2011 Dodge Durango R/T
After a two year absence the Dodge Durango is back and better than ever. Even though the dimensions are nearly identical to the previous generation Durango, the SUV has had a complete overhaul. Instead of a body-on-frame setup it now shares a unibody platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Even though the Jeep and Dodge have similar suspension layouts they still vary quit a bit. The Dodge is 10 inches longer than the Jeep and has 5 extra inches between it's axles. The shocks and springs are also stiffer and it has beefier roll bars.
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The R\T has an even stiffer suspension and a ride height that is 0.8 inches lower. All of this really pays off because the new Durango can really handle. The near 51/49 weight distribution is something that you would expect from a sports car not an SUV. The 2011 Dodge Durango can pull a 0.81g on the skidpad.
Equipped with a 16-valve pushrod 5.7-liter V8, the Durango produces 360 horsepower @ 5150 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque @ 4250 rpm. This is all mated to a 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. So what does this mean when it comes to performance? Well the 2011 Durango can get from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds and 0-100 mph in 21.3 seconds. It takes 15.6 seconds to run the quarter mile at 89 mph. Top speed is limited to 133 mph. Stopping from 70-0 mph can be accomplished in 169 ft.
The Durango is a good SUV that reminds us a lot of the new Jeep Cherokee. A base two-wheel drive Durango Express starts at $30,045 and pricing for the all-wheel drive R/T starts at $38,715. Expect to pay low to mid forties to get a nicely equipped one.