The Dodge Demon 170 is a fever dream of a modern-day muscle car. With a 1,025 horsepower supercharged Hemi V8 and a nearly $100,000 price tag, it boasts a jaw-dropping 1.66-second zero to 60 mph time. For fans of the soon-to-be discontinued Dodge Challenger, this model represents the car’s final, most powerful form.
However, in a head-to-head drag race, it stands no chance against the electric Lucid Air Sapphire.
The Drag Race Showdown
In a new video by Hagerty’s Jason Cammisa, the ultimate gas-powered muscle car takes on America’s ultimate electric vehicle. “I know, I know, we were all hoping for a much closer result,” Cammisa remarks. Despite multiple attempts, the Lucid Air Sapphire consistently outperformed the Demon 170.
Price Comparison and Performance
It’s important to note that the Lucid Air Sapphire is a vastly more expensive car, priced around $250,500. Despite this, the Dodge deserves recognition for competing at all in this supercar price class. These cars cater to different audiences, yet the Sapphire’s performance remains remarkable, boasting 1,234 horsepower, 427 miles of range, and enough luxury to overshadow the Mercedes EQS.
The Tests
In a series of quarter-mile runs at Willow Springs Raceway, the Lucid immediately outpaced the Dodge, crossing the finish line nearly 400 feet ahead. The Sapphire completed the quarter in 9.2 seconds at 158 mph, hitting 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds thanks to its all-wheel-drive dual-motor traction advantage.
Cammisa highlights the Air’s advanced traction control systems, which adjust power output up to 1,000 times per second on each wheel. This speed and precision far surpass the Dodge’s computer capabilities, which manage century-old piston-engine technology.
Second Attempt: Famoso Drag Strip
The test moved to the VHT-added Famoso Drag Strip, where the Dodge’s tires are more suited. Despite this, the results remained the same, with the Lucid consistently dominating the Dodge. The electric vehicle’s superiority was clear, making it evident that American performance’s future lies in electric power.
Conclusion
The showdown between the Dodge Demon 170 and the Lucid Air Sapphire proves that the future of performance cars is electric. Despite the nostalgia and power of gas-powered muscle cars, the speed, efficiency, and technology of electric vehicles are leading the way forward. As much as enthusiasts love the roar of a powerful engine, the quiet speed of electric cars like the Lucid Air Sapphire is undeniably impressive.
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