We have been flooded with e-mails in recent weeks, requesting an update about when the 2021 Dodge Durango will become available. However, with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union stating that ” [they] feel the scientific data is not conclusive at this point and it is too risky for our members, their families, and our communities to support a quick return to work in early May.” That leaves the FCA’s original plan to restart production using one shift at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, Michigan, up in the air.
Our sources inside Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have said both the updated Dodge Durango (originally scheduled to debut this fall) and its all-new three-row Jeep® Grand Cherokee WL75 cousin (originally scheduled for fourth-quarter 2020 production) has been pushed back at least three months from their original launch dates.
We broke the news that the 2021 Dodge Durango would be getting a mild-hybrid option for the 2021 model year. While we know that the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built alongside the current Dodge Durango and featuring the two of the Ram 1500’s eTorque engines. We also expect that the 2021 Dodge Durango will also feature those powertrains, however, they might feature different output numbers from the Ram 1500 due to different calibrations.
So here is what the 2021 Dodge Durango powertrain lineup will look like…
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque (standard powertrain).
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque (optional powertrain, standard on R/T models).
- 6.4-liter SRT HEMI V8 (standard powertrain on SRT models).
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 (standard powertrain on SRT HELLCAT models).
Now, with the launch of the upcoming Durango SRT HELLCAT model, we are being told that the HELLCAT version will launch with a limited-edition model with each vehicle getting a special serialized badge location on the passenger side HVAC vent just like the special edition Charger and Challenger models. The Durango SRT HELLCAT will virtually be identical to the current Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, underneath the skin. That means the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine will be rated at 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Currently, the Trackhawk can do 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 180 mph.
The current Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a curb weight of 5,356 lbs. When you compare the curb weight of the similar 6.4-liter HEMI-powered models of both the Grand Cherokee SRT (5,195 lbs.) and Durango SRT (5,510 lbs.), that’s a 315 lb. difference between the two SRT models. Put that added weight of the Durango, into the curb weight numbers of the Trackhawk, you are looking at an estimated curb weight of the Durango SRT HELLCAT being 5,671 lbs. While you may say the Durango SRT HELLCAT will be a heavy pig, the Trackhawk has a 55/45 weight distribution which leads to us believing the added rear weight, could make the Durango SRT HELLCAT have a close to 50/50 weight distribution.
Based on the current U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of both the SRT models of the Grand Cherokee ($69,140 excluding destination) and Durango ($62,995 excluding destination), it would be safe to say that with the Trackhawk’s MSRP of $87,400 excluding destination we would expect the Durango SRT HELLCAT to have around an $80,000 price tag.
Stay tuned to MoparInsiders.com, as we will continue to bring you more information about the upcoming Dodge Durango update, as well as its Durango SRT HELLCAT model.
