The 2011 Dodge Durango Heat debuts at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show

The 2011 Dodge Durango Heat is very closely based on the 2011 Dodge Durango R/T, except the Heat is powered by the more fuel-friendly 3.6L Pentastar V6 where the R/T packs the mighty Hemi V8. However, the Durango Heat includes the sporty exterior package, suspension, wheels and tires of the V8-powered Durango R/T as this trimline is intended to offer the sporty handling and appearance of the Durango R/T with a more fuel efficient engine. Thanks to the lightweight unibody construction and the improved power of the new V6, the Durango Heat puts the “sport” in sport utility vehicle without the added fuel and insurance expenses associated with the Hemi V8.

The Pentastar in the Durango Heat offers 295 horsepower (5 more than the 3.6L mills found in non-Heat models) and 260lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy measures of 16mpg around town and 23mpg on the open road (22mpg for AWD models). The extra power is gained through the high flow dual exhaust system, which also offers some style and sound to this economy-minded sport ute. Rear wheel drive is standard but all wheel drive is available $2,000 on top of the $30,295 base price of the Durango Heat and like the rest of the 2011 Durango sport utes, it is available only with an automatic transmission.

The 2011 Dodge Durango Heat includes similar exterior modifications to those found on the Durango R/T, beginning with the aggressive, body colored front fascia, rear fascia and side flares to give the Durango a far sportier look. The suspension system lowers the Durango Heat by almost an inch, providing improved handling and a more aggressive stance, with the fenders tucked over the same 20” aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires that we find on the Durango R/T. To help lessen the weight of the Durango Heat, Dodge has removed the optional third row seats to offer incredible cargo space and better performance by means of weight reduction.

The 2011 Dodge Durango Heat will be available in the spring of 2011 according to Chrysler’s announcement of the sporty new trimline with a starting price of $30,295 for the rear drive models and $32,295 for the AWD Durango Heat.

Other Chicago Auto Show News:
The 2011 Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show
The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 debuts at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuts at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show
2012 Hyundai Genesis To Get 5.0-liter V8
The new high performance Camaro to be named ZL1 not Z/28