Durango SRT Hellcat

Make
Dodge
Segment
SUV

This month's reveal of the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is definitely big news. With 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque on tap thanks to the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi Hellcat V8, this latest Durango is the fastest and most powerful three-row SUV on the planet. Official pricing has yet to be announced and we also already knew it'll be a one model year only deal. However, it'll be a limited-run model due to time constraints.

Speaking to Muscle Cars & Trucks, Dodge chief Tim Kuniskis said the Durango Hellcat "Is not limited, not serialized like what we do with [Dodge Demon], but we're only building them for six months." How come?

"With all of the changes we made in the plant to come back up [to production] post-COVID with the sequencing and spacing in the plant, it's changed the number we can build… I don't have an actual number but it will be less than 2,000. I don't how much less than 2,000. It will be determined by customer demand and how much we can build in that six-month period."

In other words, blame the coronavirus pandemic, which has already wreaked serious havoc on automaker supply lines, factories, and overall sales. With only a half a year earmarked for Durango Hellcat production, you can be certain customer demand will be high.

Unfortunately, this will very likely lead to ridiculously expensive dealership markups. But there's an additional reason for the limited production run and timeframe.

"When we switch to '22 model year, there's new evaporative emission requirements that come in that the Hellcat engine does not meet in that platform," said Kuniskis. "And with the change in platforms for the next generation (WL) Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's a one year cycle [for Durango Hellcat]."

The Durango Hellcat will enter production in early 2021 so by this time next year it'll probably be finished. Those interested in buying one should, if they haven't already, reach out to Dodge dealerships and get your name on a waiting list. Chances are it'll be first come, first served.