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Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a mid-sized SUV from DaimlerChrysler's Dodge brand. It debuted in the 1998 model year and was redesigned for 2004. It fills the gap in the Dodge lineup since the cancellation of the Dodge Ramcharger in 1993. The Durango is produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware.
1998-2003
The Durango was launched just after the second generation Dodge Dakota on which it was based (during the late 1980s, Chrysler designers proposed building an SUV version of the Dakota pickup; this was shelved when the Jeep division was about to release the Grand Cherokee as their flagship SUV). It is a very sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers comfortably and tow up to 9,000 lb with ease. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L engine for 2000. In that same year a special all wheel drive performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L V8 engine.
Engines
- 1998–1999 — 5.2 L Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
- 1998–2003 — 5.9 L Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
- 2000–2003 — 4.7 L PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)
2004-present
The second generation Durango debuted shortly before the companion Dakota. Like the Dakota, it has much in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup, including a fully-boxed frame. It is 7 in. longer, 2 in. wider, and 3 in. taller than the previous model. Chrysler will introduce its own version of the Durango, the Chrysler Aspen, for the 2007 model year.
2007
The 2007 model was reworked to halt a sales decline, debuting at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It includes a reworked front clip with a new fascia, grille, hood, and headlamps as well as updated fenders and wheels. New features include electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also has a reworked floor, second-row seats, and electrical system in preparation for the 2008 hybrid version.
Engines
- 2004–present — 3.7 L PowerTech V6, 210 hp (157 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
- 2004–present — 4.7 L Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
- 2004–present — 5.7 L Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and 370 ft·lbf (502 N·m) at 4200 rpm
Rumors
In 2008, DaimlerChrysler is expected to introduce a hybrid version of the Durango which uses the shared GM/DaimlerChrysler Advanced Hybrid System 2. It is expected to use the 5.7 L Hemi V8.
