Dodge USA brings back the Hellcat Durango

Slightly unhinged mega-SUV will crack 180mph!

American SUV owners rejoice! Dodge is bringing back its exciting but rather mad Durango SRT Hellcat for the 2023 model year. Originally to be offered only for the 2021 model year, the Durango Hellcat proved so popular that Dodge has decided to bring it back for another round. The return of the Hellcat is also a farewell for the brand’s 6.2-litre supercharged V8.

Dodge has pulled the pin on its Charger and Dodge Challenger ahead of putting EV sports cars on the market. It’s unclear if the current Durango will continue beyond the 2023 model year, but it’s definitely bye-bye to that glorious V8 engine.

Mechanically, the 2023 Durango Hellcat is identical to the 2021 model year. Its V8 produces 529kW (710bhp) and 874Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque. It runs 0-100 in 3.5 seconds; an 11.5-second quarter mile and carries on to a 290km/h (180 mph). Ridiculous. Outrageous. Inappropriate. But wow.

Dodge says the 2023 model year will have more customisation options than the 2021 version, and there are a number of new colours. But be honest: anyone buying one of these things isn’t motivated by its colour, are they?

American pricing for the 2023 Durango Hellcat hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s probably going to be a bit more expensive than the USD$82,590 2021 model.

What is almost certain is that New Zealand will see one or more private import Durango Hellcats, likely converted to right-hand drive in Australia, just for the rarity value and the pleasure of bragging rights at the pub on a Friday afternoon. In the meantime, we can only enjoy the muscular eye-candy this thing puts on display and celebrate the V8 for as long as these engines are still with us.