When the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was made, it was supposed to be limited to only that model year and 3,000 units, but something happened.
It seems Dodge is ready to capitalize on the demand for the Durango with the Hellcat engine, but there’s a serious problem. Owners that purchased the 2021 version did so because it was limited to a small quantity. Many of these owners likely spend thousands over MSRP for the vehicle, expecting Dodge to be good to its word to only build the initial 3,000 models.
A lawsuit has been filed
Owners of the 2021 models of this Dodge high-powered SUV have filed a lawsuit accusing Stellantis of false advertising. Part of the lore around buying the Hellcat name with the Durango is the fact that, like the Dodge Challenger Demon, it was supposed to be in limited supply and only made for the single model year. Had these shoppers known their vehicles wouldn’t be as rare as initially thought, many might not have bought this SUV at all. The plaintiffs want Dodge to halt production of the new version of this SUV but will likely settle for some form of compensation due to the devaluation of the model and name.
What does the 2023 version offer?
We could say the new 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat skipped a model year, but it was supposed to skip the rest of eternity. If we operate under the premise that Dodge will make this SUV, we see a high-powered, high-performance SUV with room for six passengers in the cabin. This Durango is one of the fastest SUVs in the world, delivering amazing power numbers and standard AWD. While made for some fast racing on a track, this SUV can pull up to 8,700 pounds when required.
What’s new for this Durango?
Most of what you find in the new Hellcat-powered Durango is the same as before, but this SUV now features new Plus and Premium trims, each of which adds luxury features to the mix. If you move up to these models, you’ll find leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and upscale audio equipment.
The desire for this new version of this Durango is incredible. If you want maximum performance and driving fun, you’ll want the Pirelli P Zero summer tires, the 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and carbon-fiber interior trim. These features are all part of the Premium trim.
How much power does this Dodge SUV offer?
Under the massive hood of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, you’ll find the venerable 6.2-liter supercharged engine producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. This amazing power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission giving you tons of power and performance at the wheels. If you’re looking for an SUV that can hit 60 mph quickly, this Durango reaches that speed in only 3.6 seconds. As you continue the sprint, you’ll finish a quarter-mile run in only 12.0 seconds at 115 mph.
Performance features offered in this Durango
The Hellcat Durango includes a specially tuned suspension with adaptive dampers and 20-inch wheels. This suspension and wheel setup, aided by the Pirelli P Zero tires, gives this big SUV the body control desired when cornering at high speeds. Of course, the movement and power must be kept under control, which is accomplished with the powerful Brembo brakes. All of these features make for a strong SUV with tons of power and drivability in any direction. This is a Dodge that’s made for more than a straight-line sprint.
The sportiness doesn’t end outside
If you expect consumers to drop six figures on a Dodge, it better be special. The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is pretty special, even in the cabin. This interior area brings a gauge cluster with exclusive red accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, paddle shifters, SRT logos, red backlighting, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin can be upgraded with Laguna leather in black with Demonic Red accents. You’ll find plenty of comfort for five people in this SUV, which does include a foldaway third row that you might never use. You’ll find ample cargo room in the rear, giving you a fantastic blend of performance and practicality in this SUV.
Will owners of the 2021 model win their suit? If they don’t, the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will make it to the market as the second version of this high-powered SUV.
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