Dodge reveals the future

The new Durango will arrive in the region's showrooms in 2004 but will debut at the 7th Middle East International Motor Show on December 11.

"The next Dodge Durango is a new generation of sport-utility vehicle which will separate itself from the sport-utility pack with big power, more style, more cargo room and more capability," said Nicholas J. Speeks, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "With its bold cross-hair grille, innovative interior and a legendary HEMI engine rumbling under the hood, the Durango exemplifies the in-your-face capability that is only Dodge."

The 2004 Dodge Durango features a bold and powerful presence that is 17.8 cm longer, more than 7.6 cm taller and 11.4 cm wider than the current generation model.

The enlarged exterior results in a roomier all-new interior that provides increased head, shoulder and hip room and available seating for seven. Interior capacity is increased by 15% and is enhanced by Durango's fold-flat cargo floor. Durango now has the capability to carry 1.22-metre wide sheets of plywood between the wheel wells.

Underneath the hood is a 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque, the 5.7-litre HEMI® Magnum V8 engine. The HEMI is the legendary engine that powered Chrysler's muscle cars of the 1960s. Now it has been re-engineered and is reborn as a high performance and durable power plant.

Some 25 kilos lighter than the 5.9 litre Magnum V8 that it replaces, the new 5.7 litre HEMI produces 40% more power and a 12% increase in peak torque.

The smaller size and simple design make it adaptable to other Chrysler Group vehicles to come.

The engine's unique two-valve hemispherical combustion chamber (which gives the engine its 'HEMI' name) within an aluminium head provides impressive airflow, torque and power and the engine its throaty rumble.
The new powerplant is the first Chrysler Group engine with dual ignition - two spark plugs per cylinder. Dual ignition ensures consistent, complete and rapid combustion that boosts peak power and torque, reduces exhaust emissions and increases fuel efficiency.

"This is an elegantly simple, powerful and efficient design," said Speeks. "It can be fine tuned to enhance performance and capabilities well into the future according to customer and market demand."

A new heavy-duty five-speed automatic transmission mates to the 5.7-litre HEMI Magnum. The full-time four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango Concept also features a standard electronic transfer case with low range.

"All that HEMI power needs a suspension to match, and the new Durango will be one of the best handling SUVs ever made," added Speeks. "Underneath is all-new 100 % hydroformed frame that provides increased torsional stiffness and improved ride quality, but not at the expense of the towing, hauling and off-road capability that Durango is known for."

The 2004 Durango features an all-new independent front suspension with rack and pinion steering system for an even more precise feel. An all-new rear suspension with coil springs and solid rear axle deliver a smooth ride yet maintain durability, payload and towing capability.

"Chrysler engineers have taken lessons learned on the design of Dodge Ram pickups in the areas of hydroforming and suspension tuning," Speeks said. "What we will deliver to the Middle East market next year is a powerful, capable and roomy SUV with exceptional handling that breaks away from the ever-crowded look-alike pack in a way that only Dodge can."