Dodge Announces 2018 Durango SRT Availability

FCA's Dodge brand has announced when its Hemi-powered go-fast Durango SUV will reach dealer showrooms.

2018 Dodge Durango SRT

On February 9th at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge unveiled its' latest Hemi-powered people mover.

Details released a great deal of information about the 2018 Durango SRT in the Windy City, dubbing it the "SRT Charger" of the full-size SUV segment, and throwing out these tidbits about the latest addition to the SRT stable:

• A 9 second quarter mile on the drag strip as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
• 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds
• 470 lb.-ft of torque
• Fastest SUV in its class

Exterior

The exterior of the SRT Durango is distinguished from the rest of the lineup with such niceties as an SRT hood with center air-inlet ducts and heat extractors, a trim-exclusive front fascia, and a new lower valance that features a cold air duct and LED fog lights.

The SRT also comes with a unique grille, integrated wheel flares and lower body-side rocker panels. In addition, it sports the requisite "302" fender badges.

Interior

Inside, drivers will find an updated dashboard trimmed in carbon fiber, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and Nappa leather seats with suede inserts and SRT logos that are stitched in silver. For those wishing for a bit more drama, Dodge is offering an optional "Demonic Red" Laguna leather interior with embossed SRT logos.

The redesigned instrument cluster features a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display that can be customized, as well as a 180-mph speedometer.

Under the hood

Dodge also managed to fit a 475 horsepower, 392 cubic-inch Hemi V8 under the hood that, in a nod to fuel efficiency, features automatic cylinder deactivation that can shut down four of the engine's eight cylinders during highway cruising between 40 and 60 miles per hour.

Bringing all this to a halt are Brembo high-performance brake calipers – six-piston in front and four-piston in back. The slotted and vented front rotors measure fifteen inches in diameter, while the vented rear rotors are 13.8 inches across.

Bob Bondurant driving school

Like the other SRT vehicles, all customers who take delivery of an SRT Durango will receive one full-day high-performance driving session with professional instruction at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving located in Chandler, Arizona (detailed information about the program can be found at www.driveSRT.com).

2018 Dodge Durango SRT prices and availability

The 2018 Durango SRT will start appearing in Dodge dealer showrooms during the fourth quarter of 2017. Prices will be released closer to its' on-sale date.

images courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show