Calling it a “Cat out of Hell,” Dodge unveiled the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat today. The model, which builds on the Durango SRT, delivers the type of performance Dodge has become synonymous with in recent years. The model will be a single year offering.
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“The Brotherhood of Muscle includes families of all sizes and the Durango delivers Dodge performance as the Charger of the three-row SUV segment,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “And new for 2021, we have raised the bar even higher. The 710-horsepower Hellcat is the most powerful SUV ever. It’s the last piece of the puzzle and, alongside the Charger and Challenger, completes the Dodge brand’s performance lineup.”
The model features nearly the same body styling as every other Durango.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
At the heart of the Durango SRT Hellcat is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It achieves 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. There are seven drive modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Valet.
The power plant features a cast-iron block with water jackets between the cylinders; a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces; a specially tuned crankshaft damper; high-strength forged-alloy pistons; powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like, carbon-coated piston pins; piston-cooling oil jets; heat-treated, aluminum-alloy cylinder heads; sodium-cooled exhaust valves; hollow-stem intake valves; and steel-alloy heads.
Body stripes are available.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The SRT Hellcat has an aggressive new chin splitter, which takes advantage of the two-piece design for added downforce. The model is not available with fog lights. The lower front fascia of the SUV instead features a scoop to help cool the engine.
Dodge offers the model with dual-center exterior stripes, that cover the front and rear fascias, hood, portions of the roof, spoiler and the tailgate. Stripes are offered in five colors: black with Redline accent tracer, Bright Blue, Flame Red, Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish) and Sterling Silver (metallic finish).
Dodge is equipped the model with Brembo calipers.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
All-wheel drive is standard. Dodge is giving the model standard 20-inch machined faced wheels with mid-gloss black pockets. Pirelli Scorpion Zero 295/45ZR20 all-season performance tires are standard; Pirelli P-Zero 295/45ZR20 three-season tires are available.
The SUV comes standard with electric power steering with selectable steering tuning – that helps with grip, which is important in a top-heavy SUV. There are paddle shifters as well as two launch performance technologies. Launch Control is utilized via a toggle switch in the cockpit that manages tire slip while Launch Assist uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the SUV for driveline-damaging wheel hop at launch and works to modify torque should hopping occur in an effort to maintain grip. This function happens in milliseconds.
The SUV delivers best-in-class towing.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
It takes just 116 feet for the Durango SRT Hellcat to come to complete stop from 60 mph. It features high-performance six-piston, two-piece (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers by Brembo and vented rotors at all four corners.
According to Dodge’s calculations, the Durango SRT Hellcat runs zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, covers the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 180 mph.
The SUV has a best-in-class 8,700-pound towing capacity.
Dodge has refreshed the design of the interior of the Durango for 2021. All models get new cockpit styling, instrument panel, center console, and front door uppers with new relocated seat memory switches.
The new 10.1-inch infotainment screen is angled toward the driver and run by FCA’s new Uconnect 5 system. The center stack is slimmer than before and there are now chrome-accented toggles and dedicated buttons for heated and cooled seats.
The interior of the SUV was refreshed for the 2021 model year.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
Dodge has given the Durango more small item storage, standard flat-bottom steering wheel on the Durango SRT Hellcat, and available wireless charging. A family entertainment system is available through Durango’s Blu-ray video rear-seat entertainment system with two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back.
SRT Hellcat Durangos get forged carbon fiber interior accents, red-accented gauges, standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather with suede front seats with an embroidered Hellcat logo (available Laguna leather interior in black/Demonic Red).
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT starts at $62,995. Expect to pay around $70,000 for the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat when it goes on sale later this year.
