The long rumoured Dodge Durango SRT has made its
official debut at Chicago motor show. With a 6.4-litre Hemi
V8 producing 481 hp of power at 6000 rpm and 637 Nm at 4300 rpm, Dodge claims that
the new Durango SRT is “the most powerful three-row SUV”.
The Durango SRT’s 6.4-litre V8 is shared with its
platform mate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Both cars feature an eight-speed
automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Despite featuring a longer body and wheelbase, and
an extra row of seats, the Durango SRT is quicker than its Grand Cherokee
counterpart. According to Dodge, the new Durango SRT is capable of completing
the 0-97 km/h dash in 4.4 seconds, and has a 12.9 second 400m time that’s been certified by the National Hot Rod Association.
Visually, the Durango SRT is differentiated from its
less brisk brethren by a new grille, front bumper, a bonnet with an inlet scoop
and heat extractors, LED fog lamps, 10.2cm exhaust tips, and a modified rear
fascia.
The Durango SRT rides on a stiffer suspension setup
with active dampers, and 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 295/45 Pirelli Scorpion
Verde all-season tyres. Buyers can upgrade to forged 20-inch alloy wheels and
Pirelli P-Zero three-season tyres.
Brembo brakes are fitted at all four corners, with
six-piston callipers at the front, and four-piston units at the rear. Dodge
estimates that the Durango SRT requires around 35 metres to come to a complete
stop from 97 km/h.
On the inside, the Durango SRT features a
speedometer that goes all the way up to 290 km/h, a flat-bottomed
steering wheel, a hand-wrapped leather dashboard, Nappa leather and suede upholstery,
and second row captain’s chairs with heating and ventilation. Options include
red Laguna leather upholstery, and carbon-fibre trim.
