The final 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon rolled off the line on Wednesday, May 30, marking the end of production for this exceptional performance car. The Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario has brought to life all 3,300 of these record-setting muscle cars available in the U.S. and Canadian market.
For the roughly 48 seconds the final car spent at each station along the line, the crew flashed a thumbs up or a knowing glance at each other as they added their component to this historic, 840-horsepower muscle car. While it looked just like every other Challenger SRT Demon that came through the line, this one was special because it was the last of the one-year-only production. It will join the final 2017 Dodge Viper at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction in Connecticut that runs from June 20 to 23. Dodge will donate the proceeds to the United Way. Dodge bills the pair of cars as “The Ultimate Last Chance.”
When the final Dodge Challenger SRT Demon arrives at the Barrett-Jackson auction, it will wear the same Viper Red paint as the final Viper to complement its SRT Demon badges and wide 18-by-11-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Demon-branded Nitto 315/40R18 street-legal drag tires, which are added after the vehicle leaves the Brampton plant.
“We have a lot of pride in this car,” says Ron Vukovic, launch manager at the Brampton plant. “It really resonates with our plant’s motto of ‘Belief, Ability, and Pride.’”
The plant’s love and pride for the Challenger SRT Demon are abundantly found at the plant gift shop. It can’t always keep the Demon-branded items in stock because they sell out so quickly and with such regularity. The workers take it one step further and wear shirts touting the plant as the home of the SRT Demon, and the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats.
“Building the Challenger SRT Demon has been more than just a job, it’s been a passion,” says Ardis Snow, Unifor Local 1285 plant chairperson. “You feel this car inside you when it goes by and we could not have been more proud to have it here.”
The final Dodge Challenger SRT Demon body shell started on the Brampton assembly line at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and completed its journey on the line just before 3 p.m., just as the plant’s first shift was ending. The timing made it possible for many of the workers to gather for a photo with the car before it took its final ride through the plant’s validation and inspection stations then loaded for transportation.
It’s not the first time this car will be in the spotlight, nor will plant officials be surprised if the car returns home one day. They’ve grown accustomed to Challenger SRT Demon owners and fans bringing their cars back to Brampton for a photo or two.
Talk to a team member here at Garber Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to find out how you can make the legendary 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon yours today. It looks great in your driveway, and it feels even better on the road. Set up an appointment for your test drive today!
Images courtesy of FCA Media
