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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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2018 Dodge Durango SRT

FCA US LLC

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After having a week with the newest, fun, crazy and yet absolutely exhilarating Dodge Durango SRT, it put us to pondering what goes on in those meetings of SRT engineers as it seems there are no rules — only ideas!

These are the same guys that brought forth the street -racing Hellcat at 707 horsepower and most recently unveiled the fastest 0 to 100 production car ever in the Challenger Demon. We just had to think, that one day they are sitting around after developing this new 6.2 -liter powershouse engine, when one of them pipes up “Hey, wouldn’t it be super cool if we could stuff this engine and all its power into an SUV?”

Sounds like a great idea, so they sit around and hash it all out on paper and pretty soon come up with a concept on how this is all going to work. Then at that point, they of course would’ve had to draw straws to see who would be the lucky one to run this absolutely crazy idea up the chain of command.

Over the years, this is what we have really come to love about the new Fiat Chrysler Automobile Co.

They are not afraid to take a chance, even when it seems the idea is so far out there, no one else will even think about trying it. The SRT team is confident in making crazy ideas work, and at the end of the day, they are selling really awesome vehicles.

The new Durango SRT is beautiful example of how an idea can turn into a creation that is like no other on the market. An SUV that can get itself from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds just takes your breath away, and puts a smile on our faces that lasted for the entire week! Co-workers were asking Craig what had changed in his life, he seemed so happy.

With a SUV like the SRT Durango to drive every day, it really was hard not to be happy. Just the symphony of power that exited the tailpipes would be enough to keep most dads happy, no matter what vehicle he was in. Hey maybe the next project for the boys at SRT will be a SRT minivan!

Really, the Durango SRT is designed to keep men that have grown up, and need to be a dad now but still need the muscle car they grew up with, happy and engaged while driving an SUV. Since, it has been injected with all that DNA that has made the Challenger line famous, there is no way any guy or gal for that matter, could go wrong with this ‘muscle’ SUV.

That entire DNA is managed through a multitude of screens on the 8-inch high- definition infotainment screen in the center of the dash. There are eight different preprogramed driving modes that allow the driver to choose from: sport, track, snow, tow, auto and valet or a user-defined option.

This system provides the driver the ability to precisely adjust drive settings to maximize performance or comfort. Suspension, torque distribution, shift points, stability control and engine mapping are all controlled through this system. In addition to these parameters, suspension feel is controlled by a sophisticated Active Damping System that opens and closes the suspension’s damper valves according to the chosen drive mode, providing the driver with options for any driving style.

Top all this with a launch control system that is so easy to use, it begs the driver to engage it after every stop. Initiation is simple, with the launch point user adjustable between 1500 and 3500 rpm, just push on the brake with your left foot and floor the gas, let go of the brake and all the raw 475 horsepower is unleased at just the right moment. It brought a huge smile to Craig every time he set it in motion.

All this fun and power does not, however, combine to dish out great gas mileage numbers. There are sacrifices that have to be made to keep emotions high and smiles lingering, as we only averaged 13.3 mpg for the week.

Inside the Durango, the designers have continued to excel with a beautiful Napa Leather that covers the seats. Our test ride had the added Demonic Red Iguana leather color seats, which had a deep bronze color that we liked along with everyone we took for a ride.

These seats were extremely comfortable, with added heat and ventilation in the front and heat for the two rear captain’s chairs. The third row of seats was a bit cramped, but would work for the kids, and there was room for three.

The SRT flat bottom performance steering wheel with paddle shifters was a great added touch, and also came complete with all the controls to run the infotainment and cruise control options. There was added radar cruise control which is a nice addition along with other safety features, like blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. Emergency braking and park assist were also part of the package.

Add to the lineup the fact that the instrument panel, pillars and headliner, are all hand wrapped in dynamic suede. This seems like a small thing, but really added to the ambiance inside of the Durango. We thought it a nice touch, as many manufactureres don’t look to the ceiling of the vehicle as a place to make a large change.

On the outside, the Durango comes with a SRT-specific hood with a functional center air-inlet ducts that are flanked by heat extractors that help to keep the engine cool by removing hot air from the compartment. There is a new fascia and lower valiance house for the new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps. The new look will also include an SRT-inspired grille mesh pattern finish.

Also new this year are integrated wheel flares and body-color side rocker panels to add a more aggressive stance. Designers have also included the ‘392’ badges from days of old to show the engine size in cubic inches. These all add up to differentiate the SRT as ultimate performance Durango.

Coolest of all is that the Durango SRT is made in Detroit as the old commercial pointed out from start to finish. With the purchase everyone receives a certificate to attend the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance in Chandler, Arizona. This is the official driving school of Dodge/SRT. This might be the best part of buying an SRT, getting some real track time with a trained instructor. Whenever we’ve had a chance on the track, it always helps to have a right seat instructor along!

Performance, fun, energy and muscle are a few of the words that describe the SRT Durango and the drive it provides, see them today at at Doug Smith Dodge 523 W Main St. in American Fork, (801) 492-1110, Doug Smith Dodge, at 1339 N. Main in Spanish Fork, (877) 629-6450 or Larry H. Miller Dodge 1825 N. University Pkwy., Provo, (888) 245-3833.

Base Price: $62,995

Price as Driven: $71,270