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| Photo Credit: James Lipton for Dodge/Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
When Dodge introduced the Hellcat moniker as an enhancement to the SRT version of the Challenger in 2015, the insane horsepower that erupted through the coupe’s exhaust was seen as astonishing. Shortly after the Challenger introduced the high performance variant, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat made use of the same 707-horsepower, supercharged HEMI V-8 engine that made the Challenger SRT Hellcat a beast. In an announcement of their 2021 product line, Dodge’s parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles unveiled a third member of the ferocious Hellcat family based on their Durango sport utility vehicle.
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat establishes a new performance peak for the three-row passenger vehicle lineup for the American brand. A creation that was once difficult to conceive, the appearance of the Durango SRT 392 in 2017 for the 2018 model year paved the way for this even more aggressive take on the sport utility vehicle. Following the 475-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT 392 that arrived with an advertised National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) certified quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds, the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat sets out to shatter the already impressive numbers of what came before it.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
With the addition of the Hellcat badge to the Durango, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 powerplant has been dropped into the engine compartment. Generating 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, the cast-iron engine is assembled with sturdy components including heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads, high-strength forged-alloy pistons as well as sodium-cooled exhaust valves and hollow-stem intake valves engineered to handle temperatures up to 900 degrees Celsius. Capable of handling 11.6 psi of maximum boost pressure, the twin-scroll rotor supercharger unit part of the Hellcat HEMI engine includes an integrated electronic bypass valve and a special coating to prevent wear. The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s supercharger is fed by cold-air scoop located at the vehicle’s lower front fascia. The supercharged 6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
Dodge also tuned the suspension and handling for the 710-horsepower Durango SRT Hellcat for enhanced responsiveness to complement its powerplant. Improved cornering stability is realized by a 2.5 percent reduction in understeer and a better roll gradient. The upgraded suspension of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can be set to four selectable drive mode setting (Auto, Sport, Track and Custom). Brembo six-piston, two-piece front brake calipers and four-piston rear brake calipers and an electronic power steering system with selectable steering tuning is also standard on the Durango SRT Hellcat. Arriving on both the SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat version of the Dodge Durango for 2021 are rebound spring shocks as well as new upper rear top mounts resulting in better performance handling. Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires mounted to 20-inch wheels is also found on both high-output versions of the 2021 Durango.
Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds with a top speed potential of 180 miles per hour, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s most eye-catching performance figures come NHRA certified. In a quarter-mile run, the 710-horsepower sport utility vehicle needs just 11.5 seconds to go from end-to-end. Beyond the quarter-mile, many drivers of the Durango SRT Hellcat will likely appreciate the more practical figure of towing capacity rated at 8,700 pounds.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s exterior delivers functional touches to maximize the vehicle’s upgraded aggression as well as advertises aggression to onlookers. Inspired by the Dodge Charger Widebody, the Durango SRT Hellcat features a new front fascia with slimmer LED headlights that also appears on the 2021 Durango SRT 392. The SRT Hellcat model possesses larger openings for improved engine cooling. Dodge Durango SRT models for 2021 also employ a new rear spoiler design. The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s exterior appearance is best distinguished by its badging and standard equipped 20-inch machine-faced wheels with mid-gloss black pockets.
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| Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
The entire 2021 Dodge Durango lineup receives a newly-designed cabin that includes a redesigned dashboard, instrument panel and some repositioned controls. A new, available 10.1-inch center touchscreen is mounted in a driver-focused manner. The Uconnect 5 system comes standard on all 2021 Durangos enabling a selection of user profiles, improved phone connectivity as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Durango SRT Hellcat includes the 10.1 touchscreen as standard equipment with a SRT Performance Pages function that allows a driver to view g-forces and detailed engine readouts. A flat-bottom steering wheel, heated/ventilated Nappa leather front seats with suede and red-accented gauges are SRT Hellcat exclusive accents.
Somewhat like the vehicle itself operating at its full potential on a stretch of pavement, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will move quickly through dealerships. Dodge only intends to produce the super high performance sport utility vehicle for one year. Orders for the Durango SRT Hellcat will commence this fall with models arriving at dealerships during the early part of the 2021 calendar year.
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