As the long Dodge Challenger Demon teaser series continues, some have been asking why the car is getting so much attention. There are likely two main reasons — the volume of information and leaks.

First, the volume of information is huge. There are all sorts of unique and new features of this car, designed to be a semi-dedicated drag racer that can still be driven around town. It’s not like any other car Chrysler has ever sold to the general public, and many of the features need more explanation.

Second, there were many rumors running around town about the car, and Dodge probably wanted to stay in front of the stories — and prevent expectations from getting out of hand, especially with tales of over a thousand horsepower floating around.


So what's special about the car? Here are some highlights:
  1. The engine, already the most powerful regular-production engine sold by an American automaker, may gain 50 hp.
  2. The car will be the first to come with a trans brake from the factory for faster launches.
  3. Wheels and tires are set up for drag racing, with fat rears and narrow fronts.
  4. An after-run cooling system is built in, with control and monitoring from the telematics system.
  5. Performance data is shown on the screen.
  6. Anti-lag, or torque reserve, is built in; this disables some cylinders and lets the driver rev the car higher before launching.
  7. The most massive hood scoop in America.
  8. A 232 pound trim from other Hellcats despite added driveline strength.
  9. Extra gear for drag racers.
  10. The first street-legal car to come with drag radials.
  11. A suspension retuned specifically for drag racing.
  12. A safety bar to  make installing a racing harness easier.
  13. Wheel hop addressed by Launch Assist.

Yes, this is a very special car.