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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US |
The rise of the sport utility/crossover vehicle vehicle over the past two decades has been driven primarily by one aspect; versatility. Elevated viewpoint for the driver, high ground clearance for better all-weather driving and optimized cabin space are practical characteristics for sport utility vehicles. Also, there are some less practical reasons why individuals choose these particular vehicles is to achieve a unique sense of performance.
With many large, three-row crossover vehicles relying on powerful V-6 powerplants, the Dodge Durango is a remaining source for scarcer V-8 engine power. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 has served as the soul for the Dodge sport utility vehicle since the 2004 model year. A grunt from an eight-cylinder engine underneath the Durango's hood will be a little more forceful heading into 2018 as SRT hands have tuned-up the 7-passenger vehicle.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US |
For the first time on the Dodge's full-sized crossover vehicle, the impact of SRT performance badging propels the Durango. Set to make its public debut at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show starting on the 9th of February, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT bills itself as being the most power three-row SUV in America.
Subtle yet meaningful, enhancements made to create the 2018 Durango SRT only provide a veil to a beastly large HEMI poweplant. Under a no-nonsense functional SRT hood with a center air inlet and heat extractors, a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine is installed. Generating 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, the Dodge Durango SRT's engine is fed by a cold-air duct in order to optimize performance. Fuel Saver Technology adds some civility to the HEMI power unit allowing less gasoline to be used through certain driving conditions.
Exclusively offered with all-wheel drive, the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 powerplant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An exhaust system modeled after the setup found on the Charger SRT sedan is attached to the underside of the sport utility featuring resonators to obtain a true performance sound. This powertrain setup has also served as the performance basis of the Durango's platform relative Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT model.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US |
Under the thrust of 475 horsepower, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT performs some remarkable feats for a three-row sport utility vehicle. Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour is accomplished in 4.4 seconds while a quarter of a mile run has been measured at 12.9 seconds in a manner certified by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). The performance of the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine can also be allocated towards more useful truck purposes. Towing capacity for the 2018 Durango SRT is rated at 8,600 pounds.
Beyond the highlight of 475 horsepower, the SRT version of the 2018 Dodge Durango enjoys other attractive equipment additions. A sportier exterior involves a revised front fascia featuring a lower valence for greater airflow accompanied by LED fog lamps. The suspension as well as the wheel and tire setup have been matched to the greater performance of the sport utility vehicle. Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires or Pirelli P Zero are mounted to 20-inch wheels. Two wheel designs for the Durango SRT utilize a five-spoke layout and Black Noise finish. Behind the wheels, Brembo brakes with vented rotors as well as six-piston front calipers deliver gripping stopping power.
The ride of the Dodge Durango SRT is enhanced by a stiffer suspension as well as an Active Damping System that provides the driver with seven SRT drive modes. Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Valet and ECO modes can be selected by the pilot of the high-speed performance utility vehicle.
At the controls of the 2018 Durango SRT, the driver will take hold of a flat-bottom steering wheel and will observe instruments including a customizable 7-inch cluster and a 180-mile per hour speedometer. Special leather seating can be upholstered by standard Nappa leather with suede inserts or an optional Demonic Red Leguna surface. Real carbon fiber cabin touches, available Dynamica suede-wrapped headliner and premium velour bound floor mats are also found inside the three-row interior along with the healthy use of SRT labeling. At the center of the dash panel, a Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system is supported by a nine-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system with 506-watt amplifier. SRT Performance Pages with navigation, 5-year trial of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as HD radio are part of the Durango SRT's Uconnect unit.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US |
Available in 11 exterior colours, the 475-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT will arrive in showrooms by the final quarter of 2017. Pricing for the 2018 Durango SRT will be announced soon and will include a one-day education at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving for the new vehicle owners.
If you are unable to attend the 2017 Chicago Auto Show where the sport utility vehicle will be making its high-powered debut, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has prepared the following YouTube presentation of the all-wheel drive Durango SRT serving our viewing pleasure.
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