It’s an interesting world we live in where a 707-hp Challenger is merely on the higher end of what Dodge offers. Still, that’s the timeline we’re in, given the muscle car is also available in 797-hp Hellcat Redeye form. However, even the Redeye has to bow to the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the spiritual successor to the infamous Demon. But does the Super Stock really capture the Demon’s spirit? YouTube team Throttle House headed to the track to find out.

How the 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock channels the Demon

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon still looms large amongst the brand’s fans for good reason. When running on race gas, its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 made 808 hp and 770 lb-ft, making it the most powerful American production car at the time, Car and Driver reports. On a prepped surface Dodge claims it can go 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds, Road & Track reports. And its ¼-mile time of 9.54 seconds made it so fast it was banned from drag racing because it didn’t have a roll cage.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock isn’t quite as extreme, though only by comparison. Its version of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 makes ‘just’ 807 hp and 707 lb-ft and doesn’t have a specific ECU tune for race gas. Though admittedly, even the Demon only mustered 717 lb-ft on street gas, MotorTrend reports. As such, the Challenger SRT Super Stock can ‘only’ go 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds, and run the ¼-mile in 10.5 seconds, Roadshow reports.

However, while it doesn’t have all of the Demon’s speed, it does borrow some of its parts, Autoblog reports. That’s because, while you can buy the Super Stock’s engine as a crate motor, high horsepower is just one part of going fast.

First, the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock has the same Nitto drag radials as the Demon, Car and Driver reports. It also borrows the Demon’s launch control software and ‘Power Chiller,’ which uses the A/C to cool the incoming air.

Plus, the Super Stock also has a limited-slip differential, a shorter final-drive ratio, and reworked adaptive Bilstein shocks, MT reports. In Track Mode and under wide-open throttle, the front shocks soften while the rear ones stay firm to maximize rear-wheel traction. Though unfortunately, the Challenger Super Stock doesn’t have the Demon’s trans brake.

What’s the 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock like on a track?

To quote Roadshow, “you don’t drive the…Dodge Demon, you survive it.” Appropriate, given the Demon could pull wheelies during prepped drag-strip runs. But, while the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock doesn’t quite lift its wheels, it’s by no means a disappointment.

On a conventional road surface, Throttle House ran the ¼-mile in 12.07 seconds. That doesn’t seem that impressive at first glance. However, that’s because even with lower tire pressures and a warm-up, the Challenger SRT Super Stock spun its wheels in third gear. And even with the wheelspin, the muscle car managed a 0-60 mph time of 4.42 seconds.

However, arguably even more than it is about drag racing, the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock is about theater. And it has that in spades.

To quote Throttle House, “it’s a riot.” It’s hilariously easy to do power slides, the supercharger screaming all the way. The 8-speed automatic is remarkably smooth in normal driving conditions, but it shifts quickly in Track Mode. And while the steering is heavy, it plays into the Challenger SRT Super Stock’s charms.

Should you get one over a Hellcat Redeye or other trim?

The 2020-model-year Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock will be a rare car, though for 2021 and beyond, production is unlimited. Still, with its $82,590 base price, the Super Stock doesn’t come cheap. But is it worth considering over the other trims?

Visually, the Challenger SRT Super Stock is almost identical to the Hellcat Redeye. The biggest difference between the two is the former’s drag radials and wheels, R&T reports. And while the Redeye doesn’t have all the Demon goodies, its larger wheels give it larger Brembo brakes. Plus, it’s about $4000 cheaper.

And while the Super Stock definitely channels the vintage muscle car spirit, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody arguably does it just as well, if not better. True, you don’t get the Hellcat powertrain or the drag-racing features. However, it has stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. And, unlike any of the Hellcat Challengers, you can get it with a 6-speed manual. Plus, it starts at $45,995.

Still, as with the Demon, trying to judge the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock based on practicality is a bit meaningless. And if you wanted a Demon of your own, the Super Stock is a worthy successor.

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