Dodge is taking the new Challenger Demon’s quest to win at the drag strip to new heights.
The upcoming Challenger Demon will be the first production car to use a transmission brake, allowing the driver to rev the engine to the optimal rpm for launch without having to worry about the car creeping forward, or about holding back the vehicle with the brake pedal.
To stop the Demon from launching, the transmission engages drive and reverse at the same time, allowing for the engine to pre-load the torque converter and strain against the locked transmission, rather than the car’s brakes. When the driver releases the transmission lock, which will be controlled by one of the paddle shifters, the car will rocket off the line.
Dodge offers a few more specifics on the system, saying that the brake allows the car to rev to 2350 rpm, and increases supercharger boost pressure by 105 percent and launch torque by 120 percent.
SEE ALSO: Dodge Reveals the Demon’s Hellish Soundtrack
This system, combined with the Demon’s torque reserve launch system and launch control should make it one of the quickest road legal cars to run at the drag strip. Line lock will also be part of the package, allowing the Demon to hold only its front brakes, making big burnout possible to warm the rear tires, a necessity in drag racing.
As we can see in the video, it also appears that there will be a graphic in the car helping to make sure the driver launches at precisely the right time.
And like with all the Demon teasers, there are a few mystery numbers presented to us, in this case two sets, the first being “7.57” and “8.15.” Although it’s just a guess, this could mean that the standard Demon will pack 757 horsepower, while once converted to track-use only mode, the engine churns out 815 hp.
There is also a quick shot of the license plate, showing the numbers “8.3+317=534.” Any ideas what it could mean?
There will be three more teaser videos released before the new Challenger Demon is revealed on April 11, the night before the 2017 New York Auto Show.
