The Mopar world is fully expecting to see a high performance version of the new Dodge Dart coming within the next few years and while many expect it to be badged as an SRT vehicle – there have also been discussions that the performance package for the Dart could be the new Dodge Demon.
The Dodge Demon name first appeared in 1971 as a performance trimline for the popular Dodge Dart but after the 1972 model year, the Chrysler Group changed the name of those 2-door fastbacks to the Dodge Dart Sport after heavy pressure and negative publicity from Christian groups around the country who insisted that the Demon encouraged devil worship. Since then, the Chrysler Group has continued to maintain the trademark to the Demon name over the past few decades with that moniker most recently used for the sporty little compact roadster that debuted back in 2007. However, when the Dart name popped back into the Dodge lineup – rumors began to soar that there could be a new Dart-based Demon.
While there hasn’t been any official indication from the Chrysler Group about the possibilities of a modern Demon based on the new Dodge Dart, I spoke with a few Chrysler reps last year who knew that I owned a 1972 Dodge Demon 340 (shown above doing a burnout). They were asking me what I – as an original Demon owner – would think about a modern Demon based on the sporty new compact Dart sedan.
As much as I love my 2-door fastback Demon, I am reasonable enough to understand that the modern auto industry doesn’t allow room for a bunch of similar cars being sold under the same roof with different names. Having a 2-door Demon alongside the 2-door Charger and Challenger back in 1972 might have made sense then but it does not now. I told these Chrysler reps that I wouldn’t have a problem with it provided that the modern Demon packed some power and styling cues to separate it from the standard Dart – not just some decals. That discussion was certainly nothing concrete but it shows that the Demon name was at least being considered by the company for use on the new Dart.
We have seen how much the Chrysler Group likes bringing back old school names on new models – even in the event that the modern car is nothing like the older models with the same name. We also know that Chrysler has “control” of the Demon name and they have been batting around using that name on and off for the past 10 years but with the modern religious climate here in the US – Is there a chance in hell that Dodge brings back the Demon?
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
