The Dodge Demon lives up to its name in this epic drifting video

By Stephen Edelstein August 16, 2017

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was built for drag racing, but can it do anything besides run the quarter mile?

It sure can. Pennzoil put racing driver Rhys Millen behind the wheel of a Dodge Demon and unleashed the pair on the streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The result is what has to be the best commercial for motor oil ever. Titled “Exorcising the Demon,” it features a bright yellow Dodge drifting through the darkened streets of the city.

The Demon was set up for driving in straight lines, but it’s still a rear-wheel-drive car with over 800 horsepower. With that much power, overwhelming the tires’ grip is relatively easy, allowing the car to slide. So while Dodge may not have had drifting in mind, this demonic muscle car can still do it, and do it well.

The framing device for this video, complete with references to actual exorcisms and demons, is admittedly a bit silly. And the whole thing is just a promotional vehicle for Pennzoil. But the two solid minutes of Demon drifting action still make it worth watching.

Unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show earlier this year, the Demon certainly lives up to its name. Its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine produces 840 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque when running on 100-octane racing fuel, which Dodge claims is the most power of any production V8 ever. The Demon also features a host of equipment previously found only on full-on race cars, including drag-racing tires and a transbrake for its eight-speed automatic. Oh, and it only has one seat (you can buy more for $1 each).

Dodge claims the Demon will run the quarter mile in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph. That’s so quick that Dodge said the car was “banned” from drag racing by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). In reality, the NHRA just requires cars running that quick to have safety equipment the Demon doesn’t have. The Demon is as quick as a race car, so it should have the same amount of safety features, the NHRA reasons.

But for Demon owners who don’t feel like upgrading their cars for the drag strip, there’s always drifting.

Editors' Recommendations

Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls to take up 20% of PlayStation 5 storage

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.