VIDEO: Dodge unleashes 354kW Durango SRT

Dodge has released pictures of its fastest ever SUV that comes close to matching the performance of the Bentley Bentayga at a fraction of the price.

The 2018 Durango SRT is set to go on sale (in the US at least) at the end of this year.

Powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 that produces 354kW/637Nm, the big SUV is combined with an eight-speed automatic and permanent all-wheel drive.

Dodge claims the big seven-seat SUV can launch itself to 100km/h in around 4.4 seconds and reach the quarter-mile (402 metres) in just 12.9 seconds.

Dodge hasn't confirmed the rapid SUV's top speed yet but it's thought to exceed 270km/h.

The changes over the regular Durango have been comprehensive.

To help produce the big power, engineers have added functional cold air intakes on the in the bonnet and above the front fog lights.

There's also a wide twin exhaust system that's claimed to sound like a 392 Charger.

To help improve handling, the Durango SRT gets adaptive dampers, stiffer springs and large 20-inch wheels.

The fast SUV also comes with huge six-piston calliper front brakes and huge front and rear discs.

Engineers have also programmed the all-wheel drive system for a great rear-wheel drive balance.

In standard Street mode, the system shuffles torque 40:60 front/rear. Switch to sport and this changes to 35:65. In the most extreme Track mode, that also reduces the ESC intervention, as much as 70 per cent torque is shuffled rearwards.

Off-road, in snow or mud the driver can lock the all-wheel drive system in 50:50 front to rear.

Claimed to be 'America's fastest three-row SUV’, Dodge has released a video of the Durango SRT demonstrating its might with a four-wheel burnout.

Look closely though and it appears the big SUV might be chained to another vehicle during its smoky display.

Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) Australia has already declared its interest in offering the Durango Down Under and even went as far as funding a feasibility study back in 2013 to see if the current-gen SUV could be converted for right-hand drive.

For now, priority has shifted to importing the next RAM pick-up but FCAA is still likely to lobby for the next-gen Durango to be developed for right-hand drive markets like ours.

Originally, it was hoped Dodge would sell the huge seven-seat SUV for at least $10,000 less than Toyota's LandCruiser.

Pricing is yet to be announced for the latest 2018 Durango SRT, although it's expected to be a fraction of the $420,000 (plus on-road costs) Bentley charges for the Bentayga.