The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Is Back To Terrorize Tamer SUVs

It’s typically uncommon for an American automaker to launch a family SUV with some luscious NHRA-certified performance numbers, but that’s what the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is all about. According to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), it goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can finish the quarter-mile in a scant 11.5 seconds, which is mind-boggling for a factory-stock SUV. Moreover, it has a top speed of 180 mph.

The Durango SRT Hellcat’s penchant for speed has much to do with the supercharged motor up front. It’s a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 with a cast-iron block, a forged steel crankshaft, forged alloy pistons, aluminum alloy cylinder heads, and a twin-screw rotor, 2.38-liter supercharger that spins to a heady 14,600 rpm. The result is 710 horsepower and a healthy 645 lb-ft of torque, channeled to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel drivetrain and a TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic gearbox.

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In addition, the new Durango SRT Hellcat has launch control and a launch assist feature to ensure flawless takeoffs at the dragstrip. The eight-speed transmission has steering-mounted paddle shifters (to engage manual-style driving) and seven driving modes (Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Valet) to cope with any driving scenario. Helping the cause are Hellcat-specific suspension and steering tuning for sportier handling.