When it comes to Dodge, horsepower and big engines are everything, and the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, the company’s brand-new model is no different. The new performance variant of the Dodge SUV comes instead of the much-needed update for the Durango, which has remained virtually unchanged since 2011. However, this new Durango SRT has the potential to become the most powerful SUV on the market, so we aren’t complaining.
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Engine and Powertrain
The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is trying to become the muscle car of SUV’s and with and with and output of 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, that sounds entirely that plausible. The new Durango is powered by a 6.4 liter Hemi V8 engine, and with a setup like that the vehicle can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds, as well as run a quarter mile in 12.9. seconds. To give you a little sense of just how fast it is, the Mercedes-AMG G63 hits the 60 mph mark in 4.8 seconds and it takes 12.4 to run a quarter mile.
From a muscle cars enthusiast’s perspective this is what dreams are made of, but we aren’t sure just how practical this kind of power is for a grocery-getter SUV. What’s practical is the 8,600-pound towing capacity this new Durango SRT will possesses, which would be the highest among the 3 row SUV class. The power will be sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission with a burley T-bar shifter. This new model will also include a new, stiffer suspension that comes with computer-controlled adaptive dampers that will reportedly improve comfort and handling.
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Exterior
Design-wise, the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT offers some appealing yet functional features like the hood scoop and the heat extractors. Also, this wouldn’t be a performance package without Brembo brakes on all of the wheels, as well as active dampers, and an SRT-tuned exhaust. Furthermore, the new model will come with a set of optional Pirelli P Zero three-season tires, but the base model unfortunately comes straight from the dealer with regular all-season tires.
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Interior
Inside, the design is naturally sportier than ever with new features like the carbon fiber trim accents and seats upholstered with something called – performance Laguna leather. Other notable features in the updated cabin are the SRT steering wheel, velour floor mats, as well as some luxurious, suede-covered headliners and A-pillars. There is also a bevy of SRT logos throughout the cabin. But, perhaps the most interesting interior detail is the digital instrument cluster which features a 180 mph speedometer, which is curious since Dodge is yet to announce the top speed for this new model.
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2018 Dodge Durango SRT Release date and Price
The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT recently appeared at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show and it is expected to hit the showrooms by the end of the year, although the official release date is yet to be announced. The pricing is also unknown. However, considering that its closest rival, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT starts at about $68,000, the new Durango will likely follow its footsteps.
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