SONOMA, California – From the utilitarian, Dakota-based SUV of the nineties to the ungainly bloat of the second generation Ram lookalike, the Dodge Durango emerges for 2011 as a balanced, nicely designed premium crossover with a surprisingly well-crafted interior.
Based on the Mercedes GL platform, the new Durango was co-developed with Daimler. Dodge President and CEO Ralph Gilles, dispelling the perception of North American automakers always being one step behind their European counterparts, is quick to point out that Chrysler developed and licensed some of the technology back to Daimler.
The Durango's ultra-stiff unibody construction was developed with the enthusiast in mind, yet there's an emphasis on responsible fuel consumption.
"We're trying to un-demonize (performance and horsepower), yet still keep it visceral" says Gilles.
Durango's exterior design theme is inspired by the Charger, with a distinctive crosshair grille, sculpted hood and deeply browed headlamps. The new body shape is 14% more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, aiding in fuel efficiency.
Two powertrains are offered: the standard fuel-efficient 290 hp 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 360 hp 5.7-litre HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS). Both feature variable valve timing (VVT) and have a towing capacity of 7400 lbs for the Hemi V8 equipped vehicles and 6200 lbs for the V6.
All wheel drive and seven row seating are standard.
There are over 45 new safety features including Active Front Headrests (which drop like a shot going off) for improved visibility, Enhanced Accident Response System, stability control, Blind-Spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control… and so on.
Crew and Citadel models are kitted out with a trick roof rack side rail system designed for the outdoor enthusiast.
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| Durango's exterior design theme is inspired by the Charger, with a distinctive crosshair grille, sculpted hood and deeply browed headlamps. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Based on the Mercedes GL platform, the new Durango was co-developed with Daimler. Dodge President and CEO Ralph Gilles, dispelling the perception of North American automakers always being one step behind their European counterparts, is quick to point out that Chrysler developed and licensed some of the technology back to Daimler.
The Durango's ultra-stiff unibody construction was developed with the enthusiast in mind, yet there's an emphasis on responsible fuel consumption.
"We're trying to un-demonize (performance and horsepower), yet still keep it visceral" says Gilles.
Durango's exterior design theme is inspired by the Charger, with a distinctive crosshair grille, sculpted hood and deeply browed headlamps. The new body shape is 14% more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, aiding in fuel efficiency.
Two powertrains are offered: the standard fuel-efficient 290 hp 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 360 hp 5.7-litre HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS). Both feature variable valve timing (VVT) and have a towing capacity of 7400 lbs for the Hemi V8 equipped vehicles and 6200 lbs for the V6.
All wheel drive and seven row seating are standard.
There are over 45 new safety features including Active Front Headrests (which drop like a shot going off) for improved visibility, Enhanced Accident Response System, stability control, Blind-Spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control… and so on.
Crew and Citadel models are kitted out with a trick roof rack side rail system designed for the outdoor enthusiast.
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| There are over 45 new safety features including Active Front Headrests for improved visibility, Enhanced Accident Response System, stability control, Blind-Spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control… and so on. (Photo: Dodge) |