As concerns mount over the phasing out of their beloved Hemi engines, Dodge enthusiasts can now breathe a sigh of relief. On Friday, the automaker revealed plans to extend the production of its iconic Hemi V8 through 2025, a shift from the previously slated end date of December 31, 2024. This decision is attributed to increasing market demand and valuable customer feedback.
The extension comes at a critical juncture for Dodge, which is navigating the transition away from the Charger and Challenger models. Their forthcoming successor, the Charger Daytona, has yet to make its debut in showrooms, leaving the brand in need of an invigorating boost. The Dodge Hornet, meanwhile, seems to offer little in the way of performance thrills, reminiscent of week-old pizza.
The lackluster atmosphere in Dodge showrooms can largely be traced back to former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, who steered the company towards a more sustainable future. However, with Tavares stepping down on December 1, 2023, a significant barrier to further Hemi production appears to have been lifted.
The Last Hurrah for the Durango SRT Hellcat
Friday’s announcement echoes the brand’s earlier news from last month regarding a streamlined lineup for the three-row Durango SUV, which will now include the GT, R/T, and SRT Hellcat trims. Currently, the Durango remains the sole vehicle in Dodge’s portfolio to boast the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V8, delivering an exhilarating 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
This powerhouse engine catapults the Durango SRT Hellcat from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, completing a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. Such performance is atypical for a family-friendly SUV that accommodates up to 85 cubic feet of cargo, capable of snow and track driving modes alike.
In addition to the SRT Hellcat, the Durango R/T impresses with its 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which is rated at 360 horsepower, while the entry-level GT features a 3.6-liter V6 with a respectable output of 295 horsepower.
Special Editions Galore
The Durango SRT Hellcat will not only be available in standard form but will also offer several special editions to further entice consumers.
First up is the Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Edition, commemorating two decades of Hemi-powered Durangos. This variant comes equipped with the standard 5.7-liter engine, alongside distinctive graphics, special badging, and 20-inch Brass Monkey wheels, not to mention luxurious Alcantara performance seats and a Tow N Go package to enhance towing capacity.
Next is the Durango SRT Silver Bullet, adorned in a Triple Nickel exterior with a Satin Black hood, grey metallic badging, and sleek, finely crafted 20-inch wheels, paired with luxurious Ebony Red Nappa leather upholstery.
The Hammerhead edition embraces a sophisticated theme, showcasing a Hammerhead Grey interior, embroidered logos, and exclusive satin black detailing.
Lastly, the Durango SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey features eye-catching dark bronze wheels and a striking Red Oxide finish with unique exterior badging.
Considering the Future
Are these offerings enticing? Certainly. However, while Dodge is pushing forward, the brand must first clear the backlog of inventory that has built up under Tavares’ stewardship. Current estimates indicate a supply of Dodge vehicles lingering at 129 days—well beyond the industry standard of 60 days.
In terms of future models, plans for gas-powered iterations of the Charger are set for a late 2025 release. Yet, the likelihood of including a Hemi variant remains uncertain, particularly with the only announced model being the Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., equipped with a High-Output 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo Hurricane inline-six rated at 550 horsepower.
With Tavares’ exit and seasoned executives like Tim Kuniskis returning to the Stellantis fold, there may still be a chance for the enduring legacy of the Hemi engine to make its mark in Dodge dealerships for years to come.
Source:www.autoblog.com
