Dodge unveiled its refreshened Durango for 2007 yesterday at the Dallas Auto Show with the announcement that in 2008
the company will be producing the Durango HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The HEV version of Dodge’s big brute ute
will feature the company’s lauded 5.7L HEMI V8 mated to a two-mode hybrid system. The pair will achieve up to a
25-percent increase in fuel economy. Also of note is the availability of Dodge’s Multi-displacement System (MDS)
that can power down the HEMI V8’s cylinders at will to save fuel and a new E85-compatible 4.7L flex-fuel V8.
As for the Durango’s new design, it’s restricted to a new grille, front and rear fascias and an
optional set of dubs (read: 20-inch wheels). The inside is augmented with available second-row bucket seats for the
first time.
Catch all of Dodge’s official pics and the company’s press release after the
jump.
[Source: Dodge]
2007 Dodge Durango: Bold New Look With Class-leading Power, Performance and
Convenience
New Face of Chrysler Group’s First Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Dodge Durango
HEV
- Bold, New Exterior includes redesigned fascia, grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels
- Two-mode Hybrid System — available in 2008 — will provide up to 25-percent improved fuel
economy - Best-in-class Power achieved with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that generates 335 horsepower and
370 lb.-ft. of torque - Multi-displacement System (MDS) seamlessly transitions to four-cylinder mode when
less power is needed, providing up to 20-percent improved fuel economy - E85-Compatible 4.7-liter V-8 engine
provides customers the option of operating on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two - Best-in-class
Interior Space boasts seating for up to eight adults, optional second-row bucket seats and 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile
total cargo volume - More than 10 New Features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure
Monitoring (TPM) system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist and one touch lane-change
signal
Dallas, Apr 5, 2006 –
Signaling new
advancements in fuel-saving technology, convenience features and standard safety equipment, Dodge today introduced the
new, redesigned 2007 Durango here at the Dallas Auto Show.
“Continuing to stand out from the crowd,
the new 2007 Dodge Durango features a bold sleek design,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global
Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Dodge Durango’s ‘right size’ formula provides everything customers expect in an
SUV — superior ride and handling, the latest standard safety and convenience features, and best-in-class power
with advanced fuel-saving technologies.”
Underneath its new exterior design, Dodge engineers will
configure Dodge Durango for Chrysler Group’s first production state-of-the-art full hybrid system. Future modifications
to the floor, second-row seats, and electrical system will pave the way for the Dodge Durango Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV) — available in 2008 — which will be linked to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, providing customers
up to 25-percent improved fuel economy.
For 2007, offering best-in-class power, Dodge Durango offers the
award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine — featuring Chrysler Group’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS).
An E85-compatible 4.7-liter Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) V-8 engine is also available.
In addition, the 2007
Dodge Durango features standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side-curtain air bags and Tire Pressure Monitoring
(TPM) system. Several new convenience features are available, including ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist, one
touch lane-change signal, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, express-up-and-down front windows, dual-zone automatic
temperature control, 115-volt outlet, quad bucket seats, remote start, and 20-inch wheels.
New Bold, Chiseled Design
Achieving a unique, bold design unlike anything in
its segment, Dodge designers introduced taut new angles and planar surfaces to Durango’s front-end appearance.
“Bold styling and a powerful presence make Dodge Durango clearly stand out from the crowd,” said
Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “The new 2007 Dodge Durango’s design characteristics retain and
further enhance its unique presence compared to other competitive SUVs. Durango’s new grille and body-mounted front and
rear fascias feature chiseled, sharp angles, and new rectangular headlamps that prominently wrap the corners of the
vehicle, providing a distinctive, confident high-quality appearance.”
Adorned with a hefty
three-dimensional ram’s head and boasting unmistakable Dodge DNA, Durango’s bold crosshair grille prominently stands
out. The chromed crosshair features a more chiseled, ingot appearance with sharp, squared-off edges. Jewel-like
rectangular headlamps — with new dual-halogen bulbs — prominently wrap the corners of the new fenders. A
new one-piece body-mounted front fascia with integrated fog lamps and a chrome appliqué accents Durango’s tough,
yet sophisticated appearance. A new hood features strong character lines and completes the front-end design.
The profile of the 2007 Dodge Durango features a deep-body section and high belt line, which adds to the vehicle’s
confident appearance. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle’s
forceful expression. New available 20-inch wheels are surrounded by bold, powerful-looking wheel arches, and the
roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette.
The overall rear design of the Durango is
clean, functional and features “afterburner” taillamps. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated
smoothly into the rear roofline. A new, wider chrome appliqué accentuates the rear liftgate and features a
centered, three-dimensional ram’s head.
HEV-engineered
The
new Dodge Durango also features the face of Chrysler Group’s first HEV. In 2008, the Dodge Durango HEV will feature a
state-of-the-art two-mode hybrid system, co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and The BMW Group . Mated to
the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the HEV system combines power and towing capability with significant fuel-efficiency.
“The advanced two-mode hybrid system, which we will first offer in the Dodge Durango, leapfrogs
traditional hybrid design by improving fuel economy and performance at higher speeds as well as city driving
cycles,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development. “Delivering significant
fuel economy – up to 25-percent improvement – the advanced two-mode full hybrid system will provide great
performance in a wide range of applications.”
The Dodge Durango HEV two-mode hybrid will deliver
seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package with motors less than half the size of traditional hybrids.
With an electrically variable transmission, including two electric motors and two full hybrid modes of operation, the
drive system improves fuel economy by operating at low speeds around town and at higher speeds on highways.
Best-in-class Power With Improved Fuel-efficiency
The new 2007 Dodge
Durango continues to offer best-in-class HEMI V-8 power, standard with Chrysler Group’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement
System (MDS). New for 2007, Dodge Durango’s 4.7-liter V-8 engine features standard E85-compatibility, earning the
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Durango on ethanol,
gasoline or any mixture of the two.
“Power barely begins to describe the 2007 Dodge Durango’s two
available V-8 engines,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. “By offering
MDS as a standard feature on the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, and E85-compatibility with the 4.7-liter V-8 engine,
customers receive the latest in fuel-saving technology, without sacrificing power and performance.”
MDS – standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 – seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel economy
four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and eight-cylinder mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in
demand. The award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8’s 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque provides more than
ample power for towing and hauling, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 230 horsepower
E85-compatible FFV 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango models. With 290
lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance. The 2007 Dodge Durango’s standard
powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.
Superior Ride and Handling
Featuring a refined and quiet ride, the
new 2007 Dodge Durango provides a handling edge not normally associated with sport-utility vehicles. A torsionally
stiff, fully-hydroformed frame is linked to an independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering. Courtesy of
frame dynamics, the suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver a superior ride and precise steering feel.
“Delivering exceptional handling and ride comfort, the 2007 Dodge Durango has the interior room, towing
and hauling capability of a large SUV, but achieves the fuel efficiency, performance and maneuverability of smaller
full-size SUVs,” said Donoughe.
Dodge Durango’s rear suspension is configured with coil springs and a
solid rear axle that deliver a smooth ride with superior payload and towing capability. A Watt linkage system is fitted
to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The result is a smooth ride and a
best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,600 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.
Roomy, Sophisticated Interior
The 2007 Dodge Durango interior is roomy and
user-friendly with a functional, yet elegant design. With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4
cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.
New for 2007, Dodge Durango offers optional second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers a
first-class environment. A standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat boasts seating for three adults, with ample
shoulder, hip and legroom, available individual climate controls and DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining
seat backs.
Dodge Durango’s flat load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats,
provides 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between the wheelhouses in the rear
cargo area is 48 inches wide – enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.
Providing easy
loading and unloading of gear, the Dodge Durango offers a power rear liftgate, which opens with the touch of a button.
In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.
Five-star Safety Rating
The Dodge Durango has been awarded a Five-star
frontal impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
New for 2007 is
standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by
providing oversteer and understeer control. Linked to ESP is Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), a system that observes
and monitors the vehicle speed and steering rate to estimate the potential for a rollover situation.
Also
standard is a new one-touch lane-change feature that allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal
when changing lanes, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and side-curtain air bags for all three rows, as well as
available ParkSense™.
Advanced frontal multi-stage airbags including a low-risk deployment airbag for
the front passenger are standard. All seats in the Dodge Durango feature three-point shoulder belts, including a
center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the third-row seating area.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest
nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2005, Dodge sold more
than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market.
Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a
19 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share. In the car
market, Dodge has a 4 percent market share.
The new 2007 Dodge Durango is built at the Newark Assembly Plant in
Newark, Del.