your car and I agree it's the most epic muscle car ever made. However, I believe this car is the result of the Viper being discontinued. The Challenger is punching way above its weight by trying to compete with supercars. Imagine a Viper with your engine in it. It would scorch everything in its path.

I'm not even a Ford guy but after seeing the GT 500 Code Red doing what it did on street tires & thru the mufflers everyone might as well hang it up

Car looks great 👍

Have a problem with Chrysler wondering if you could help seems both Hulk Hogan and I have the same problem at the same dealer with our hellcats. The high-speed fan is not kicking on and the air conditioner for some reason won’t work. Chrysler said quote there is no solution for this problem. My hellcat is a six speed and only has 2000 miles on it. It’s a last call, not really sure where to go Brother ?! what say you?

I don't understand why manufacturers don't just drop the dealer networks and sell factory direct

You have any insight on direct connection stage 3 for the redeyes? At this point that's the only way I'll get close to a demon 170

Who makes your key chains brother

You have not sold that thing yet?

There’s still a dealership in the Bay Area on Facebook asking $210,000.

One trick pony and even at that you need a prefectly prepped surface to run anywhere Dodge s claimed time .There are so many better cars that can actually be driven and still run quick times. Not a fan .

Bottom line is that it is a drag racing specialty car that can't be very successful at drag racing without destroying the engine or spinning the wheels on launch. The forward oil sump design is the guarantee it will eat the engine drag racing. So, it can't fulfill its primary purpose. As a daily driver you would not want it.

@17:42 Those ARE factory cars! I think you meant to say they aren’t STREET cars?