Autoblog

2013 Dodge Durango R/T

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge, Quick Spins

Not too long ago, Chevrolet got itself into some trouble by throwing the SS badge on just about everything it produced, so I've always been a little hesitant about the seemingly excessive use of the R/T nameplate on Dodge vehicles. For the 2013 model year, practically every model in Dodge's lineup has an R/T trim level from the Avenger all the way up to the Durango. Although the R/T name used to signified models made for road and track, I doubt anyone would be delusional enough to assume the Durango - and some of the other models wearing this badge - are suited for any sort of track duty.

Still, when this 2013 Dodge Durango R/T rolled up for me to drive for the week, I couldn't help but take in its big, mean and imposing stance. Sure, if I had my choice of buying any of the Dodge R/T products, the Charger and Challenger would be my top picks for sure, but it's easy to say that the Durango would be a close third - far above the R/T versions of the Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan.

Driving Notes

Not that the current Durango was a bad-looking SUV to begin with, but the R/T package gives it more aggressive styling thanks to a monochromatic look. With the removal of just about all the chrome that comes on a Durango, this tester even looked good in what would normally be a boring shade of silver thanks to the body-colored front fascia, smoked headlights, 20-inch wheels and the sporty-looking rear fascia with dual exhaust outlets.
The styling might be there to back up the badge, but there is no extra power under the hood of the R/T. In possibly one of the best moves Dodge made with this particular model, the only engine offered is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 360-horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque engine feels adequate perfectly for this 5,331-pound utility. This is the only model of the Durango lineup that comes standard with the six-speed automatic transmission, too.
Fuel economy is about what you'd expect from a V8-powered SUV weighing as much as the Durango does, with EPA estimates of 13 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. During my week with the R/T, this tester returned 15.5 mpg.
The Hemi is equipped with cylinder deactivation, which feels clunky at times when it switches from V8 to V4 power, with an ever-so-slight delay when the cylinders reengage once again. The only bypass for the system is just to be sure that you're right foot stays planted whenever possible.
Chrysler says the Durango R/T comes with a sport suspension, but aside from the bigger standard wheels, I felt no difference between this and any other Durango I've driven in the past. If you're really looking for a sporty, family-sized (three-row) SUV, you're probably going to want to check out the new Explorer Sport.
The best part of the Durango R/T might be its exhaust system. Yes, the dual pipes poking through the rear fascia give it an aftermarket look, but it's the exhaust note that makes the R/T thrilling. Dodge gave the Durango R/T unique mufflers, pipes and resonators for a deep, throaty note, which makes the package a little more distinctive.
Similar to the exterior styling, the R/T's interior has a sportier look and feel with plenty of red accents on the standard black leather throughout the cabin. This particular model came with the center-row captain seats limiting the overall seating capacity to just six, but it made accessing the third-row seat much easier. Not surprisingly, as the innovator of third-row seating for non-fullsize SUVs, the Durango's rearmost accommodations are spacious enough for two adults and can also fold completely flat quickly and easily.
The R/T trim level sits just under the Citadel as the top Durango model, and as such, it isn't a cheap SUV. Starting at $35,995 in base form, this all-wheel-drive 2013 Durango R/T was optioned up quite impressively, bringing with it a hefty as-tested price of $45,360.
What you get for that high price, though, is plenty of optional goodies including leather-wrapped door panels, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control and Chrysler's Uconnect navigation system. This test vehicle may very well have been completely fully loaded, and while it'd be a hard financial pill to swallow, it's certainly easy enough to option rivals to the same level.
Yes, the third-gen Durango is no longer body on frame, but proving that it hasn't completely lost touch with its SUV roots, the Durango is still rear-wheel drive in base form, even though it's now competing against a newer breed of three-row utilities like the Chevy Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder and the Ford Explorer. Unlike its corporate cousin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango is not offered with a multi-mode off-road system, but it did handle itself quite well while driving on the loose sand of a northeast Florida beach.

2013 Dodge Durango R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spicier Dodge Avenger R/T returns for 2012

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Dodge

2012 Avenger R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're looking for an Avenger with a little more bite, Dodge may have just the car for you. The company will unveil its new Avenger R/T at the 2011 New York Auto Show this week, and though the drivetrain has been left largely untouched, the mid-sized fighter now packs a tighter suspension.

Dodge engineers managed to increase the vehicle's roll stiffness by 18 percent thanks to upping the front spring rates by 17 percent and damper rates by 15 percent. Out back, the rear springs see an increase in stiffness of 12 percent while the back damper rates jump by 20 percent. The Avenger R/T also benefits from a larger rear stabilizer bar - 21 mm (up from 19 mm).

Dodge says it's shooting for a more spirited, performance sedan driving experience, though there's no indication that the vehicle's brakes have been upgraded in kind.

Power still comes from the same torque-steer happy 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 283 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, so hopefully the firmer suspension has quelled the powertrain's wayward tendencies somewhat. Either way, Dodge says that the combo is good for 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Outside, the Avenger R/T is differentiated from its lower-trim siblings with aesthetic tweaks like a body-color grille and R/T graphics on the front fenders. Large, 19-inch alloy wheels are also standard and the interior gets a special gauge cluster with the tachometer taking center stage, along with a special perforated leather steering wheel and "SRT-inspired" pedals. Rounding off the changes are special fabric seats with embroidered logos. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 Avenger R/T

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Spicier Dodge Avenger R/T returns for 2012

Spicier Dodge Avenger R/T returns for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted

Chris Paukert — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Dodge

SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always been intrigued by the notion of a higher performance people carrier, from back before Car and Driver magazine's Ford Windstar-based SHOStar to various shadetree high-strung turbocharged Chrysler minivans and outright lunacy like Renault's Espace-bodied F1 car.

Of course, that isn't what you're looking at here: it's what appears to be an SRT-tweaked Dodge Journey R/T, a vehicle that we want to like for its useful size and packaging, but can't because of its indifferent drivetrains and tragic interior materials and ergonomics.

Now, normally we wouldn't get too excited about something like this, in part because private owners often add badges from other vehicles in order to make them seem more impressive (we just saw an i-VTEC Chevrolet Beretta the other day), but these spy shots sent in from reader Nick Leonard appear to be the real deal - not only does the Journey in question boast a well-integrated new front fascia, but also unique wheels, a lowered stance and a quad-outlet rear exhaust surrounded by a different valance. The clincher? Michigan manufacturer licence plates.

Nick says notes that he came upon the car in the parking lot of a Best Buy in Saginaw, Michigan, and he only noted a laptop bag and a jacket in the passenger seat - no sign of any further testing equipment or interesting things on the dashboard. He further instructs that there was an AWD badge on the car (not pictured).

Now, it isn't at all clear that this is a production-intent vehicle, especially considering that R/T and SRT are usually mutually-exclusive designations in the House of Pentastar. This vehicle might be something that bored engineers cooked up for their own entertainment, for a SEMA reveal, or perhaps for a customer clinic - but who knows? It could be something, right? If so, let's hope there's some genuine chutzpah under the sheetmetal, otherwise we're looking at the decline and dilution of the SRT-branded vehicles as we know it.

Check out our gallery of images below... and thanks for the shots, Nick!

Gallery: Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T

Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pull Over: Broward County Sheriff gets a full-dress Challenger R/T

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Dodge Challenger R/T Police Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

We like police cars. Seriously. Just not when they're filling our rearview mirrors, blue-and-reds ablaze. Then, our fanboy status diminishes markedly. In the meantime, however, we get pretty jazzed when a department does something a little different and cool. This week's example comes from the Broward County Sheriff's office, which appears to have added a fully-marked Dodge Challenger R/T to its fleet. Decked out in the BSO's familiar green-and-white livery, the muscular Mopar looks like it means business, ready to take down speeders and bust up meth labs with aplomb. We totally want to see it in person the next time we're down in South Florida -- just under our own, friendly terms. Thanks for the tip, Lee!

Gallery: Broward County Sheriff Dodge Challenger R/T

[Source: Law Officer Connect]

Pull Over: Broward County Sheriff gets a full-dress Challenger R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old Yeller: 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Design/Style

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow - Click above for high-res image gallery

While it lacks the agility of the Mustang GT and the raw knuckle-dragging power of the Camaro SS, the Dodge Challenger drips with style and no small amount of comfort, plus it's plenty fun in its own right, too. As you all know, there's not a lot of new stuff going on with Chrysler's 2010 lineup, so to keep things interesting with the Challenger, they're doing it with colors. We've seen the big coupe in Plum Crazy already, and now, via Red Letter Dodge, we have our first look at a Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow, the special "high impact" color that preceded the currently-available Plum Crazy. Not shabby. Check it out in high-res in the attached gallery.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger - Detonator Yellow

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Old Yeller: 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic launches today at $34,005

Alex Nunez — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

If you liked that Dodge Challenger R/T Classic package we profiled earlier this week from the Detroit Auto Show, you can now go place an order for one of your very own. In addition to the model-specific wheels and spiffy retro badging and stripes, Challengers with the R/T Classic package also feature functional hood scoops to help out with engine cooling. We recommend opting for the 6-speed manual, which also nets you the Track Pack, a few extra horses, and a 3.92 rear.

~~Only three~~ Six colors are available, including HEMI Orange, TorRed, and the killer-looking B5 Blue (which, until now, had only been offered on that special Richard Petty auction car). Get that and you have yourself one extremely bitchin' muscle cruiser. Don't believe us? Look here. Oh, when you go to the dealer, prepare to part with something in the neighborhood of $34,005 before options.

We'd hoped to add some sweet new PR shots of the R/T Classic to our existing gallery, but Chrysler simply faked it this time, shooting the orange car on the floor of the Detroit show and then adding a pair of Photoshopped backgrounds. Photo shoots are expensive, you know.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic launches today at $34,005

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic launches today at $34,005 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

Alex Nunez — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

For the most part, the lineup at the Chrysler stand here in Detroit is like an advertisement for Zoloft. There are a few exceptions, however. The blue Ram R/T is one, and here's another: the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic. As appearance packages go, this one's a winner. 20-inch Torq-Thrust replicas fill the wheel wells, old-school R/T stripes run down the flanks, and best of all, the classic script Challenger badge adorns each fender. Hey Chrysler -- they should all get this treatment. As you can see, the one parked on the Detroit floor is painted HEMI Orange. We'd order the B5 Blue. Ultimately, it's cool either way.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping

Alex Nunez — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Dodge

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Caravan R/T in the wild

Reader Joe Donaldson was out taking photos over the weekend when he happened upon a more-interesting-than-normal Dodge Caravan parked outside a Best Buy. While we generally find the terms "interesting" and "Dodge Caravan" to be mutually exclusive, we'll grant an exception here, because what Don stumbled upon was none other than a Caravan R/T sporting manufacturer tags. Is it the very same Caravan R/T that we saw in Detroit back in January? Who knows, but from the looks of things, it's identically equipped, with the hood scoop, darkened grille area, big wheels, Brembos, dual exhaust, and the requisite badging. We're not particularly big on minivans, but we thought that the Caravan R/T show car was pretty cool, and seeing it in the wild does nothing to change that opinion. Hey Chrysler, Dad might not feel as lame driving around in one of these boxes if you were to, you know, actually offer this.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T in the wild

[Source and Photos: Joe Donaldson]

Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 R/T

John Neff — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram R/T

While our guys were out autocrossing the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR last week, Mike Levine (Yes, the same Mike Levine who tried to stuff himself into a RamBox) was doing his pickup thing over in another area of Chrysler's proving grounds in Chelsea, MI. On hand was the new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 R/T, which we haven't had a chance to see until now. The '09 Ram R/T will pull up to the line with a 5.7L HEMI V8 tuned to 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque and a 5-speed AutoStick transmission, as well as a host of exterior upgrades including a new front bumper, blacked out grille, dual exhaust, chrome 5-spoke wheels and body-color everything. The amazing thing is that the engine will scoot this short-box, two-wheel drive truck to 60 mph in less than six seconds, according to Chrysler. If that sounds a little too good to be true for a pickup with less than 400 horsepower, credit should go to the "loose" torque converter that allows less slip compared to a normal automatic. The shifts are more aggressive than in a normal Ram and the unique torque converter does degrade fuel economy a bit, but that should be none of your concern by nature of the fact that you're interested in a sport truck to begin with. Check out source link for a more detailed explanation of the "loose" torque converter from Mike Levine at Pickuptrucks.com, and view all the visual upgrades worn by the 2009 Ram R/T in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 R/T

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com, photos courtesy of Ian Merritt, Cars.com]

Meet the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Challenger brochure hits the web, retro overload ensues

Alex Nunez — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above image for the 2009 Dodge Challenger brochure

In the gallery below, you'll find the full brochure for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and yeah, there's some good stuff to be found in there. We're particularly fond of the R/T Classic package (above), which gets a coat of B5 Blue, 20" torq-thrust lookalikes, throwback R/T stripes, and the old-school script Challenger badge on the front fender. Unfortunately, while Chrysler was cooking up the retro badging, they neglected to order up some nouveau Fratzogs to really finish off the look, so the Ram-head shield sits on the hood, instead. Too bad. As for the rest of the car? Badass. There are some pretty cool stripe and wheel options to be had regardless of trim level, plus what's sure to be a bevy of aftermarket parts from Mopar and other third parties. Finally, Chrysler's offering a factory R/T Track Pack that, in its most aggressive form, combines the 6-speed Tremec with 20" wheels and a 3.91 rear axle ratio. Bring money for tires. Ford is the king of leveraging its heritage to keep the Mustang interesting. Chrysler has a shot at doing the same thing here with the Challenger. From the looks of things, it's off to a good start. That R/T Classic? Yeah, we could roll like that. Thanks to Challenger64HEMI for the heads-up!

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger brochure

[Source: Flickr user mnhotrod]

'09 Challenger brochure hits the web, retro overload ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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