After launching pre-orders in November and closing them a couple of weeks ago, Dodge has proceeded to assemble its Durango SRT Hellcat SUV series.
The performance SUV takes advantage of a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 supercharged to deliver 720 PS (710 hp / 529 kW) and up to 875 Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It only needs 3.5 seconds to leap from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) and maxes out at 180 mph (290 km/h).
To compare, the BMW X5 M has 600 PS (592 hp / 441 kW), sprints in 3.8 seconds and maxes out at 285 km/h (177 mph). The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ offers 612 PS (604 hp / 450 kW), accelerates in 3.7 seconds and hits the speed ceiling at 280 km/h (174 mph).
At just $80,995 USD prior to delivery, the Durango SRT Hellcat is also much more affordable than the German duo. The X5 M starts from $105,100 and the GLE 63 S 4Matic+ from $113,950. Even the technically related Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk comes in at a steep $87,670.
The standard spec includes six airbags, LED headlights, leather and Alcantara inside, heated/ventilated front seats, and a multimedia system. You can pay extra for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind zone monitoring, as well as automatic emergency braking. A Harman Kardon audio system rounds off the list with 19 speakers and 825 Watts of total power.
The car benefits from suspension tweaks, electronic shocks, and a limited-slip differential at the rear end. It ships with Pirelli Verde Zero 295/45 R20 all-season tires by default, but you can opt for same-sized Pirelli P Zero ones (both are Run Flat type).
Shipments will start in spring, and all buyers will be getting certificates for one-day lessons at the Bondurant High Performance Driving School in Arizona.
The lifespan of the new Durango will be rather short. After around 2,000 produced units, it will drop from the lineup in late 2021 due to non-compliance with the emission standards.