Dodge and its performance arm SRT has pulled the covers off North America’s fastest SUV in its class, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT.
Under the large hood is Dodge’s famed 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that pumps out 475 horsepower and 637 Nm, enabling the large 3-row SUV to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Additionally, the Dodge Durango SRT managed to cover the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, which was certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
Power is put down to all four wheels via a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, tuned specifically for the Durango SRT. Dodge has also fitted paddle shifters on the flat-bottom steering wheel. To match its SRT credentials, the TorqueFlite transmission on the Durango SRT features rev match downshifting and a Sport mode that reduces shift times by up to 50 percent.
On the ride and handling front, the Durango SRT receives short and long arm independent front suspension with coil springs, custom tuned Bilstein adaptive damping suspension, upper and lower control arms and a stabilizer bar. In an effort to bolster cornering capabilities, the hotter Durango gets 3 percent stiffer front springs, 16 percent stiffer rear springs and an 18 percent stiffer rear sway bar. As for the rear end, a specially tuned multi-link suspension design has coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a stabilizer bar.
Braking power comes from Brembo high-performance six-piston up front and four-piston calipers at the rear, and vented rotors at all four corners measuring 15 inches up front and 13.8 inches at the rear. Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde rubbers are standard fitment, though customers can opt for the stickier Pirelli P Zero three-season rubbers.
Seven drive modes are available for the driver, which alters suspension, torque distribution, shift points, stability control and engine mapping. These include:
- Auto: Starts automatically when the Durango SRT starts. Designed to deliver a relaxed driving condition with softer suspension and steering setting.
- Sport: Suspension damping and steering gradient feel increases. Shift speed also increases 23 percent in the first four gears. ESC also allows for more yam movement.
- Track: Suspension here gets tuned to maximum hardness with a steering that gets maximum gradient feel. Shift speed are now 50 percent quicker in the first four speeds and ESC now allows for maximum yaw.
- Snow: Transmission is set to start from the second gear to minimize wheel slipping. ESC is set to Full-on and AWD is set to 50/50 distribution.
- Tow: AWD is set to 50/50 distribution and trailer sway control is enabled in the ESC system. In addition, the Active Noise Cancelation system is automatically engaged to reduce engine noise from the high-load towing condition
- Valet: Everything set to auto, paddle shifters disabled, ESC enabled and launch control disabled.
- ECO: maximizes fuel economy with a revised shift schedule, second-gear starts and extended range of the Fuel Saver Technology
SRT bits are also found inside, with a new SRT flat bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters and heated and ventilated front seats plus heated second row seats now embossed with SRT logos. Nappa leather with suede inserts and silver-stitched SRT logos are standard. Demonic Red Laguna leather interior with embossed SRT logos is optional.
Dodge has installed a standard 7-inch TFT display as the meter cluster with a new 180 mph speedometer. Infotainment is backed by Dodge’s Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD radio and BeatsAudio sound system with nine speakers, subwoofer and a 506-watt amp.
Seven airbags come as standard, which includes full-length three-row side-curtain airbags and standard front-seat-mounted side thorax airbags. Optionally, customers can choose the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance.
Dodge will be showcasing the 2017 Durango SRT at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show on 9 February.
