Durango SRT Hellcat

Make
Dodge
Segment
SUV

We knew from the get-go that the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was going to be a one model-year-only affair. A completely redesigned Durango is not far out and the automaker figured a Hellcat-powered version would be the ideal swansong. Production will last for only six months. But when will it ultimately end? Mopar Insiders claims it has learned from dealer sources that production is about to begin at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, and will end sometime in June.

These same sources claim the automaker wants to slightly increase production due to understandably high demand. Originally, the plan called for just 2,000 examples. How many more could Dodge potentially build? That remains to be seen and hopefully nearly everyone who wants one will get one.

Priced from $80,995, buyers will have a few option packages to select from, among them the $1,495 Black Package with dark trim accents, and the $2,395 Technology Group that adds brake assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Even adding body stripes will set one back $1,195. A power sunroof? That's another $1,295 while an upgraded 19-speaker audio system costs $995. A fully-loaded SUV will cost around $100,000.

But its biggest appeal is what's under the hood: the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 producing a grand total of 710 horsepower 645 lb-ft of torque that's sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance? Try 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. The quarter-mile sprint happens in just 11.5 seconds.

But the Durango Hellcat is more than just a ridiculously fast SUV; it's also a comfortable daily driver highly capable of a wide range of functions, such as the ability to tow 8,700 pounds. Other notable features include massive Brembo high-performance brakes, two-piece front and four-piston rear calipers, and vented rotors measuring 15.75 inches in front and 13.8-inches at the rear.

The interior features Hellcat logos and a cool flat-bottom steering wheel. Interested buyers who have yet to place an order are highly suggested to do so now, assuming it's not already too late.