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| The Durango concept was so popular during the entire show I finally had to drive people away during the last hour of press days to snap a few photos. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
And that last sentence speaks volumes about this concept. The entire package looks ready for production. While the aluminum pedals most likely won't make it to dealerships this fall I would be surprised if Dodge's retail Durango looks much different than this concept on the inside, and mostly the same as it's exterior as well. And as I mentioned earlier this would be a good thing, as its bold exterior design pulls eyeballs as if they were protons whipping towards a magnetar neutron star.
"The Dodge Durango RT HEMI Concept is not a 'me too' design - that will not be tolerated," stated Creed. "Our goal was to create something more architectural than agricultural, yet a vehicle that still delivers power on every front, from its dramatic design to its powerful HEMI engine."
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| The new 5.7-L HEMI V8, shown here being introduced at the California launch of the all-new 2003 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty pickups, boasts 345-hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, the same numbers under the hood of the Dodge Durango RT HEMI concept. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Once again Dodge plays its most recent trump card, in the form of the most powerful V8 engine available in its class. The new HEMI develops an intimidating 345-hp at 5,400 rpm and stump pulling 375 lb-ft of torque, just like as in its Ram pickup sibling. Again, the stock engine is another sign of the Durango concept's road readiness. Like the Ram, the next generation Durango emits a resonant exhaust note that bellows raw power and pure performance to all within earshot. It sounds NASCAR tough and should accelerate the SUV in short order, especially considering its Mercedes-Benz derived 5-speed automatic transmission.