Chrysler may well give the Dodge Durango the SRT8 bug for 2013, but is carefully weighing the pros and cons because the chances of failure are very real indeed.
The automaker has officially declined to comment on the subject, but sources revealed to Inside Line that the seven-seat SUV may be inheriting a 6.4-litre, 470-hp HEMI as well as significant upgrades, including an adjustable suspension, all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes.
Theoretically, the SUV would be a choice alternative for adrenaline junkies who find the Grand Cherokee SRT8 a tad too small. Its fate depends on two factors, though: price and Durango R/T sales.
The latter has been a disappointment since it hit markets in March 2011. In the US barely 7% of Durangos that went to new homes were R/Ts, so launching an SRT8 version may be akin to shooting oneself in the foot.
Considering the Durango shares its platform with the Grand Cherokee, in all likelihood both vehicles would use essentially the same components and feature a similar pricing scheme.
Since its introduction in the United States, the Cherokee SRT8 has been criticized by many, who think it’s simply too expensive at $54 470. So the chances of the Durango SRT8 bombing are quite real.
The new president of the SRT8 banner, Ralph Gilles, did recently express his desire to make the Cherokee more affordable by removing certain features, such as the sunroof and DVD player.
Source: Inside Line
The automaker has officially declined to comment on the subject, but sources revealed to Inside Line that the seven-seat SUV may be inheriting a 6.4-litre, 470-hp HEMI as well as significant upgrades, including an adjustable suspension, all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes.
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| Photo: Chrysler |
Theoretically, the SUV would be a choice alternative for adrenaline junkies who find the Grand Cherokee SRT8 a tad too small. Its fate depends on two factors, though: price and Durango R/T sales.
The latter has been a disappointment since it hit markets in March 2011. In the US barely 7% of Durangos that went to new homes were R/Ts, so launching an SRT8 version may be akin to shooting oneself in the foot.
Considering the Durango shares its platform with the Grand Cherokee, in all likelihood both vehicles would use essentially the same components and feature a similar pricing scheme.
Since its introduction in the United States, the Cherokee SRT8 has been criticized by many, who think it’s simply too expensive at $54 470. So the chances of the Durango SRT8 bombing are quite real.
The new president of the SRT8 banner, Ralph Gilles, did recently express his desire to make the Cherokee more affordable by removing certain features, such as the sunroof and DVD player.
Source: Inside Line