NEW FOR 2018, DODGE DURANGO BUYERS CAN GET SRT ATTITUDE WITH EVERY DURANGO POWERTRAIN

•New for 2018, Durango R/T models now share the same front fascia, performance hood, lower valence, and LED fog lamps first seen on new 2018 Durango SRT that debuted at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show

•Functional performance hood that debuted on new 2018 Durango SRT is now available on Durango GT when equipped with Blacktop or Brass Monkey Appearance Package

•New hood features center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors, as well as a lower valence to house new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps

•Front Park Assist joins ParkSense® Park Assist System is standard on Durango R/T models and features sensors in the front bumper to detect obstacles; includes a shut-off switch

•Durango GT models now feature standard power liftgate and Capri and suede bucket leather seats. Capri leather seats are also available. The Technology Group is now available as an option

•B5 Blue (available exclusively on Durango R/T and SRT models, late availability) debuts on Durango for the 2018 model year and is the first time it's offered on Durango

•All Durango models now feature a backup camera, new sport steering wheel and driver oriented electronic T-shifter

June 27, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge took the wraps off its new 475-horsepower 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, introducing America's fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV with 475 horsepower at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Now, new for 2018, all Durango R/T models share the all-new Durango SRT's aggressive, functional performance hood and fascia as standard equipment. The performance hood features a center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors, a front lower valence that houses a new cold-air duct system and LED fog lamps. Durango GT models equipped with the Blacktop or Brass Monkey appearance package now offer the performance hood, first seen on Durango SRT, as an available option.

'Performance is more than stats, at Dodge performance is an attitude that permeates through everything we do,' said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. 'And new for 2018, Durango buyers can get SRT attitude with every Durango powertrain – from the 295 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to the 360 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 to the new 475 horsepower 6.4-liter SRT – strengthening the brand's promise to deliver performance vehicles with world-class power, technology and standout styling our customers have come to expect.'

In addition to the new front fascia, Durango R/T is one of only two models to be available in a B5 Blue exterior color (late availability); Durango SRT being the other. Front Park Assist, which uses sensors in the front bumper, is now included with ParkSense® Park Assist System and is now standard on Durango R/T models. New for 2018, Durango GT models now feature a standard power liftgate and Capri and suede bucket leather seats. Capri leather seats and the Technology Group are also available as standalone options, as well.

For 2018, all Durango models feature a backup camera, a new sport steering wheel and driver-oriented electronic T-shifter which provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control. Customers can also opt for the available hand wrapped instrument panel with accent stitching.

Dodge continues to deliver customization and features that its loyal Durango customers love. Durango R/T's new look is standard with a BeatsAudio nine-speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier. This BeatsAudio premium audio system offers studio quality sound in the customer's vehicle, available on the Durango GT and Citadel, and standard on R/T. The Dodge Durango boasts class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics, advanced technology, aggressive styling, and with the addition of the new exterior performance fascia on R/T, now offers even more ways customers can stand out in a sea of sameness.

Dealers are currently able to place orders and vehicles will start arriving in dealerships in the third quarter of 2017. Pricing for the 2018 Dodge Durango will be announced closer to vehicles arriving at dealers.

About Dodge and SRT Brands

The Dodge brand is America's mainstream performance brand. With the purification of the brand and consolidation with SRT, Dodge is focusing on its performance roots with every single model it offers. The Dodge and SRT brands offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out within their own segments. Dodge is the mainstream performance brand and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.

From muscle cars to minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs, the Dodge brand's full lineup of 2017 models deliver best-in-class horsepower, class-exclusive technology, unmatched capability and a slew of cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, active exhaust, cold-air induction, 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment centers and 7-inch customizable gauge clusters, to name a few. For the 2017 model year, the Dodge brand lineup features the 25th anniversary Viper, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Charger and Challenger, including the new Challenger GT, Charger Daytona and Challenger T/A, as well as the 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and the Charger SRT Hellcat, the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.

New for 2018, Dodge introduces the new 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon — the fastest quarter-mile production car in the world and most powerful muscle car ever, as well as the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT – America's fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV.

by Dodge

DODGE DURANGO EARNS NEW STRIPES, CARBON FIBER INTERIOR AND MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS

•New dual-center stripes available in five different colors add sinister factory-custom look — available on Dodge Durango R/T and SRT

•Enhanced SRT Interior Appearance Group brings authentic carbon fiber upgrades to the Durango SRT's cabin

•New Mopar performance exhaust systems improve flow and add an unmistakable note — available on Dodge Durango R/T and SRT

•New Mopar performance lowering spring kit delivers improved handling and lower stance — available on Dodge Durango SRT; lowers the fastest SUV in its class an average of 15 mm (0.6 inches) closer to the pavement

•Dodge Durango SRT is the most powerful and fastest three-row SUV with its legendary 475-horsepower HEMI® V-8 engine and National Hot Rod Association–certified quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds that also outhauls every three-row SUV on the road with best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds

February 7, 2018 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Performance enthusiasts looking for a three-row SUV with a factory-custom look need look no further than the 2018 Dodge Durango.

New for 2018, Durango R/T and SRT models will feature factory-custom stripes and available performance exhaust systems. The Durango SRT will also offer an available carbon fiber interior and performance lowering spring kit, giving the menacing SUV an even lower stance and improved handling. Dodge will showcase the new features at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 7-19.

'Our Dodge//SRT performance enthusiasts are always looking for ways to make their vehicle their own,' said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. 'The available stripes and carbon fiber throughout the interior really give Durango a custom look from the factory, and they are perfectly complemented by Mopar's available exhaust systems and performance springs, which make Durango even more fun to drive.'

New features available in the coming months include: •New dual-center exterior stripe design covers the front and rear fascias, hood, portions of the roof and the tailgate. The dual stripe is tailored to the signature NACA duct-hood vent to emphasize the Durango R/T and Durango SRT models functional yet aggressive design. With a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,195, the stripes are offered in five colors: Bright Blue, Flame Red, Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish), Low Gloss Black and Sterling Silver (metallic finish). Dealer orders for the new stripe package will start in March 2018.

•Mopar's new performance exhaust systems are bolt on, high-performance units factory-tuned for improved flow, sound and overall performance. The exhaust system's chromium 304 stainless steel construction improves corrosion resistance. Stainless steel band-style clamps provide tight seals and make installation easy. Welded and polished 4-inch tips provide an aggressive appearance. Both exhaust systems were developed in concert with Dodge//SRT engineers and designers, which provided access to proprietary sound data, creating unique and unmistakable sound characteristics. The new performance exhaust system for the Durango SRT (Part Number 77072487) is priced at a U.S. MSRP of $1,850 and will be available in the second quarter of 2018. The new Durango R/T system (Part Number 77072479) is priced at a U.S. MSRP of $1,595 and is available now.

•Mopar's performance lowering spring kit enhances the Durango SRT's already outstanding high-speed cornering stability and consistency. The new springs lower the fastest SUV in its class an average of 15 mm (0.6 inches) closer to the pavement for improved handling and an in-your-face vehicle stance. As with the performance exhaust, Mopar worked closely with Dodge//SRT engineers and used proprietary data — unavailable to the aftermarket — to tune the lowering springs to the factory-fitted dampers. Performance gains include less rear-end squat during acceleration, less nose dive under braking and reduced body roll while cornering. The new performance lowering spring kit (Part Number 77072488) is priced at a U.S. MSRP of $325 and will be available in March.

•The new SRT Interior Appearance Group, which features a premium-wrapped instrument panel, Dinamica soft-touch headliner and accent paint on speaker trim rings, adds an authentic carbon-fiber instrument panel and door bezels. Available for orders in February at a U.S. MSRP of $2,495.

About Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango's combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment. For 2018, Dodge builds on Durango's proven performance, utility and comfort with the new SRT model, appearance packages and an available soft-touch hand-wrapped instrument panel. Durango's standard eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine rated at up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 pounds. The classic 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque and is capable of towing up to 7,400 pounds. New for 2018, the Durango SRT's proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-60 miles per hour acceleration in 4.4 seconds, quarter-mile elapsed time of 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), all while out-hauling every three-row SUV on the road with a best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.

About Dodge//SRT

Dodge//SRT offers a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out in their own segments. Dodge is FCA North America's mainstream performance brand, and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge, who founded the company in 1914. Their influence continues today. New for 2018, the 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the fastest quarter-mile production car in the world and most powerful muscle car ever, is taking the world by storm, along with the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, America's fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV, and the 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. These new SRT ultimate performance models join a brand lineup that includes the Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Charger and Challenger, including the 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and the Charger SRT Hellcat, the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.

About Mopar

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) is the service, parts and customer-care brand for FCA vehicles around the globe. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, the Mopar brand has evolved over more than 80 years to represent both complete care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era, with Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, and expanded to include technical service and customer support. Today, the Mopar brand's global reach distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in over 150 markets around the world. With more than 50 parts distribution centers and 25 customer contact centers globally, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Mopar is the source for genuine parts and accessories for all FCA US LLC vehicle brands. Mopar parts are engineered together with the same teams that create factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles, offering a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. Complete information on the Mopar brand is available at www.mopar.com.

by Dodge

Dodge's most beloved sport utility vehicle, the Durango has been in production since 1998 and its popularity lies in its ability to continuously adapt to the ever-changing customer needs and desires over the years. Produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler, the first generation of the Durango was based on the Dodge Dakota and featured a study, midsized SUV body-on-frame construction. Produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware, the Dakota was classified as a mid-size SUV at first, before growing into a full-size SUV for the second generation. During its first year the Durango was only available in a four-wheel-drive version. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains were available in 1999, along with a full range of V6 and V8 engines.

Riding on a 116.2-inch wheelbase, the Durango had a length of 193.5 inches, a width of 71.5 inches, a height of 70.0 inches and had a curb weight of 4,500 pounds. Advertised as a sturdy truck with room for up to seven passengers, the Durango had the capability to tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped. Though few were actually sold, Dodge offered a 3.9L Magnum V6 engine.

For its second year of production only minor updates were made including two new paint colors. Also new this year was 6 in x 9 in heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. SLT Plus models received leather seats as standard while body-color wheel flares were made standard on 4WD Models and SLT Plus. In 2000 the 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 though the 5.2 would remain available in the early 2000 models. Leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run, the 3.9L Magnum V6 engine wasn't available any longer. The high performance R/T was introduced this year. A special AWD performance version, the R/T was powered by a powerful performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8.

An exclusive limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered in 1999 and 2000 that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Available output for the Shelby was 360 hp and 412 lb./ft. of torque. The Shelby sported special wheels, bumpers, tires and suspension and came standard painted Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. With a top speed of 142 mph, the Shelby could achieve 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds.

In 2001 Dodge focused its attention on the interior of the SUV and gave special attention to the interior trim panels, instrument panel, dash mounted controls, overhead console and a newly redesigned steering wheel. 4X4 models received a new switch on the dash for the transfer case selector instead of a manual lever on the console. A new message center was added to the modified instrument cluster. Standard equipment now included a comfy dual-zone climate control system. All models now came with standard SX speakers and improved premium sound systems. Slight updates were made to trim options and other changes included revised seats, updated door panels and aluminum wheels.

The new SXT Durango became the entry-level trim package for 2002. Safety features now included optional side curtain airbags. Near the close of the model year was an electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) added into the overhead console. The following year the Durango underwent minor mechanical updates that included new larger front brakes and new rear-wheel disc brakes.

The second-generation Durango was launched in 2004 and was originally shown as a concept named Durango R/T concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Sporting a fully boxed frame like its Dakota sibling, the new Durango had a lot in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup. Growing in size the second-generation model was 7 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 3 inches taller than its predecessor. This new model had room for eight passengers now and offered a third row bench with three seats and was now officially into the full-sized SUV category.

Offering a more luxurious ride, the new Durango featured a redesigned suspension with rear coil springs. Much of the styling cues of this generation were taken from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was based heavily on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Concept, and the '03 Durango R/T concept. In 2004 the Durango received a solid rear axle and a new coil-spring rear suspension. Mated to the rear axle was a Watt linkage system that centered the axle and reduced rear-end skate over rugged surfaces, which resulted in a wider and lower cargo floor.

In the spring of 2006 in April the 2007 Durango was debuted at the Dallas Auto Show. Sporting an extremely attractive restyle in an attempt to boost sales, the SUV featured a new grille, hood, headlamps, wheels and fenders. New Durango equipment included rear park assist, a one-touch turn signal, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. In 2009 a two-mode hybrid version was offered for a short time.

In 2007 Chrysler launched a full-size, luxury SUV called the Chrysler Aspen, first unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Based on the Dodge Durango SUV, the Aspen was the first production hybrid offering from Chrysler. Previously the Aspen name had been used by Dodge from 1976 through 1980 on a twin of the Plymouth Volaré. Equipped with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, the Aspen was available with all-wheel drive. The first truck-based Sport Utility Vehicle commercialized under the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Aspen was produced only until the end of 2008.

For the 2009 model year Chrysler began producing their first production hybrid vehicles, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids on August 22, 2008. With a MSRP of $45,340, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid had an almost 25% gain in overall duel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city. Along with the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (starting MSRP $45,570) the Durango Hybrid were rated with the Hemi V8 engine mileage to be around 20 mpg city and 22 mph highway for 2009. The Hybrids featured the 340 hp Hemi engine with MDS along with the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with GM and BMW. Non-Hybrid models were rated at 13-mpg city and 19 mph highway. Early in October the Hybrid models were available for sale at dealerships, the same month that Chrysler announced the end of Durango and Aspen production. The Hybrid SUV became one of the shortest-lived models from a major automaker.

Demand for the full-size SUV waned and in October of 2008 Chrysler decided to close the Newark Assembly facility. The facility had previously produced the Durango and Chrysler Aspen, which would end production for the 2009 model year. On December 19, 2008 production ceased.

Dodge released an Internet teaser of first images in August of 2010 to incite interest for the third generation of the Durango. In December of the same year the Durango was put into production based on an all-new, computer-designed unitized platform, built alongside the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, Michigan. Not classified as a full-size SUV the new Durango shares the same powertrains, chassis parts and running gear with the Grand Cherokee.

Powering the third generation was the choice of two world-class engines; the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 hp. The base 3.6-liter engine produced 290 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Pentastar option was mated to the Mercedes W5A80 five-speed automatic with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. Featuring the 545RFE 5-speed automatic, the 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 engine continued with 360 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque along with a 'fuel-saver' mode that was generally used when cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The third generation SUV grew to a longer length than the Grand Cherokee and had room for three rows of seating compared to the two rows in the Grand Cherokee. On December 14, 2010 the 2011 Durango entered production alongside its sibling, the second generation Charger. Halfway through January 2011 it went on sale for general dealership availability. Motorweek gave the 2012 Durango the Drivers' Choice Award and the IIHS ranked the 2012 Durango as a 'Top Safety Pick'.

The brand new Durango for 2014 was debuted at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Sportier a design reminiscent of the Rallye with a blackened plastic bumper and outline, the new Durango featured modern sporty lines. Drawing inspiration from the new Dodge Charger the '14 Durango featured a similar LED taillight cluster. The interior of the new SUV featured a new steering wheel with paddle shifters. According to Chrysler there will be an estimated 9% increase in fuel efficiency thanks to the 3.6L V6 and optional Hemi V8 mated with the new Chrysler 8-speed automatic transmission.

To boost interest in the new Durango Chrysler Group LLC and Paramount Pictures joined together to promote the film Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues with a sequen¬-ce of Durango commercials highlighting Will Ferrell playing Ron Burgundy.

by Jessican Donaldson