2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Release Date, Specs News: Muscle Car Equipped With Upgraded Drivetrain to Prevent Wheel Hop
In the eighth promotional video for the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon, Dodge details the upcoming muscle car's race-hardened parts, which allows it to handle extreme levels of performance without damaging the drivetrain.
According to the automaker, the Demon's drivetrain is equipped with an upgraded prop shaft that increases torque capacity by 15 percent. This was accomplished through the use of high-strength steel, a 20 percent thicker tube and heat-treated stub-shafts.
Dodge also upgraded the drivetrain's differential housing for 30 percent more torque capacity via a heat-treated A383 aluminum alloy and higher strength gear set material. These components also increase the drivetrain's durability and reduce residual stresses.
Lastly, the 41-spline half shafts were also upgraded for a 20 percent increase in torque capacity even while operating in high temperatures. This was done by increasing the diameter of the high-strength low alloy steel and 8-ball joints.
Dodge also mentioned that another way to maintain the integrity of the drivetrain was to prevent wheel hop — which is when tires quickly slip and regain traction during launch. Wheel hop stores and releases energy in the drivetrain which, in turn, damage the components.
As such, the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon comes with Launch Assist that uses wheel speed sensors to detect if tires are slipping or sticking. If so, the muscle car's control module reduces engine torque for the time being to maximize traction rapidly. Launch Assist is able to reduce wheel hop by around 15 to 20 percent, which lessens the occurrence of drivetrain damage.
Furthermore, the Demon will also come with a new four-point harness bar for track driving. Since the rear seat has been removed and mounting points are more accessible, drivers can easily install the bar.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will make its official debut at the New York International Auto Show on Tuesday, April 11. It will also be featured in "The Fate of the Furious," arriving in theaters on April 14. A preview of the all-new high-performance muscle car can be seen in the upcoming film's newest commercial.
