Chicago 2011: Dodge Durango R/T Debuts, Durango Heat Gets R/T Style With V6 Power

Colum Wood
by Colum Wood

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show alongside a new lineup of four other RT models for 2011, perhaps the most exciting is the return of the Dodge Durango R/T for 2011.

Based on the all-new Durango platform, Dodge brand CEO Ralf Gilles points to the near sedan-like ride and handling characteristics of this powerful SUV, thanks in part to the stiff chassis, fully independent suspension and a vehicle height that has been lowered by almost an inch. Combine that with a set of 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, more direct steering and load-leveling rear shocks and it should prove a tossable package for such a big truck.

And a big truck it is, retaining its 7-seat arrangement and 85 cubic feet of cargo room.

Adding thrust to either the rear wheels or all four is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Plus, there’s a special exhaust system so you can really hear the big V8 roar.

To set the R/T model apart, it comes with a unique front fascia, body-colored grille surround, xenon lights and plenty of color-match details on the outside of the car. Inside, a special suede material is used on the seats, with leather for the steering wheel and shift knob. And of course, there’s the obligatory R/T badging on the headrests. Options include a full leather interior adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, while standard feature include such highlights as remote start, a power liftgate and passive entry with a push-button ignition.

The 2011 Dodge Durango R/T arrives at dealers this Spring, priced from $35,465.

For those on more of a budget and less of an interest in power, Dodge will also offer the Durango Heat, with many of the same styling cues, but with the 290-hp V6 and a starting price of $30,295.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Durango R/T

Colum Wood
Colum Wood

With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.

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