(March 17, 202) A lawsuit filed against Stellantis last week claims the Dodge brand deceived consumers by saying the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat would be produced for only one model year. Seven customers say they paid more for their vehicle "than they otherwise would have" and, had they known Dodge would build the Durango Hellcat beyond the 2021 model, possibly "would not have purchased the vehicle at all."

Automotive News reported this week that the plaintiffs are seeking class-action status for the suit and more than $5 million in damages.

Dodge said in July 2020 that the speedy Durango Hellcat would have a limited run. The burly yet spry utility vehicle delivered 710 hp, with Dodge calling it the "most powerful SUV ever." It came with an $82,490 price tag, including shipping, but some buyers dropped more than $114,000 to get their hands on a model they believed wouldn't come around again.

Two years later, the brand reversed course and declared that the Durango Hellcat would be back for another run as a 2023 model. The lawsuit accuses Dodge of a "classic bait and switch scheme." The plaintiffs say they could have bought competing products, but the Durango Hellcat's limited status made it "highly attractive."

The suit points to several statements by the automaker to prove consumers were misled.

Source: Automotive News