Has SRT Disbanded? Here's the Rundown
Has SRT Disbanded? Here's the Rundown
Posted on February 26, 2023
You could almost hear a pin drop in the office when the news first broke that Stellantis had disbanded the Dodge SRT (Street and Racing Technology) engineering team. Everyone thought the worst and the internet came alive with speculation.
Then the automaker, formerly FCA and Peugeot, announced that the team wasn’t being fired or reassigned but were being integrated into the larger engineering team at the firm.
Furthermore, it isn’t the end of SRT models.
SRT engineering
Previously, the 100-strong engineering team worked on nothing but SRT products. They were dedicated to this narrow niche of making Dodge SRT parts and performance cars as good as they could be.
The company isn’t doing away with SRT. Rather, the engineers will be embedded within their respective departments and work closer with other engineers. They will continue working on performance elements, just as part of the main brand, hopefully, to the benefit of all rather than just SRT models.
That’s the plan anyway.
The end is in sight for the big V8 and Dodge/Stellantis has acknowledged that. There are no known plans to retire the big motors just yet though.
2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
One of the latest products from the SRT team was the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. A ridiculously fun SUV with the powerful Hellcat engine under the hood.
It looks a lot like the standard sporty Durango, but has a lovely black and grey colour scheme including stripes from front to rear.
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat also sits lower and has an overall ‘I mean business’ look about it.
Inside, it looks a lot like a higher spec Durango except the red accents around the instruments and a new shape steering wheel. You do see SRT logos around the place though, giving a hint at what’s in store.
Engine and mechanicals
There is only one engine in the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. That’s the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that delivers 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. It uses an eight speed transmission to deliver power to all four wheels.
There is something quite satisfying about listening to the whine of a supercharger. When it’s bolted onto an already impressive V8, the combined noise is something I could never get bored with.
While I love electric cars, nothing quite beats the soundtrack of a big V8!
An upgraded exhaust system and air intake lets the beast breathe while bigger brakes and uprated suspension keeps everything on track. Pirelli P Zero tires provide the grip you’ll need to stay safe too.
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat also comes with rear automated emergency braking, front automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights as standard. Other safety tech is optional.
Keep an eye out at Unique Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 915 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON L7N 3V8 for any changes to the current Dodge lineup.