When Doug Pfautz brought home his 2024 Dodge Durango R/T Plus, he already knew how he wanted it to look, which was just clean and stylish. After decades spent working across both the automotive OEM and aftermarket industries, Doug has a trained eye for what works and what does not when it comes to car customization.
For his approach to modifying and accessorizing his own vehicles he always uses the Golden Rule. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Retaining the vehicle’s factory form and appearance is the goal while adding small, thoughtful touches that enhance the overall look is a formula that is hard to beat.
Meet the Owner: A Career in Automotive
Doug recently retired after a long career connected to the automotive industry on a global level. Over the years, he attended SEMA and AAPEX in Las Vegas for more than three decades. Those highly specialized automotive trade shows exposed him to new products, accessory ideas, and trends across the aftermarket space.
That experience shaped the way he approaches his own vehicles today. He is not interested in overbuilding or making unnecessary changes, especially on a newer vehicle that is still under warranty. Instead, he focuses on upgrades that are clean, reversible, and consistent with the vehicle’s original design.
The 2024 Durango R/T Plus
Doug’s current vehicle is his second Dodge Durango powered by a HEMI V8. The R/T Plus trim offers a strong balance of performance, comfort, and everyday usability. Finished in Diamond Black, the Durango carries a sharp, understated look when clean and polished.
Rather than changing the overall character of the SUV, Doug chose to highlight what is already there.
A Simple Detail That Changes the Look
One of the first upgrades Doug made was installing a set of red MGP Caliper Covers with a silver R/T logo. He added them shortly after purchasing the vehicle, keeping the process straightforward and intentional.
The red caliper cover finish provides a clear visual connection to the factory Dodge nameplate on the front grille. Additionally, with MGP’s officially licensed Mopar logo, the R/T is permanently accentuated through CNC machined engraving and hand-filled with silver paint for the ultimate OEM + look.
It creates a consistent accent that ties the vehicle together without adding unnecessary contrast. Against the Diamond Black paint, the color stands out in a controlled way.
Doug discovered MGP Caliper Covers during his final year attending the SEMA Show. After years of seeing a wide range of aftermarket products, he appreciated the fitment, finish, and ease of installation. For his Durango, it checked the boxes he was looking for.
Clean, Functional, and Balanced
The caliper covers also serve a practical purpose. Doug noted that they help reduce brake dust buildup on the wheels, which keeps the rims looking cleaner over time. For a daily-driven SUV, that added benefit matters.
More importantly, the covers align with his overall approach. The build remains close to factory, with one clear accent that enhances the vehicle without taking away from its design.
What Makes This Build Work
Doug’s Durango R/T Plus stands out because of its restraint. There are no unnecessary changes or competing elements. The red caliper covers provide just enough contrast to give the SUV a finished look. And one, that get those who know looking, wondering, and nodding with approval.
It is a reminder that not every build needs a long list of modifications. Sometimes a single, well-placed detail is enough to make the vehicle feel complete.
Share Your Build With MGP
If you would like your vehicle to be considered for a future MGP Car Chronicles Build of the Month feature, we would love to see it.
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