DODGE CHALLENGER SRT DEMON 170 TAKEN FROM TROOP, CEO STEPS IN


By bblouin
A Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 parked in front of a fire.

Every once in a while, life has an unfortunate way of doing you dirty. Such was the case when a service member (who is currently defending our nation in Iraq) ordered their dream car, only to have shady practices pull the rug right from under them. Thankfully, the Internet has many good elements, including the power of reach and storytelling. This is the story of how the CEO went on to save a service member’s dream to own a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. And, it was all thanks to the power of YouTube. Suggested read: The Birth Home of Martin Luther King Jr Arsonist Was Charged

How Many Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Were Made?

Owning a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 isn’t a common experience. There is a 3,300 cap on total vehicle production, with 300 heading up to Canada. The remaining 3,000 are here in the United States. Keep in mind that this figure represents a possible maximum. The actual production volume may be lower based on a number of factors. With production numbers so low compared to other vehicles, which may see totals hitting tens if not hundreds of thousands each year, this beautiful example of how American Muscle isn’t exactly easy to acquire. This has been an issue with many car enthusiasts who are facing hurdles in acquiring the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. However, for one in particular, the hurdles weren’t simply about product times or rarity. There’s nothing wrong with making a quick buck, but it’s how you do it that matters. Sadly, integrity doesn’t always go hand in hand with car salesmen. The actions of the ex-employees of Mac Haik Dodge in Flowood, Mississippi are a prime example. They should have thought twice about their unsavory business practices. Note: Mac Haik Flowood has taken steps to prevent such issues from happening in the future. The dealership has fired the general manager, sales manager, and the car salesman responsible for the debacle. Related read: Jack Taylor Enterprise Empire Grew From His Service as a Veteran

The Dodge Challenger Is Making an Impact In the Car World

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 top speed is around 149 to 150 mph off the lot. With some tweaks, many believe 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft are possible. This means that a maximum of 215 mph is on the table. Outstanding performance by any comparison. Throw in the quality look and the notable history of quality from Dodge, and it’s clear why the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is making an impact on the car world. However, there was a hiccup for a service member with plans to secure his vehicle in January 2024. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 price may vary depending on various factors. However, you’re looking at six figures regardless. After purchasing the vehicle for $124,741 with plans to have his wife and father pick it up while deployed in Iraq, the unthinkable happened. While viewing a Facebook group, the service member noticed that another member had posted a vehicle that looked familiar. It was the same Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 he thought was secured in Mississippi. After inquiring about what had happened, it turns out that the dealership sold the car from under the troop while on deployment to its current owner. Considering it’s believed no other vehicle with the same specifications is available in North America, this was not taken lightly. Especially by the car community, which got wind of the situation and did something about it. Noted car enthusiast and YouTuber Butter Da Insider brought attention to the situation. He challenged Dodge’s CEO as well as the CEO of Mac Haik to make it right.

Dodge CEO Timothy Kuniskis Is Making Things Right

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 owner attempted to figure out a way to return the vehicle to no avail. They were even willing to sell it to the service member while purchasing another vehicle. Many others within “The Brotherhood” also raised awareness and looked for solutions. However, a mess turned into a blessing because one very important figure was following the story, Timothy Kuniskis, the President and CEO of Dodge and SRT. It turns out there were several SRT Demon 170s Kuniskis set aside for dealerships that hit high-performance goals. Now there is one fewer. This is because Kuniskis make the wrong right again. However, the CEO didn’t stop there:

  • Dodge's Jailbreak program is providing the customization, including an F8 Green paint job.
  • Dealer markup? Not this time. Forget the six-figure price tag. Now, the service member will be saving an estimated $80,000.

Dodge making this right to provide a rare vehicle that is no longer in production is admirable, but the story doesn’t end there. The storied automaker is also bringing the service member to Jay Leno's private garage to receive the vehicle while visiting the legendary car collection in person.

Is the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Street Legal?

Despite going 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds, yes, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is completely street-legal. However, the impressive power and performance specs of the vehicle clearly provide it with the ability to hit your local drag strip. Burning E85 fuel (15% gasoline and 85% ethanol) can provide car enthusiasts with a truly unique, powerful vehicle that is perfect for your morning commute or for the set of the latest car-forward action movie. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a testament to America in many ways—powerful, versatile, and made of quality. Fortunately, this debacle shows that the company responsible for the vehicle exudes those same qualities when it comes to helping our nation’s heroes. Read next: The Army Relies on the Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic to Keep Rolling


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