Prior to getting stuck on the I495, I met up with a guy in a Red Dodge Durango, that naturally, just saw "The Fast and the Furious" and was feelin' lucky. He took off at the light, he was pretty darn fast. I didn't catch him until 50mph. I eased up after 80mph but he just kept on going. This was on The 9 (Worcester Road) going west. I was amazed at the handling of this Red Durango. We finally hit a red and are stuck behind a few cars and I looked and there were two people in the car, the Driver and a woman passenger that was very attractive. I was even more amazed now. I have driven Durangos and KNOW they are not that fast. They are fast for a full-size SUV but this was unbelievable.

The Durango merges on to the 495 going south and I follow. He cruises at about 60mph and I come up on him and pass slowly. He doesn't flinch. I figured the race was over and start slowing to 65, shifting into 6th. Then all of a sudden, he blows by at close to 100mph. I was like NO WAY!!! I dropped to 4th and finally caught the Durango at 125mph. I slowed up a bit and this Durango was going 125 and coming up on 130!!! Again, I was like NO FRIGGIN' WAY!!! We hit a slight bend and he didn't slow down, I couldn't believe it! I punched it and hit about 140 or so, blowing by him. All he had was "130" but that was amazing for a Dodge Durango. We played cat and mouse for about another 20 or so miles and I exited the freeway when I saw a few Smokies up ahead. He did as well. He headed in the direction of Dean College I believe. I made a U-turn and went back north on the 495. Then eventually got stuck as you know (see "FIRST VICTIMS..." post).

My question: anyone know how it is possible for a Durango to hit 130?! It can't just be bolt on modifications. It has to be a blowin' engine or something. In addition, takin' those turns the way he did, I guarantee you save the ML55 AMG and BMW X5, no other SUV could have done that. I was kinda pressing in my S4!!! I know SUVs, I have a tricked up Escalade with 18s, dropped 5" by an authorized Cadillac Dealer and those same bends I could only take at maybe 105-110 MAX, this guy was hard core!

My conclusions are:

1) The guy in the Red Durango was obviously an excellent driver. Also he was CRAZY for going that fast in an SUV.

2) His Durango was severely modified and I couldn't believe how hard it was to catch him. It was like I was racing a Mustang or something!

3) What about the suspension? I was pressing maybe 80% in my S4 on that slight bend at 130mph. He took the turn at the same speed and didn't slow! Must be the suspension from Hell because I want whatever he got.

Though I beat him, I give him the win. The guy obviously had an inferior vehicle for racing and did as well as he did. I give that guy props. One of the best drivers I ever encountered on the street. And if I find out that guy was Ivan Stewart or someone of that caliber, I'm gonna $hit my pants. =)

Everyone be safe!

For tonight, MadMan out.

 

Was it an RT? They are faster/handle better. I have heard of a few modded ones out there.

 

I just found a Car & Driver, Durango RT Top Speed: 115mph, 0-60: 8.1, 1/4: 16.3...Can't Be It!

 

I do know that dodge puts out an R/T version of the Durango. I don't know what it has under the hood but I do know it's not your standard small V8. I know it has some suspension mods on it too right from the factory. I would think it would have to have been an R/T if it gave you a race at all.

 

Haha, just saw your post. Please ignore my above post. ; )

 

Is the top speed governed or drag limited? Could it be chipped?

 

didnt they build a shelby version or some name with 350hp

 

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/15831/dmountain5.jpg"></center><p>...in a mountain climbing race

 

Every mph over 90 = 1 day in the slammer in VA. Someone I know found that out first hand. Plus it's auto reckless in VA for anything over 80 (second degree misdemeanor, 12 years on record). And the judges around here and in MD are more than happy to suspend licenses, with no permits even to drive back and forth to work/school.

I was out enjoying myself on the track.

Warren

 

Hennesy made a durango with a tuned V-10 Viper engine w/ 600+hp!!