- Dodge is considering a high-performance SRT8 version of the Dodge Durango.
- If it does reach production, it would be as a 2013 model.
- Power may come from the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 used in other SRT8 models.
- Other high-performance hardware would include an adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes.
SANTA MONICA, California — Following the recent introduction of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler is now considering a high-performance version of the Jeep's platform mate, the Dodge Durango. The model would be called the Dodge Durango SRT8 and it would be powered by the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that powers the other SRT8 models.
Chrysler refused to comment officially for this report, but a source close to the project has confirmed that the Durango SRT8 is being seriously considered. However, it is possibly being held back because of the lackluster sales of the 2011 Dodge Durango R/T, an existing performance version of the SUV powered by a 370-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and available with rear-wheel drive. Of the 30,227 Durangos Dodge has sold since the R/T launched in March, only 2,418 have been R/Ts, a mere 7 percent.
Unlike the R/T, the seven-passenger Durango SRT8 would be all-wheel-drive only, just like the smaller five-passenger Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Since both SUVs are based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, all of the hardware that makes the Jeep into a fire-breathing SRT8 model bolts right onto the Durango.
That hardware includes the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which pumps out 470 hp, its adjustable suspension, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and its huge Brembo brakes.
But all of that hardware doesn't come cheap. Which is another reason why the Durango SRT8 is a possible no-go. Jeep has priced the Grand Cherokee SRT8 at $54,470, and has taken some heat over it. In fact, Ralph V. Gilles, president and CEO of Chrysler's SRT brand, wrote on a recent Web chat that the automaker plans on "decoupling" some of the features to reduce the price on the high-performance SUV.
"Grand Cherokee pricing has been sensitive," Gilles acknowledged. "We understand.
"We will look at decoupling some of the features in the future as the usual new product surge subsides," Gilles wrote. "We will start with immediately decoupling the DVD and sunroof." Dodge is possibly concerned that the Durango SRT8 would also cost too much and simply miss the market. And it's a real concern. How many buyers would really pay up for a $50,000-plus seven-passenger Dodge SUV with 470 hp and Brembo brakes in this lame economy?
Inside Line says: Ralph Gilles not only owns a Viper, he recently ran Dodge, so he's probably in favor of this super SUV. We're not so sure. If they can keep the price down, however, Dodge should go for it.
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sportutebrute says:
07:14 AM, 12/19/2011
Having owned several high performance SUV's from the GMC Typhoon to Jeep Cherokee SRT8, to my current Chevy Trail Blazer SS, the larger platform of the proposed Durango SRT8 would be a godsend. All the previous offerings have all been basically 5 passenger haulers, which anyone who travels with kids and a golf bag knows, is far too cramped! That said, just the foursome and four golf bags to the course is not dissimilar from the proverbial clown car exit once the course is reached. Though they are are haul ass rides, the extra room offered in the Durango SRT8 platform puts it over the top. P.S. - Dodge could pull a little more performance out of that 6.4 engine if they really wanted to and the center exit exhaust is a must. C'mon Chrysler, give us something REALLY special imported from Detroit!
kyreeswilliams says:
05:28 PM, 12/06/2011
The reason the pricing on the late-model Grand Cherokee is "sensitive" is because it has crossed into the pricing territory of such luxury mainstays as the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Land Rover LR4 and Lexus GX 460, to name a few. Ultimately, even though Chrysler's new products can rival the best Asian and European imports, the brand as a whole still has a negative "cheap" stigma -- a reputation that Chrysler worked for some twenty years to build and will just have to deal with, as the general public doesn't just "forgive and forget" so easily. That said, Chrysler just needs to be very careful about placing models from non-luxury brands into high price brackets, even if they do carry the same equipment as luxury vehicles in the segment. Speaking of which, the Ford division also needs to learn that lesson (have you seen the price tag on a nicely-equipped Taurus?)
folsom530 says:
03:04 PM, 11/16/2011
Spammers here trashing GOOD SUVs!! Stop hating! Most of today's SUV's and kid-haulers don't have the required merging and passing power to stay safe. Think about it. Today's truckers and many car drivers are speeding faster than ever, and are ruder than ever. Many don't even move over to let you merge. The LAST thing I'm going to do to my family of 5 is put them at risk in some stupid little smart car!!!!
folsom530 says:
03:02 PM, 11/16/2011
Comments here are right on track...I have been holding off buying a new Durango because the Hemi 5.7 is too lame...not enough oomph. AS soon as the SRT8 Durango comes out, I will be first in line to buy. Actually there is a really good safety argument for buying one. In today's driving climate, too many big truckers and cars are speeding by. Many truckers (and some cars) don't even get over into the left lane to let you merge onto the highway. Most of today's SUV's are anemic, and when hauling your precious cargo (kids), you NEED merging/passing power. I agree 20-30 years ago anemic powered SUV's could get by, but today the driving climate is much different.
I wish Dodge would read this and translate this idea into their marketing of the Durango. No other SUV out there is marketed like this. It would be a welcome angle instead of the usual tow this, stow that approach they all take toward marketing their mid and large-sized SUV's.
At any rate, GO DODGE! BUILD THE SRT8 DURANGO....IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!!!
widgetaviator says:
08:34 PM, 10/03/2011
Having just spent about 24 hours driving a rental Durango, I think Dodge did an overall great job with the thing. The new corporate V6 is a pretty nice motor but just not enough oomph for this vehicle. Also the 5-speed auto is truly a piece of crap. The visual improvements with the SRT8 version is very good. The 6.4 V8 would be awesome. I would never by the regular R/T as its just doesn't take the concept far enough. When the SRT8 Grand Cherokee with the 8-speed auto hits the streets I'll be very interested, but not at all until then. I would be even more interested in the Durango version because it looks better and has more room inside. If I'm buying a V8 SUV in this day and age then I obviously don't give a rip about gas mileage so don't hold back on the horsepower. Also make the manual controls for the automatic truly manual (not just suggestions to be ignored by the transmission controller) and add real shift paddles.
lincmk says:
11:28 AM, 09/27/2011
I was excited when I first heard about this as I was looking for a seven passenger vehicle that would be fun to drive, but the more I think about it I wonder if it is a good idea. I was interested in the R/T version until I saw the performance numbers then became disappointed to see they were the same as the Citadel.
How about just increasing the performance of the R/T version? I was also disappointed in the R/T versions of the Grand Caravan and Journey. Give the R/T badge a little more umph.
I would have been running down to the dodge dealer had they managed to squeeze 300hp and awd out of the Grand Caravan (that would be a real man's van).
north_albertan says:
11:57 PM, 09/23/2011
In Northern Alberta, this car would be quite practical and fun to drive. I would consider buying it in the future. It would be one of the first sporty vehicles that could carry a family. It would also be cool to buy a vehicle "imported from Detroit".
k55 says:
10:32 AM, 09/22/2011
the market is so small for this it really wont matter........I doubt it will even show on the radar screen ............and if it does I will need to launch my Photon Torpedoes and put my Phasers on Full while going to red alert and carrying out evasive manuevers ....
.........oh, wait ,sorry I got carried away by Star Trek....
viss1 says:
05:58 AM, 09/22/2011
wikiwiki wrote:
"...sell for thousands more than it's worth."
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Yeah, making a profit on a vehicle is a horrible business plan.
As for whether the Durango is "too big" to be an SRT product, BMW set the precedent by building the X5 and X6M. *shrug*
sc17 says:
05:56 AM, 09/22/2011
This would be a great vehicle, but only with the zf eight speed automatic. If they wonder why sales of r/t haven't been great it is because there is no performance advantage to it. 0-60 in 7.4 sec is sad. mb gl450 does 6.6 and gl550 5.9. They have to get rid of that crappy outdated 5 speed asap. I would even look at an r/t if they could make it competetive but it is the transmission that is killing this thing. Even the 300/charger srt8 with a 5speed auto is silly. Spend the extra money and put a real transmission in your so-called performance models. No one is going to buy one with the 5-speed when they know an 8-speed is coming down the line so put the damn thing in already!