You no longer have to make a major leap to get a HEMI V8 in the updated Dodge Durango. Front side view of a white Dodge SUV with black grille, red brake calipers, and 392 badge on the fender. If you were hoping to score one of Dodge’s newest Durangos with the HEMI V8, but don’t want to make the giant leap to a Hellcat, now you can. The Auburn Hills automaker recently revealed the Durango R/T 392. Which means for the first time, you can get the more powerful V8 with the mid-upper R/T trim. Previously, the 392 HEMI, a.k.a. the 6.4-liter variant, was only available on the Durango SRT 392. But now, you can get more power for less money. And Dodge is celebrating the occasion with a 6.4-liter HEMI-powered R/T 392 Launch Edition. Continuing the HEMI’s comeback The 6.4-liter HEMI is back for the Durango, and you don’t have to make a big leap for the pricey SRT 392. It was only a short time ago when the HEMI V8 got axed, which ruffled the feathers of both car enthusiasts and Mopar fans. But after a major change in corporate leadership, Stellantis revived the HEMI V8 for various new applications. While the current Durango always had the option for a HEMI V8, base models only got the 360-horsepower 5.7-liter version with 391 pound-feet. If you wanted the 6.4-liter with 475 horses and 470 torques, you had to jump for the SRT 392. Dodge is celebrating the return of the 6.4-liter HEMI to the Durango with this new Launch Edition. But now, the mid-upper range R/T now comes with the option for the 6.4. The R/T remains the trim level below the SRT Hellcat, which is the current top-spec version. Rallying around a revival For the first time, the 6.4-liter “392” HEMI V8 is available on the more affordable R/T trim. To celebrate the 6.4-liter HEMI’s return to the Durango lineup, Dodge is commemorating the moment with a special Launch Edition. While the HEMI in the Durango isn’t new, the bespoke model is to kick off the HEMI’s reintroduction to the lineup, particularly in its more powerful, naturally-aspirated form and with the R/T model. But Dodge didn’t just throw the 6.4 HEMI in the Durango R/T and call it a day. Despite being an R/T trim, the Launch Edition comes with a bucketlist of upgrades both on the inside and out. The Launch Edition comes standard with adaptive performance suspension, beefier Brembo six-piston caliper brakes up front with four-piston units at the rear, an electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential and a performance exhaust. The insides also get a special treatment with Nappa leather appointments with suede trim bits, SRT performance badging, standard heated and cooled front seats and heated captain’s chair second-row seating. Availability and pricing The new 392 Launch Edition is basically a Durango SRT 392, but for much cheaper. Previously, to get the 6.4-liter HEMI, you had to opt for the $75,000-Durango SRT 392. But now, the more powerful but-not-as-powerful-as-the-Hellcat V8 can be had with the R/T, for a much more affordable $49,995 (without mandatory shipping fees). Who can complain about more power and performance for fewer Benjamins? Blue Dodge Durango SUV with black racing stripes and black wheels driving on a road. About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his). Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results. add as a preferred source on google