The HEMI's Last Parade

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Dodge Durango SRT 392 ALcHEMI "Last Call" Edition

The Hemispherical Combustion Chamber V8 engine has begun its last parade. 

The iconic powerplant was first conceived in 1950 for the 1951 Chrysler, DeSoto, and Dodge models. It first eared icon status with the Forward Look 1955 Chrysler C-300. The famous engine took a break from 1958 until its resurrection as a muscle car legend in 1964. That was until emissions standards and a reset on measuring performance output took place in 1971.

Then came the rebirth of the HEMI. Since 2003, modern Mopar muscle was dictated by this cylinder combustion chamber design. That V8 engine has spawn some extraordinary variants – including the supercharged Hellcat. Even that has spawned further performance tunes from that blown motor. 

However, the HEMI’s days are waning. In particular, at the Dodge brand. The HEMI will soldier on in certain Ram and Jeep vehicles, but its days as the big ticket attraction for Dodge has come to its climax. 

That is why they call this version of the 2024 Dodge Durango SRT 392 the “last call” for “ALcHEMI.”

The “last call” program was to wind down production of both SRT engines. Production of the Hellcat is running out by the end of the year, as well. Yet, the 392 is still around. If you ask, this is the sweet spot among all HEMI V8s produced by Stellantis. Maybe it’s because I’ve only worked with only two Hellcats out of…how many HEMI V8s since 2012?

The 392 is still loud. It is a pulsating motor that reminds you of the good ol’ days of muscle car performance. Although, these machines have improved in engineering for quieter operation and torsional stability. 

In all, there is 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque coming from this naturally aspired 6.4-liter V8. This 392 was tuned specifically for the Durango, while Chargers and Challengers had the same engine tuned to 485 horsepower. Nonetheless, this modern Mopar can still go like it owns every freeway in the region. 

The engine is the main attraction. Everyone can agree on that. Keep in mind that this current generation of the Durango has been around since the 2011 model year. It is also produced at the Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. It already earned its stripes – in particular the ones running up and down this Destroyer Gray SRT 392 sample. 

What we forget that the Durango remains relevant. We live in a world where the SUV rules the driveway. It took Dodge until the 2018 model year to take an SRT motor and put it underneath the Durango’s hood as a way to offer honest-to-goodness modern Mopar performance in a proper package. 

And, here we are. The “last call.” An SUV wrapped in a glossy flat Destroyer Gray with a yellow and black dual stripe with a honeycomb motif. A pair of black 20-inch alloy wheels, wearing Pirelli Scorpion rubber and associated black badges and trim, “392” decals, and a blacked out SRT badge on the grille finish out this special machine. 

Its presence is undeniable. You know what it is. You can hear it when it passes you. All of those 475 horses are channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. That’s presence without apology. 

Another thing to not apologize for is the fuel economy. We get that an average of 16.7 MPG is considered poor. Yet, you should consider that those who own an SRT of any sort could care less about efficiency. At least, that’s one perception of a modern Mopar enthusiast. 

The driving atmosphere is dictated by its black and yellow interior motif. Suede seats with supportive bolstering seems firm, but they will give over the miles. Second-row captain’s chairs offer good space. Third-row space…I didn’t try it. Sorry. 

One thing I do appreciate is the 10.1-inch UConnect 5 infotainment system. That has been enhanced by a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless smartphone integration also enhances the Durango’s ability to stay in touch with the world, as it makes its presence known from its two large exhaust ports. 

Which soundtrack would you prefer? The bravado of the SRT 392’s exhaust or your favorite tracks from your music app? Modern Mopar enthusiasts would want both – as long as it’s loud. 

Being loud may be the first thing you think about when it comes to the Durango SRT 392’s overall driving experience. It might not be as nimble as a sports car, but do you really need to be? It does handle well yet watch for higher limits when you do feel the heft in its roll and lean. Brembo brakes also make this SRT 392 stop very well. 

Brake pedal feel is fine, as is the steering action and response. The steering wheel is thick, but it does not hamper maneuverability. Ride quality is solid. It might respond to some lumpy sections of road but put the Durango on a smooth piece of tarmac and it will glide. 

The base price for the Durango SRT 392 is $74,995. You can upgrade to two additional levels for the 392 version. The ALcHEMI “Last Call” special edition model is only available on the standard SRT 392 model. The price for our tester is $91,785. 

Two other HEMI V8s will continue production until the end of 2024: The Hellcat and the 5.7-liter V8. “Last Call” editions are planned for the 2025 Durango with both motors residing underneath their respective hoods.

As a Moparian – thanks to you, the Mopar readers, that have supported this work since the rebranding in 2011 – the 392 is my sweet spot. It does not have massive thrust you find in a Hellcat, but it puts down exciting power over the 5.7-liter version. Every time I get behind the wheel of a 392-powered machine, there is special feeling that succumbs to my inner Moparian. Something I cannot fully describe through an “elevator speech.”

The only “speech” you should hear us from those two large exhaust ports out back. That mixed with Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. Or, Motley Crue’s Too Fast for Love album. Maybe some Public Enemy, Diplo, Black Flag, or Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison? Did I mention how well the Harman Kardon audio system sounded inside the Durango?

This is a vehicle I doubt I’ll ever experience again. I know…never say never. Yet, the combination of the Dodge brand and the muscle of the SRT 392 was something I cherished during the run as an automotive content creator/journalist. I’m sure there are some semblances of that elsewhere in the automotive industry, but this is truly something that I will remember fondly.

May your last parade be as loud as this one. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Stellantis North America

All photos by Randy Stern