The wild 710bhp Dodge Durango Hellcat is back for another production run

Dodge has announced the Durango SRT Hellcat will return for another production run because of a “crazy amount” of customer enthusiasm for its overpowered V8 family wagon. A 2023 edition of what Dodge calls “the most powerful SUV on the planet”.

You might proffer alternative observations upon sampling its angry Hemi V8, but suffice to say, it comfortably outmuscles the current crop of outsized, overpowered SUVs. It's matched (sorta) only by its Jeep Trackhawk sibling and, weirdly, the Aston Martin DBX707.

Underneath sits that now familiar 6.2-litre supercharged Hellcat V8 punching out 710bhp and 645lb ft of torque, allowing a 0-60mph time of just 3.5s. Hilariously, Dodge quotes an actual NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) certified quarter mile time of 11.5s and a top speed of 180mph.

We’re told that cast-iron (literally) engine gets a dedicated cooling circuit for the charge air coolers, twin-screw rotors in the supercharger set close to minimise air leakage, a bypass valve regulating boost pressure, forged rods and pistons, sodium-cooled valves and even a cold-air scoop, among many other things.

Feeling exhausted after reading that spec? Noise will ease the pain, and this Durango gets an exhaust setup “tuned to deliver a throaty Dodge DNA sound”. Visual noise comes via a new chin splitter, oil cooler duct, air guide and snorkel, and a rear spoiler that, even more hilariously, is said to provide 140lb of downforce at 180mph.

There are various modes and drive settings, launch assist, huge brakes, and “Durango-specific tuning” to the wheelbase, weight distribution and efforts to reduce understeer.

“The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has generated a crazy amount of enthusiasm and demand since it was introduced in 2020 — we even extended its initial production run — so it seemed appropriate to bring back the most powerful SUV ever as part of our historic 2023 model-year Dodge lineup,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand boss.

“Muscle enthusiasts also have families, and the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can get those families where they want to go and has the ability to tow 8,700 pounds.”

They’ll certainly get wherever they want to go fast, this being the most powerful SUV on the planet.