Challenger

Make
Dodge
Segment
Coupe

There's been a lot of debate about the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon's phenomenal performance claims since its reveal. Thanks to its 840-horsepower V8, the Demon sprints from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds and can blitz the quarter mile in just 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world right now. Tesla fans disagree, however, citing the Model S P100 D's record 0-60 mph run of 2.28 seconds on the drag strip. Well Tesla fans, FCA has some news that you're not going to like.

Speaking to Motor Authority, FCA has clarified the claim – and it turns out the Demon could easily outrun the Model S in the same circumstances. It all boils down to rollout times, which is the extra seven inches allotted before the timer starts on a drag strip as the car rolls out. From a standing start, the Dodge Demon will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds, but with rollout that time is apparently reduced to 2.1 seconds. Yes, that's faster than Tesla's record time. "Lately some people are trying to go for big stats, so they are including rollout, and they are being honest. Most people don't know what rollout is, so it's kind of a throwaway disclaimer" said FCA's Tim Kuniskis.

"They are saying, 'Hey, with rollout it runs blah blah blah blah.' So we ran it both ways. Zero to 60 pure is 2.3 seconds, but with rollout it's 2.1, and that's important because that's the fastest 0-60 mph of any production car, I don't care what the technology is." As you may have guessed, Tesla's record 2.28 time includes rollout - sorry to disappoint you, Tesla fans. Without rollout, the 0-60 mph time clocked in at 2.53 seconds which is still impressively quick, but slower than the Demon's 2.3 second record. However, to unleash the Demon's full potential you need the optional Direct Connection powertrain controller, racing slicks, run it on 100-octane racing fuel, and remove the passenger and rear seats.

Nevertheless, there's no denying that the outrageous muscle car has set a new performance benchmark for production cars, but the debate will no doubt rage on. We could also see the Demon set even faster times when Hennessy gives it the tuning treatment. Now that's a scary thought.