Mopar fans, rejoice! Dodge has some great news: the Durango SRT Hellcat will make a return for the 2023 model year. Originally destined to be a one-year wonder, the Stellantis-owned brand decided to revive the performance SUV after enthusiasts demanded its return. Clever enough to not mess with a beloved recipe, the Durango Hellcat retains the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 HEMI engine with 710 horsepower and a tire-destroying 645 lb-ft of torque - take that, Aston Martin.
That immense power translates into supercar-rivaling performance. Prod the throttle and the 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat will sprint to 60 mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds, before disappearing over the horizon at 180 mph.
Should you feel the need to take your Durango to the drag strip, you'll be pleased to know the muscular family hauler boasts an official quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds. But there's plenty of practicality in the mix; the Hellcat is capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds.
"It seemed appropriate to bring back the most powerful SUV ever as part of our historic 2023 model year Dodge lineup," said CEO Tim Kuniskis. "Muscle enthusiasts also have families."
Revealed at Dodge Speed Week in Michigan, the Durango SRT Hellcat is the first of many exciting announcements from the automaker. In terms of styling, the 2023 variant will retain the menacing persona of the '21 model, thanks to features such as standard LED headlights, a prominent hood scoop, a model-specific front grille, chin splitter, rear spoiler, and Hellcat badging.
Inside, it's a similar story. While the bare bones are shared with the regular Durango, Dodge has given the Hellcat several unique touches. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with suede inserts and receive embroidered SRT logos - occupants in the front row enjoy heating and ventilation. The red-accented dials and gauges add more sporting flair to the cabin.
Buyers will have plenty of scope for personalization, too. Dodge notes Plus and Premium packages will be made available. The former introduces several luxuries, such as a power sunroof, extra safety features, and high-performance Laguna seats. The latter builds on the Plus package and aims to enhance the interior with a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound audio system, carbon fiber inlays, and a leather-trimmed instrument panel. The Blacktop package includes badging, 20-inch wheels, and mirror caps all painted in black.
But that's enough about aesthetics. Let's talk performance. It's no good fitting a powerful engine and calling it a day. To ensure it can handle the extra muscle, there are Brembo high-performance six-piston brakes. With two-piece calipers up front and four-piston items at the rear, these vented rotors allow the big brute to stop on a dime. Dodge also says the Hellcat boasts improved handling, thanks to heightened levels of grip and reduced understeer, while Launch Control comes as standard.
Power is sent to all four corners via an eight-speed auto 'box, which boasts a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. There are several SRT drive modes to select from, including a custom setting that allows users to set the vehicle up to their liking.
If you're itching to get your hands on a 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat, Dodge has said production orders will open in September, with models hitting showroom floors early in 2023. If you want one, act fast - we don't expect to see something like this anytime soon.