OurLifestyle
2020 DODGE DURANGO MIXES POWER AND STYLE
As we look back, sport utility vehicles have certainly been a beloved and celebrated choice for new vehicle buyers for a number of years. To take this attraction to yet a higher level, how about an SUV with a performance engine powering it? That’s precisely what Fiat-Chrysler has in its recipe for 2020, with the Dodge Durango SRT. With its ultimate muscularity, the Durango SRT is America’s most powerful, standard three-row SUV, reaching 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds. The power formulation begins with their remarkable 6.4-Liter HEMI V8 engine. It generates some serious 475 horsepower and commanding torque. Adopted from automotive racing, the cold air intake system feeds the engine cooled/ outside air for added acceleration. This is combined with the best towing capacity in its class of up to 8,700 pounds. The SRT model is well suited for street driving plus the track as well as for offroading. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and take a moment to visit the base model Durango, as it’s the foundation of their SRT Performance edition. Pricing starts out at $30,495 plus it’s offered in a number of model configurations; SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T and the SRT performance variant. Rearwheel-drive chassis set-ups are standard across the product mix, with all-wheel-drive as an option with the exception of there SRT, as AWD is included. The entry model is equipped with an 18-inch all-weather tire and aluminum wheel package, it seats up to seven quite comfortably. This also in-
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cludes plenty of rear cargo carrying space under the rear hatch. The base engine is their reliable 3.6-liter V6. It’s rated at 19MPG city/26-MPG highway with RWD and it’s matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. “brightly lit” LED ribbon tail light assembly. The body design is distinctive and hinges The unordinary outer SRT markings further on having a bold/resolute yet modern ap- siren the singularity of this show-stopping pearance overall. There is no mistaking Du- vehicle rango as its footprint and silhouette is origiHeated front and second row seats, leathnal and singular. The front grille assembly er/heated steering wheel with paddle shiftshowcases the Dodge brand’s characteris- ers, eight-way power operated driver’s seat tically valiant DNA. The fairly large glass and six-way power front passenger seat plus windows further enhances the vehicle’s a third row foldable seat are also included. greenhouse aspect. Base pricing reflecting the 2020 Durango Now to “fast forward” and place the SRT shows $62,995. The standard warranty rocket on wheels SRT in the spotlight, it too is for three-years/36,000 miles. The powuses their eight-speed TorqueFlite automat- ertarin warranty shows five-years/60,000 ic transmission however, this gearbox uses miles. After options and shipping charges, rev-matching technology which is specifi- the MSRP sticker price at roadtest came out cally calibrated for the SRT to optimize shift to be $73,060. points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels. EPA numbers show 13-MPG city and 19-MPG highway with this highBY DAVID FINKELSTEIN end powertrain setup. David Finkelstein is a Master/ SRT’s bulging/prominent engine hood Skill Automotive Service Techcover blankets it’s proven and uncompronician and a shop owner. He’s mised 392 cubic inch exceptional engine. also invented garage service The vehicle’s aggressive outer skin was retools for mechanics and has worked with high-end extras which included served on both National and unique ground effects for proper air maplocal Automotive Trade Industry ping and a notable front lower fascia. In the Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk rear are two large 4-inch chrome exhaust Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted tailpipes that’s telegraphing the rumble “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David sound of the engines remarkable capatests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some bilities. Also included is a full horizontal consulting with various auto manufacturers.
