In the realm of high-performance cars, few beasts roar as fiercely as the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. With a jaw-dropping 1,025 horsepower packed under its hood, this purple marvel stands as a testament to American muscle car ingenuity. But as formidable as it may seem, it found itself challenged by an unlikely contender at Bradenton Motorsports Park: the electrifying Lucid Air Sapphire.
Picture this showdown: the Demon 170, stripped of passenger seats, sporting racing wheels, and drag-ready tires, poised at the starting line. Its engine, fueled by the potent E85, promises a blistering sprint down the quarter-mile stretch. Yet, across from it sits the Lucid Air Sapphire, a heavyweight in the electric sedan world, boasting three motors and near-instant peak torque.
Despite the Demon’s ferocious power, the Lucid Air Sapphire proves to be a formidable opponent. With Brooks Weisblat of DragTimes behind the wheel, the Air Sapphire effortlessly clocks three consecutive 9.0-second runs. In a breathtaking display of electric prowess, it manages to outpace the Demon, crossing the finish line at an impressive 152.66 miles per hour.
But let’s break it down for the everyday enthusiast. The Demon 170, with its supercharged V8 engine, delivers raw, unadulterated power. It’s the epitome of American muscle, with a price tag that once made it a performance bargain. Yet, even with its eye-watering horsepower figures and lightweight modifications, it falls short against the Lucid Air Sapphire.
So, what makes the Lucid Air Sapphire such a formidable foe? It’s all about those three motors and their instantaneous torque delivery. Picture stepping on the gas pedal and feeling an immediate surge of power, propelling you forward with relentless force. It’s a sensation that’s hard to match, even for the Demon 170.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The Demon 170 may clock a respectable 9.494 seconds in the quarter-mile, but the Air Sapphire steals the spotlight with its 9.006-second run. And while the Demon may have once been the king of the drag strip, the Air Sapphire’s electrifying performance comes at a premium price of $249,000. You might say so does the Demon 170, but that is with dealer markups.
But this showdown isn’t just about quarter-mile times; it’s a glimpse into the future of automotive performance. With Stellantis shifting towards electric powertrains and other manufacturers following suit, the days of roaring V8 engines may be numbered. Yet, amidst this electric revolution, there’s something undeniably thrilling about the rumble of a HEMI® engine and the scent of burning rubber on the drag strip.
Source: DragTimes
