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Dodge Muscles Up 2023 Durango with Return of the Hellcat

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The Dodge brand is moving into an accelerated transition to electrified models, which sees the gasoline-fueled version of the Charger and Challenger halt production at the end of the 2023 model year.

Dodge Durango once again joins Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger in offering SRT Hellcat models for 2023.

However, Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer — Stellantis, says Dodge isn’t giving up on its “loyal enthusiasts in the brotherhood of muscle.” It is bringing back the most powerful version ever of the Dodge Durango SUV after it was pulled from production for the 2022 model-year.

“The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has generated a crazy amount of enthusiasm and demand since it was introduced in 2020 — we even extended its initial production run — so it seemed appropriate to bring back the most powerful SUV ever as part of our historic 2023 model-year Dodge line-up,” he said. 

“Muscle enthusiasts also have families, and the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can get those families where they want to go and has the ability tow 8,700 pounds.”

Not just fast, but powerful

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 will punch out 710 hp and 645 pound-feet of torque.

The three-row 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat SUV delivers 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque and joins Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger in offering SRT Hellcat models. Orders for the 2023 Hellcat will open in September, according to Stellantis.

Durango SRT Hellcat clocks 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, as well as a National Hot Rod Association-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

The returning Hellcat expands Durango line-up to six models, joining the Durango SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel and SRT 392.

Curtain call — maybe more

2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat seat REL
Unique to the SRT Hellcat are red-accented gauges and standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather with suede front seats with an embroidered SRT logo.

Originally, pre-Stellantis Fiat Chrysler offered the Dodge Durango Hellcat SRT in 2021 as a special, one-year special edition. After a one-year hiatus, the 2023 version Hellcat was revealed at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, during the Dodge Speed Week event, featuring announcements on current Dodge products, including the electrified 2023 Dodge Hornet and battery electric concept car dubbed Dodge Charger Daytona SRT.

It too is supposed to a one-year offering, but Kuniskis didn’t say why it’s only available for 2023. In fact, he suggested there was no official reason for not extending its run. However, from a practical standpoint, it may be a cost issue. With the shift toward an all-electric line-up, the other Hellcat models, the Challenger and Charger are being phased out. With those two gone, it may simply be too pricey to carry over those costs for just one low-volume vehicle.

Regardless, the Durango SRT Hellcat remains Dodge to its core — starting under the hood. SRT engineers developed and tested the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 Hellcat engine, optimizing it for the Durango. 

2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat front 3-4 REL
Durango’s forward-leaning profile includes LED low/high headlamps, LED daytime running lamp (DRL) signatures and a sculpted hood and grille.

It also has a specially tuned crankshaft damper, burst tested to 13,000 rpm. Additionally, it features 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 and sodium-cooled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake valves and steel-alloy heads that stand up to temperatures as high as 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s in the genes

The Durango SRT Hellcat also inherits distinct Dodge DNA, with bold styling including a front fascia featuring a chin splitter, engine oil cooler duct, air guide and snorkel for cold air induction. The rear spoiler provides aerodynamic balance and a significant measure of rear downforce of 140 pounds at 180 mph.
 
Durango’s forward-leaning profile includes LED low/high headlamps, LED daytime running lamp (DRL) signatures and a sculpted hood and grille. The front end creates a wide cross-car read. SRT Hellcat fender badges stamp the Durango as a Hellcat.
 
Inside, the driver-oriented cockpit is refined, upscale and high-tech throughout, featuring an available 10.1-inch touchscreen angled 7 degrees toward the driver. Unique to the SRT Hellcat are red-accented gauges and standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather with suede front seats with an embroidered SRT logo.

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