by Dodge Announces National Availability of Durango SRT Hellcat
The long-awaited news has finally become a reality. Dodge has confirmed that the mighty Durango SRT Hellcat SUV is now officially approved for sale and registration in all 50 U.S. states, serving as a kind of Christmas gift for the brand’s enthusiasts.
Christmas-Themed Advertising Campaign
To mark the occasion, the company released a humorous ad for social media. In the video, Santa Claus, with the help of Mrs. Claus, breaks out of a rural jail and then makes a high-speed getaway behind the wheel of a Hellcat-powered Durango, exclaiming: “This holiday season, Jailbreak is back!”
The Path to Nationwide Recognition
Back in August, Dodge announced that all 2026 Durango models would come standard with a V8 engine, and the Hellcat version would continue. However, at that time, the powerful SUV could only be purchased in states not adhering to CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards.
By November, the company had received certification for ten more CARB-compliant states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Victory Over Stringent Environmental Regulations
Now, even states with the strictest environmental requirements have opened the door for this model. Residents of California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont can officially purchase both the R/T 392 and Hellcat versions. Thus, the most powerful family car with a V8 engine has become available across the entire country.
Model History and Future Plans
The Durango SRT Hellcat first appeared for the 2021 model year but was discontinued just a year later due to its inability to meet stricter environmental regulations that took effect in 2022. Fortunately for enthusiasts, Dodge brought the model back in 2023, and this time it’s here to stay for the long haul.
“Nothing can stop the momentum Dodge Durango is building, including 14 consecutive months of sales growth. Now that the Durango SRT Hellcat is uncaged and running free in all 50 states, that momentum will continue to build,” said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear.
Even though the current Durango platform has been in use since 2010, Dodge expects sustained demand for this vehicle.
The full approval of the Durango Hellcat in all states is a significant achievement for Dodge, especially in the current climate where automakers are under pressure to transition to electric vehicles. It demonstrates that there is still a place for high-performance internal combustion engines that find their buyer. The success of this model could influence the strategy of other manufacturers who are also considering extending the life of their performance versions by finding technical compromises to comply with regulations.
