Autoblog

When the 2008 Dodge Dakota was unveiled in Chicago, we weren't sure what to think of the styling, but it was nice to see that Dodge's midsize pickup finally got serious with the V8 powerplant again. A 302-hp engine is great for speed and hauling, but a value price is what's going to move the Dakota off lots, and Dodge has announced pricing that has "discounts coming" written all over it. In all, there are a ridiculous 20 different models to choose from, which can either give you lots of choices or confuse the heck out of you. For a reasonable $20k, you can get a ST 4x2 extended cab and a 3.7L 210-hp V6 engine. At the very top end of the model range, Dodge is looking for a pricey $31,745 to pick up a Laramie Crew Cab 4x4.

As sales have slid the past couple of years, the Dakota has been the discount special in the large midsize pickup field. We find it highly unlikely that Dodge will consistently demand $30,000 for top-end models, but with a few thousand on the hood, the Dakota will still be a good deal. Hit the jump to view Chrysler's press release, which contains all 20 model combinations and vehicle details.

[Source: Chrysler]

The Dodge Dakota used to be a strong-seller in the mid-size pickup truck segment. It could even be argued that the first generation Dakota invented the mid-sized truck segment when it was introduced in the mid-'80s, being significantly larger than the Chevy S-10, Ford Ranger and other compact trucks of the time. But in recent years, particularly since the third generation version was introduced, the sales of the Dakota have slowed, dropping almost 27% in 2006.

The 2008 Dakota gets smoothed over while maintaining the dropped fender look characteristic of Dodge trucks since the 1993 Ram was introduced. In addition to the facelift, the 2008 Dakota gets a reworked version of the 4.7L V-8 cranking out 25% more power, now 290 hp/320lb-ft of torque, and it can run on E85. The base engine remains the 3.7L V-6, which is basically the 4.7 minus two cylinders. The interior has also been redesigned to make it more appealing. We'll have more details later this week when Chrysler shows the new truck at the Chicago Auto Show.

Check out Dodge's official press release for more details after the jump, and check out our high-resolution gallery here.

[Source: Dodge]

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday that it has authorized an engineering analysis of possible defects in 1.16 million minivans, SUVs and trucks from the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler.

Targets of the investigation include front airbag crash sensors in 2005 and 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans, as well as steering wheel and shaft coupling bolts in 2004-2006 Dodge Durango SUVs and 2005-2006 Dodge Dakota pickups.

The outcome of NHTSA's engineering analysis will determine whether or not any safety recalls are necessary.

[Source: Reuters]