The Dodge Durango muscles up for '18.

With more and more Americans trading in sedans and coupes for SUVs and CUVs, it would seem to make sense to also give ute buyers the option to muscle up.  And that’s what Dodge plans to do next year.

It will be showing off a new performance version of its three-row Durango model at the Chicago Auto Show, packing a 475-horsepower Hemi V-8 under the hood that will enhance both off-the-line acceleration and the ute’s towing prowess.

“This is what you get, when you take everything great about the Durango and combine it with the performance of the Charger SRT: a 12-second quarter mile, toy-hauling, three-row muscle car,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of FCA’s passenger cars brands.

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Like other modern muscle machines, the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is more than just a straight line sled, the Detroit maker taking steps to improve its handling and braking, as well.

The SRT edition can launche from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and clock a quarter mile in 12.9.

The 392 cubic-inch Hemi is the heart of this beast, however, making 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That’s 10 hp less than the Challenger with the same 6.4-liter V-8. Despite the extra mass, the three-row Durango SRT still manages to launch from 0 to 60 in a factory-estimated 4.4 seconds, and to fly through the traps at a quarter mile in just 12.9 seconds.

To get there, Dodge engineers have bolted on a number of modifications, including:

• A cold-air duct and heat extractors designed to cool the engine under hard acceleration;
• A seven-mode drive system that automatically adjusts throttle response, shifts, suspension and a number of other vehicle settings depending on whether you want performance or comfort;
• The Durango gets a performance-calibrated version of the standard Dodge eight-speed automatic transmission;
• It also adds a high-performance exhaust system with a deep baritone note;
• And to scrub off speed in a hurry, the Durango SRT gets new Brembo brakes.

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There are a number of exterior and interior modifications, as well.

The Durango SRT gets a lavish leather and suede interior - and a 7-setting drive control.

Outside, the SRT SUV gets new wide-body enhancements, a functional hood scoop with center air inlet and heat extractors. There’s a unique front fascia, and lower valence to house a cold-air duct and LED fog lamps, as well.

Inside, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT adds standard leather and suede, as well as carbon-fiber trim.

And all buyers get a full, one-day performance driving course at the Bob Bondurant School at Firebird Raceway near Phoenix.

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is expected to start rolling into dealer showrooms by the fourth quarter. Though pricing won’t be announced until later in the year, expect to see it run at the upper end of the current Durango spectrum, which tops out – before options – at just over $42,000.

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