Dodge has made quite a name for itself stuffing in an incredible amount of power into its vehicles to yield lots of tire smoking fun. Do you want proof? Then take a look at the regular Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT models, the 707-horsepower Hellcats and the upcoming Demon. Knowing that, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Dodge is taking the wraps off of a high-powered Durango SRT at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
Like the other base SRT models, the 2018 Durango SRT is powered by the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 475 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control and rev-matching for manual downshifts routes power to all four wheels helping to get the 5,510-pound vehicle to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Covering the quarter mile takes 12.9 seconds, which is a certified National Hot Rod Association number. There's also little doubt that the Durango SRT won't sound like a proper member of the family with the 392 cubic-inch engine barking through an exhaust system tuned to sing a burbling note similar to the Charger SRT.
A SRT seven-mode drive system is also exclusive to the Durango SRT to tailor the engine mapping, gearbox performance, steering and 4WD system to a variety of situations. For normal driving, the default Street mode returns a comfortable ride and relaxed drivetrain performance. The Sport and Track settings deliver quicker transmission shift, tighter handling, route more power to the rear wheels and loosen the grip of the stability control system for spirited driving. Being a full-size SUV, the car remains very capable with a max towing capacity of 8,600 pounds. Pricing details are not available yet, but it's likely a safe bet that the Durango SRT won't be commanding Mercedes-level prices.
