Brent Snavely

Detroit Free Press

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said today it plans to bring back the Dodge Demon, a muscle car from the 1970s, with an engine that kicks out even more horsepower than the Charger and Challenger Hellcat models.

The automaker said it will reveal the Dodge Challenger Demon SRT at the New York International Auto Show.

FCA's decision to launch an ultra-powerful Demon comes at a time when most automakers are talking about self-driving cars and electric cars and illustrates how the Auburn Hills automaker, especially with its Dodge brand, is not afraid to sell screaming power.

"Most cars attempt to be everything to everybody. Then there are the rare few that revel in a single objective, rendering them totally irresistible to a subculture," said Tim Kuniskis, FCA's head of passenger car brands. "The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is conceived, designed and engineered for a subculture of enthusiasts who know that a tenth is a car and a half second is your reputation."

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The automaker did not release any images or numbers for the Demon but did release a teaser video called "Cage," and a new logo showing the head of a horned demon with fangs, a pointed chin and the word Demon in red, jagged letters.

But Kuniskis said the Demon will be more powerful than the Hellcat models, which are powered by a 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 engine that pumps out 707 horsepower.

"This will be the next iteration," Kuniskis said cryptically. "It will be the SRT Demon. Every single week, a new video will drop leading up to New York, saying here’s what's new. And then New York. We will drop the whole car in New York."

The response to the introduction of the Hellcat in 2015 exceeded the company's expectations, forcing it to double production in 2016. Introducing a Demon version of the Challenger could have a similar impact.

The automaker produces its Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 sedans at its plant in Brampton, Ontario. FCA made a commitment in contract talks with the Canadian union Unifor last year to invest $325 million to update the paint shop in Brampton, but has not said when it will overhaul the platform for those vehicles.

Dodge added a Demon model to its Dodge Dart lineup in 1971. The Demon shared a body with the Plymouth Duster, according to Dodgedemon.net. The Demon featured a different grille and rear taillight assembly. It was offered as two models: the Demon two-door coupe and the Demon 340 two-door coupe, both with V8 engines.

The logo was the word “Demon” in yellow with a devil and a fork in the center over the “M,” according to the website.

Contact Brent Snavely: 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrentSnavely.