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2007 Dodge Nitro Preview

Another SUV for Dodge? Its About Time!

Does it really make sense for Chrysler Group to be doubling its sport utility lineup amidst the most severe gas crisis since the mid-70s? Auburn Hills certainly thinks it does, and with a track record that includes some of the most intriguing new models to come along in decades, you might want to think twice before betting against them.

Altogether, Chrysler Group, made up of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, will introduce at least five new SUVs within the next two to three years, as part of a new initiative internally called "Full Throttle". The domestic automaker sees segment opportunities that it is not yet taking advantage of, some of which include a full-size Chrysler sport utility, a couple of new Jeep models, and even one or more under the Dodge label.

Weve

?Steven Landry, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, confirmed production of the Dodge Nitro midsize SUV for the 2007 model year at the California International Auto Show on October 5, 2005 (Nitro Concept shown). (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

already seen some of these debut in production trim, while concepts of most have shown up recently too. Starting with Chrysler, its new 2007 Aspen moves the brand into uncharted territories, and by that I dont only mean the land of sport utility vehicles, but also into a new much higher level of refinement, especially regarding interior fit, finish and materials quality. At

The new Nitro is dimensionally on-target for a downsizing SUV segment. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

the other end of the spectrum Jeeps Compass is a car-based crossover set to introduce the brand to a younger, less adventurous clientele that will also more than likely include more female buyers. Jeep may also offer its more rugged looking Patriot concept in production trim, also based on the same chassis architecture as the Compass.

And what about Dodge? While the brand has been awaiting a compact SUV since time immemorial, itll have to wait a little longer, or so it seems. The next Ram-branded SUV will be the subject of this preview,

The Nitro is Dodges first true midsize SUV, unless you count the previous generation Durango. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

the midsize Nitro that shares its underpinnings, however loosely, on Jeeps off-road worthy Liberty. While not a compact, which are so popular right now, the Nitro is Dodges first true midsize SUV, unless you count the previous generation Durango which, based off of the midsize Dakota pickup truck of the time, was touted as a midsize SUV when launched and throughout its tenure. Am I the only one confused here? Oh well, the Nitro, whether Dodges first or second midsize sport utility, will nevertheless be smaller than even the old Durango, and much more manageable

Where the Liberty features curves and circles, the Nitro is angled and square. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)?

in and around town than the current one.

Where the Liberty is cute and sassy, and by be being so has attracted a fair number of women to the Jeep family, the Nitros image is all brawn and bravado. Where the Liberty features curves and circles, the Nitro is angled and square. Personally, I like it... I like it a lot. Fortunately, as with most Chrysler Group concepts that get the transformation into production vehicles, its difficult to see much difference from prototype to finished product. While such would seem to be the smartest way to go about developing a successful new model, I find it surprising that

Those wanting more power than the standard 210-hp 3.7L will be able to opt for a Nitro R/T, featuring an all-new 4.0L V6 with 255-hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)?

some automakers still show a concept in order to gauge public reaction, and when that reaction is favourable, go ahead and build something that is so unlike the concept that the public is (shock) not interested. Again, not so with the Nitro.
"The Dodge Nitros styling delivers something extra; that little something midsize buyers are still searching for -- attitude," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. "In addition, the Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a midsize SUV, such as two V6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels

The top-line 4.0L V6 will provide V8-like output, much needed for carrying heavy loads and towing. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

and a performance suspension."

Like the concept, one of those V6 engines is the Libertys 3.7-litre SOHC unit, sporting 210-hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, the same as with the Liberty and its other applications, but featuring some refinements in the way of improvements to the valve train and combustion chamber for a smoother idle and less engine noise. The 3.8 also features Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) to enhance throttle response while delivering a more "consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active". This will be the Nitros base engine, and also featured in its second-rung SLT trim level.

Those wanting

Base models will get a six-speed manual, just one of total of three transmissions to be offered. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

more power will be able to opt for a Nitro R/T, featuring an all-new 4.0-liter V6 with 255-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This top-line engine will provide V8-like output, much needed for carrying heavy loads and towing - the latter application up to 5,000 lbs. No doubt, this engine will be used elsewhere, such as in the top-line Liberty, base Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota, etc. I should also mention that the Nitro will come fitted with a diesel engine as well, probably the same Italian-made common-rail turbocharged unit that powers the Liberty CRD. This would be good news for North American diesel fans, but alas it will only be available in markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.
The top-line R/T powerplant will get a five-speed automatic as standard equipment, featuring manual mode operation. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) />Shifting gears, a total of three transmissions will be offered. Base models will get a six-speed manual, making the most of the engines lighter torque rating. This six-speed is a pretty sophisticated manual, featuring first and second gear triple-cone synchronization for smoother operation, plus third and fourth gear double-cone and fifth and sixth gear single-cone synchronization. Whats more, hard-finished gears make it quieter. Greater strength and precision are had via its multi-rail, steel-construction shift system, while a two-piece aluminum case with integrated clutch housing increases powertrain stiffness while reducing overall weight. Of course, the benefits of six individual cogs include improved off-the-line and top-speed performance, as

With the 3.7L V6 mated to a manual transmission the Nitro 4x4 gets part-time 4WD, while all automatic equipped models get a full-time AWD system no matter which engine is chosen. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

well as better fuel economy.

A four-speed automatic will also be available with the 3.7-liter engine, where the top-line R/T powerplant will get a five-speed automatic as standard equipment. This five-speed unit features manual mode operation, but unlike previous shift-it-yourself automatics available on everything from the mighty Charger R/T or even mightier Charger SRT8, to the Ram pickup truck line, Dodge has dropped the AutoStick moniker. Rather, the new transmission features Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive shift control, which provides fully-automated shifting when placed in the "D" position and manual control when sliding the shifter from side to side. While the name has changed, the five-speed automatics operation

The Nitros fully-independent suspension should make for fairly athletic handling. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

sounds the same as previous AutoStick gearboxes, which is what matters most.

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