Since Carlos Tavares suddenly resigned as CEO of Stellantis on December 1, 2024, things have changed quickly within the automaker. The company brought back Tim Kuniskis after his brief retirement to run Ram. It also reversed course by offering the V-6-powered Jeep Wrangler with an automatic gearbox, rather than only offering a manual with this engine.
Since Tavares left, John Elkann and a team of top brass are running Stellantis. They aim to mend the automaker’s relationship with dealers, governments, and workers.
The Hemi Engine Lives
Now, Dodge is announcing the biggest strategy change yet. The Hemi V-8 engine isn’t dead. The iconic powerplant will continue to be available in the Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T models.
The Hemi-powered Durangos were supposed to end production at the end of December. The company reported that “market demand and customer feedback” prompted it to keep building these performance SUVs.
“The Dodge Durango and the HEMI engine form a powerful pair, and Dodge will continue to produce the most powerful gas engine SUV on the planet into the 2025 calendar year”
– Dodge CEO Matt McAlear.
There are no changes to either of these engines for 2025. The Durango SRT Hellcat uses the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 making 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango R/T gets the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter Hemi producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
Other Changes For The Durango
Dodge is simplifying the Durango lineup for 2025. In addition to the SRT Hellcat and R/T, the only other trim available is the GT. It uses a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The GT is available with a Plus Package that loads the SUV with amenities such as a power sunroof, nine-speaker Alpine stereo, heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with trailer tow detection, and more.
The Durango will reportedly end production in 2027, and its replacement will possibly revive the Stealth name. The vehicle will ride on the STLA Large platform, with the ability to support combustion and EV powertrains.
TopSpeed’s Take
With Tavares gone, Stellantis brands have been moving in a rapidly changing direction. Eliminating the Hemi never really made sense, especially in the Durango. Now, the engine is back, at least for 2025.
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