Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Hennessey HPE1000 – A Rare Legend Reforged

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was always meant to be a headline-grabber. But this one goes further: it is #563 of 3,000 units, the first Demon ever tuned by Hennessey, and the very car that won the Spirit of Gumball award at the 2018 Gumball 3000 Rally. Its combination of rarity, raw power, and proven road credentials sets it apart even among the UAE’s supercar culture.

Where does its story begin?

The Demon arrived in 2018 and instantly set records. It became the fastest production car from 0–100 km/h (2.1s), outpacing even the Bugatti Chiron and Tesla P100D of its time. It was the first production car capable of a wheelie off the line, and it introduced unique technologies like a torque reserve system and factory-fitted drag radials.

This particular example elevated that legacy when Hennessey fitted it with the HPE1000 package, before it conquered the legendary Gumball 3000 rally from London to Tokyo, standing tall among the world’s rarest exotics.

How does it look on the outside?

Painted in an arresting shade of red with equally red wheels, the Demon Hennessey commands attention immediately. Its wide stance and massive hood scoop are purposeful, channelling air into the beast beneath. At the rear, the wing is finished with Hennessey and SRT badges, while under the hood a plaque confirms its distinction as the first Demon tuned by Hennessey. It is muscular, aggressive, and unmistakably American.

How big is it really?

In terms of size, the Demon makes its presence felt everywhere it goes. Measuring over five meters long and nearly two meters wide, it is a car that dominates the road visually and physically. Its proportions give it the kind of road presence that ensures it never goes unnoticed, even in the UAE, where supercars are commonplace.

What is the cabin like to sit in?

Inside, the Demon remains true to its Challenger roots. The cabin is functional yet comfortable, with supportive seats and a layout that places the focus on the driver. While it does not aim for luxury detailing, there are unique touches: most notably, a plaque under the AC vent engraved with “Built for Gumball 3000”, a reminder of the car’s rally pedigree. It’s a cockpit designed for performance, but one that doesn’t sacrifice comfort on long drives.

What features make it unique?

The Demon was engineered with drag racing in mind, and Dodge equipped it with innovations such as:

• A torque reserve system for instant acceleration.
• Drag Mode settings for drivetrain and suspension.
• The largest production hood scoop at the time.
• Factory drag radials, another world-first.

Hennessey’s upgrades further distinguish it, adding a 4.5-litre Whipple supercharger, long-tube headers, high-flow fuel and induction systems, and other reinforcements. The result is a muscle car redefined.

How capable is the chassis and suspension setup?

The Demon was designed around the quarter mile, but Dodge engineered a chassis that could handle both street use and drag racing extremes. It features Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) with modes tuned for drag launches, softening the front end to allow weight transfer and improving traction at the rear.

Hennessey’s work didn’t alter the fundamental setup but complemented it with the added power. The result is a car that can withstand repeated hard launches without losing stability.

For braking, the Demon is equipped with Brembo performance brakes:

• 360 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the front.
• 350 mm discs at the rear.

Tyres are another highlight — Nitto NT05R drag radials, fitted as standard, making it the first-ever production car to come with drag tyres from the factory. With Hennessey’s additional power, they remain essential in keeping all 1,000 hp usable.

What about safety?

Performance is the priority, but Dodge ensured essential safety systems. Active aids include stability and traction control to manage the car’s immense power, while airbags and a reinforced structure provide passive protection. Though not overloaded with modern driver-assist features, it covers the essentials.

What lies under the hood?

Powering the Demon Hennessey is a 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8, originally delivering 840 hp and 1,044 Nm in stock form. With the HPE1000 package, Hennessey fitted:

• A 4.5-litre Whipple Supercharger.
• High-flow induction and fuel systems.
• Stainless steel long tube headers and exhaust upgrades.

The result: a round 1,000 hp on paper, firmly placing it among the most powerful street-legal muscle cars ever built.

How does it feel to drive?

On the road, the Demon Hennessey feels every bit as extreme as the numbers suggest. Acceleration is immediate and overwhelming, accompanied by a deep, thunderous soundtrack. It delivers its best on open highways or the drag strip, where the immense power can be fully appreciated. Despite its aggressive nature, it proved its ability to handle long journeys during the Gumball 3000, showing a balance between performance and endurance.

So, what’s the final word?

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Hennessey HPE1000 is more than just another powerful car; it is a landmark in modern automotive history. Priced at AED 743,175 and with its exclusive status as the first Demon tuned by Hennessey, its one-of-a-kind rally-winning story, and its staggering 1,000 hp performance, it is a true collectable.

In the UAE, where rarity and power define automotive prestige, this Demon doesn’t just compete with hypercars; it stands apart as an icon of American muscle and innovation.

Find the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon listed for sale on Dubicars.

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The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was always meant to be a headline-grabber. But this one goes further: it is #563 of 3,000 units, the first Demon ever tuned by Hennessey, and the very car that won the Spirit of Gumball