The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is all set to clean up at the drag strip with its 1,025 hp (764 kW). It appears as even though dealers are also set to clean up with hefty earnings far in excess of the $96,666 that Dodge itself has set as the MSRP. That’s correct, we’re speaking about Dodge Challengers that may sell for as considerably as $300,000 or far more. Sigh…

Frankly, it comes as no shock that a uncommon and strong muscle auto like the Demon 170 would be a prime target for dealers in their work to gouge buyers. Even reasonably mainstream automobiles like the Honda Civic Type R and the Toyota GR Corolla see hefty markups at instances. Nevertheless, I’m not certain any of us believed that the Demon 170 would price as considerably as Lamborghini asks for the Huracan even though.

We spent all morning calling about to distinct Dodge dealers asking about what they have been charging and the vast majority wouldn’t give us a straight answer. If commenters on-line are to be believed, and offered what salespeople are posting on Facebook, the costs are just out of this planet.

More: These Are The Only Cars That Go Sub-two To 60 MPH Like The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

Over on Reddit, reports are flying in from a quantity of people saying that they’re routinely seeing asking costs of $189k, $210k, or even $250k ahead of taxes. Of course, these are merely comments with extremely small tough proof. Next, we moved on to Facebook Marketplace exactly where a string of other posts began to solidify our suspicions.

One person in Franklin, TN says that “they’re starting at 100k over but we are open to offers.” Some other dealership staff are posting the auto with costs in excess of $200,000. Dealers themselves have been somewhat infamously removed from the platform in January but salespeople can nevertheless post as folks on Marketplace.

Perhaps no markup is as intense as the one particular we discovered someplace close to Spring Hill, Tennessee. One particular person on Facebook claims to have two far more allocations offered and says they’ll sell them for $250,000 more than MSRP. In truth, they say that the figure is the existing higher bid.

It Just Sucks For Enthusiasts

On Hellcat.org, a forum devoted to its namesake, one particular poster says that one particular dealer told them “$200k over MSRP will get you one.” As one particular comment on Reddit so properly mentioned “It sucks for the real enthusiasts.” It’s not the only issue even though simply because according to some, even when you agree to a markup, dealers can come up with motives to bump you off of the list and go with the subsequent highest bidder.

Others are suggesting that some dealers are getting the auto itself and then flipping it as “Used.” There’s currently clear proof out there that says that markups harm brand image and brand loyalty. Adding shading practices like ditching one particular purchaser for one more or flipping it inside the dealership to keep away from heat from Dodge are just far more motives to never ever ever spend a markup.

One dealer did lastly get back to us with a price… “starting at 100k over but we are open to offers,” they mentioned. How numerous correct enthusiasts will get and use the Demon as Dodge intended? Probably fewer than most would favor.

As for what Dodge and their parent firm Stellantis have to say about these dealer practices, we reached out to the carmaker and will report with an update if and when they get back to us.