Speed, Size, and Hellcats
About this episode
The review dives into the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, a powerful full-size SUV boasting a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 710 horsepower. The hosts discuss its impressive features, including luxurious interior options, advanced technology, and towing capabilities. Despite its hefty weight, the Hellcat delivers a thrilling driving experience, achieving 0-60 in under five seconds. The conversation also touches on pricing, with the Hellcat starting around $91,740, and compares it to other high-performance SUVs, highlighting its unique position in the market.
With Dodge thinking real hard about bringing the Hellcat, we take a look at two of our favorites.
A three-row family hauler with 710 horsepower sounds like a punchline, but the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Premium makes a strong case for everyday insanity. We dive into the details that matter: the captain’s chairs that make carpool easy, the Laguna leather and heated second row that keep everyone happy, and the SRT Performance Pages that tempt you to explore every drive mode. From red Brembo brakes and 20 by 10 wheels to the 10.1-inch Uconnect system and a thundering Harman Kardon setup, the Durango blends comfort, tech, and raw force in a way few SUVs can touch.
Then we talk numbers and nuance. A 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft moving 5,500 pounds to 60 in under five seconds feels unhinged, yet the competition suspension and AWD deliver a firm, stable ride on the highway. Towing up to 8,700 pounds, seeing real-world fuel economy in the teens, and confronting a six-figure sticker spark the bigger conversation: what are you really buying when you choose a Hellcat badge? We stack the Durango’s capability against the short list of rivals and find that very few full-size SUVs play in this power league.
To round out the picture, we jump into the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody and explore why a shape born in 2008 still sells out. Wide fenders, a flat-nose grille, and hood nostrils serve retro muscle with modern grip, while a thick SRT wheel, high-bolstered seats, and bulletproof Uconnect keep the cockpit focused. With 717 hp and 656 lb-ft on tap, the Challenger raises the eternal question: should you use all of it? We unpack the burnout myth, traction realities, daily drivability, and how the Hellcat compares with Mustang Mach 1, Camaro ZL1, and Charger Hellcat.
If you’re weighing a supercharged SUV that can tow the toys or a coupe that time-travels to the glory days, this conversation maps the trade-offs in power, price, and practicality. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves big horsepower, and leave a review to tell us whether you’d pick the Durango or the Challenger.
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Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
"...had the chance to drive the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. And that's all I'm going to say because I know that you'll rub it in even more now that you've had a chance to drive it. So we're talking about the 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat premium all-wheel drive."
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a powerful version of the Durango SUV. It has a strong engine that makes it faster and more fun to drive than regular SUVs.
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Durango SUV, featuring a supercharged V8 engine that delivers impressive power and acceleration. It's designed for those who want a combination of utility and performance in a full-size SUV.
all-wheel drive
"...So we're talking about the 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat premium all-wheel drive. Now I'm going to explain that to you."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. This system is beneficial for performance and off-road capabilities.
trim levels
"...you can actually, if you count the different editions that they have listed on their website, you can actually get 18 different trim levels or whatever you want to call it of the Durango."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car model. Each version can have different features, like better technology or more powerful engines.
Trim levels refer to the various versions of a particular car model that come with different features, options, and sometimes performance specifications. Each trim level can offer a unique combination of equipment and styling.
captain's chairs
"We had the six-passenger version because we had the captain's chairs in the second row."
Captain's chairs are special seats in the middle of a car that are separate from each other, making it easier for people to get in and out.
Captain's chairs are individual seats in the second row of an SUV or minivan that provide more comfort and accessibility compared to a traditional bench seat.
LED daytime running lamps
"had projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, all that good stuff you're going to find out there."
LED daytime running lamps are bright lights on cars that help others see them better during the day.
LED daytime running lamps are lights that remain on during the day to enhance visibility and safety for vehicles on the road.
power liftgate
"had power sunroof, power liftgate, 20 by 10 inch wheels."
A power liftgate is a back door on an SUV that opens automatically when you press a button, making it easier to put things inside.
A power liftgate is an automatic rear door that opens and closes with the push of a button, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo.
Brimbo brakes
"SRT red brimbo brakes had power sunroof, power liftgate, 20 by 10 inch wheels."
Brembo brakes are special brakes that help cars stop quickly and safely, especially in high-performance vehicles.
Brimbo brakes, likely a misspelling of 'Brembo brakes', are high-performance braking systems known for their superior stopping power and heat dissipation, commonly used in sports and performance vehicles.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
"Now, the Hellcat was first introduced in 2021. It was really only supposed to be a one model year production, but it keeps going because people love this vehicle."
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a fast car that was made for performance. It has a strong engine and many features that make it enjoyable to drive.
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Charger, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. It was introduced in 2021 and has become popular among enthusiasts for its blend of power and practicality.
torque
"Now under the hood, you're going to find the 6.2 liter V8 710 horsepower SRT Hellcat engine, 645 pound feet of torque, 8 speed automatic."
Torque is a measure of how much pulling power an engine has. It helps a car start moving quickly and can also help it pull heavy things.
Torque measures the rotational force produced by an engine. It is crucial for acceleration and towing capacity, influencing how quickly a vehicle can move from a stop or carry heavy loads.
6.2 liter V8
"Now under the hood, you're going to find the 6.2 liter V8 710 horsepower SRT Hellcat engine, 645 pound feet of torque, 8 speed automatic."
The 6.2 liter V8 is a type of engine that is very powerful and helps the car go really fast. It's used in some of the fastest cars on the road.
The 6.2 liter V8 engine is a powerful engine configuration commonly found in high-performance vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. It delivers impressive horsepower and torque, contributing to the car's performance capabilities.
horsepower
"Now under the hood, you're going to find the 6.2 liter V8 710 horsepower SRT Hellcat engine, 645 pound feet of torque, 8 speed automatic."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It is a key factor in determining a vehicle's performance and acceleration capabilities.
EPA
"Now the EPA says you should be able to look for 12 miles per gallon in the city."
The EPA is a government group that helps keep the environment safe. They also tell us how much gas cars use, which helps people choose more efficient vehicles.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency that sets and enforces regulations regarding environmental protection, including fuel economy ratings for vehicles. These ratings help consumers understand how efficient a vehicle is.
Dodge Hellcat
"...you could have transferred it from the truck to the back of the Hellcat. I was afraid it wouldn't hold it all..."
The Dodge Hellcat is a fast car made by Dodge, famous for its very powerful engine that makes it go really fast in a short amount of time. It's a popular choice for people who love speed and performance.
The Dodge Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Challenger and Charger, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine. It offers impressive acceleration and is designed for enthusiasts seeking extreme performance.
zero to 60
"...zero to 60 in less than five seconds according to Dodge. It does have a competition suspension on it..."
'Zero to 60' is a way to see how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how powerful and quick a car is.
The 'zero to 60' time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
competition suspension
"...It does have a competition suspension on it and so you're going to have a firm highway ride..."
A competition suspension is a special setup for a car that helps it handle better when driving fast or on a racetrack. It makes the ride feel firmer and helps the car stay steady during turns.
A competition suspension is designed to improve a vehicle's handling and stability during high-performance driving. It typically includes stiffer springs, dampers, and other components to enhance cornering and reduce body roll.
MSRP
"the MSRP on the Durango SRT Hellcat premium all-wheel drive for $106,420."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the car should be sold for. It's like a starting point for how much you might pay for a new car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for, but the actual sale price may vary.
Cadillac Escalade
"...I just didn't even bother. Well, it would be the Escalade V. I'd have enough trouble staying to keep gas i..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that lots of people use for comfort and style. It's known for having a lot of space inside and fancy gadgets, making it a popular choice for families and those who want to ride in luxury.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that stands out for its spacious interior, high-end features, and powerful engine options. It is often discussed for its status as a symbol of luxury and its presence in popular culture, especially among celebrities.
Dodge Challenger
"2022 Dodge Challenger available trim levels, the SXT, the GT, the RT, the RT scat pack, and the SRT Hellcat."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like classic muscle cars from the past. The 2022 version comes in different types, some of which are designed to be very fast.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its retro styling and powerful engine options. The 2022 model offers various trims, including performance-oriented versions.
SRT Hellcat
"Not only did I have the Hellcat, but I had the Hellcat wide body."
SRT Hellcat is a special name Dodge uses for its fastest cars. These cars have very powerful engines that make them much quicker than regular models.
SRT Hellcat is a performance designation used by Dodge for its high-powered models, featuring supercharged engines and enhanced performance features. It represents the top tier of performance in the Dodge lineup.
wheel opening extensions
"Exterior features. Wheel opening extensions allow for wider, bigger wheels and tires, and that's really what it's all about, trying to get the power to the road."
Wheel opening extensions are parts of a car's body that are made bigger to fit larger wheels and tires. This helps the car grip the road better when driving.
Wheel opening extensions are modifications to the body of a car that allow for the installation of wider tires and wheels. This can improve traction and handling by providing a larger contact patch with the road.
flat-nosed grille
"Flat-nosed grille is direct descendant of the original back in the 60s."
A flat-nosed grille is a type of front grille on a car that looks flat and wide. It can help with how the car looks and how air flows to keep the engine cool.
A flat-nosed grille refers to a specific design of the front grille of a car that is more horizontal and flat in appearance. This design can be both aesthetic and functional, influencing airflow and cooling for the engine.
rear spoiler
"Yeah, you're going to sneeze. Front splitter and rear spoiler said that."
A rear spoiler is a part on the back of a car that helps it stay on the ground when driving fast. It helps the car grip the road better.
A rear spoiler is an aerodynamic device located at the back of a car that helps to reduce lift and increase downforce, improving traction and stability during high-speed driving.
front splitter
"Yeah, you're going to sneeze. Front splitter and rear spoiler said that."
A front splitter is a piece added to the front of a car that helps it stay on the ground when going fast. It helps the car handle better by controlling how air moves around it.
A front splitter is an aerodynamic component attached to the front of a car that helps to increase downforce and improve stability at high speeds. It works by directing airflow under the vehicle, reducing lift.
SRT steering wheel
"Interior highlights, thick SRT steering wheel, well laid out dash that is getting a little dated, but it still works."
The SRT steering wheel is a special steering wheel used in high-performance cars. It's thicker and designed to help drivers control the car better when driving fast.
The SRT steering wheel is a performance-oriented steering wheel found in vehicles produced by the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division of Chrysler. It typically features a thicker grip for better handling and control during spirited driving.
supercharged V8
"...6.2 liter, supercharged V8, 717 posted horsepower, torque of 656 pound feet. Transmission, eight speed automatic transmission..."
A supercharged V8 is a type of engine that has a device called a supercharger. This device helps the engine produce more power by pushing in extra air, which lets it burn more fuel and go faster.
A supercharged V8 engine uses a supercharger to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in higher horsepower and torque figures compared to a naturally aspirated engine.
eight speed automatic transmission
"...Transmission, eight speed automatic transmission. It's rated for 13 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway..."
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of car gearbox that automatically changes gears for you. It has eight different settings to help the car drive smoothly and save fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios. This means the engine can operate more efficiently at various speeds.
traction control
"...you take the traction control off and you put it in low or shift it through the gears and just keep burning the tires all the way down the track. No, no, no, no. Okay. Well, then how do you do it?..."
Traction control helps your car maintain grip on the road when you accelerate. It stops the wheels from spinning too much, which can happen if you're going fast or on slippery surfaces.
Traction control is a system in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels. It's especially useful in high-performance driving to maintain grip on the road.
burnout
"...you take the traction control off and you put it in low or shift it through the gears and just keep burning the tires all the way down the track. No, no, no, no. Okay. Well, then how do you do it?..."
A burnout is when a car's wheels spin really fast while the car stays in one place, making smoke from the tires. It's often done to prepare the tires for racing.
A burnout is a driving maneuver where the driver spins the wheels of the vehicle while the car remains stationary, creating smoke from the tires. This is often done to heat up the tires for better grip during racing.
Ford Mustang
"...r going down the road. We're not talking about a Mustang. Ryan and handling what I liked about it. The rac..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often talked about because it represents fun driving and freedom on the road.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive design. It has a rich history dating back to 1964 and has become a symbol of American automotive culture, often discussed for its driving dynamics and styling.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
"Well, duh. The Mustang Mach 1, it starts at $57,665."
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a special version of the Mustang that is designed to be faster and more fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and sporty features.
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented variant of the Mustang, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It pays homage to the classic Mach 1 models from the past.
Chevrolet Camaro
"The Camaro ZL1 starts at $65,895, which I think would probably be the closest competitor, but not really as far as horsepower is concerned."
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a fast version of the Camaro car. It has a powerful engine and is built for racing and performance driving.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a high-performance version of the Camaro, featuring a supercharged V8 engine and advanced performance features. It's designed for speed and agility on the road and track.
spinning the rear tires
"...it takes just a split second to say, oh, spin, spinning the rear tires need to bring it back a little bit..."
When the back tires of a car spin too fast without gripping the road, it means the car might slide or lose control. This usually happens when the car is going too fast or accelerating too hard.
Spinning the rear tires refers to a situation where the rear wheels of a vehicle lose traction and rotate freely, often due to excessive acceleration. This can lead to loss of control, especially in powerful cars.
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