DaimlerChrysler Canada reveals new Dodge Dakota

DaimlerChrysler Canada reveals new Dodge Dakota

Chrysler Group unveiled the new 2008 Dodge Dakota mid-size truck at the Chicago Auto Show. The truck features all-new exterior and interior styling, as well as many best-in-class capabilities.

"Dodge truck design cues are aggressive, bold, powerful and rugged," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep/Truck and Color and Trim Studios, and Specialty Vehicles, Chrysler Group Design. "We've restyled the 2008 Dodge Dakota to reflect that DNA in a package that presents the Dakota as a lifestyle vehicle and a work truck."

The 2008 Dodge Dakota's exterior includes newly styled hood, grille, rear spoiler, fenders, front and rear fascias and headlamps. The hood surface flows smoothly into fender crowns, and new halogen headlamps are now squared and encased in a bezel set off with a trim ring. All-new fascia and grille are body coloured as part of the Canadian ST truck appearance. The 2008 Dodge Dakota's tailgate includes a new spoiler that helps smooth air flow over the rear of the truck.

For 2008, the Dodge Dakota will again be offered in two body styles - Club Cab and Quad Cab - but for the first time, it will offer four distinct trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT and TR/TRX4.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped for work or play with built-in utility rails that make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable. Additionally, the 2008 Dodge Dakota's dual-position tailgate may be secured in a mid-position, which provides support for extra-wide or extra-long cargo laid on top of wheel wells and extending beyond the end of the bed.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota Club Cab's available Full Swing rear access doors open nearly 170 degrees to an interior with class-leading room and seating for five. With the rear seats folded, up to 850 litres (30 cubic feet) of storage space is available.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, meanwhile, also offers best-in-class room - 1,051 litres (37 cubic feet) - and seating for up to six. With rear seats folded, new under-seat storage wells, a first for Dodge Dakota, are easily accessible. Other storage options are provided in the centre console, dashboard and door pockets. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota's interior includes a new instrument panel, centre console and new interior accent finishes including satin silver.

"The interior is designed to provide ultimate comfort, utility and amenities to complement a variety of lifestyles," said Gilles.

Heated bench seats are available in the 2008 Dodge Dakota for the first time.

Seating options include an available 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with a folding centre armrest. The 2008 Dodge Dakota Club Cab is available with rear folding seats, and Quad Cab models have a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Entertainment choices include AM/FM stereo radios with MP3-playback capability and available SIRIUS Satellite Radio that delivers 110 channels. SIRIUS Canada offers a broad Canadian offering with five exclusive French channels and the highest quality of satellite coverage among all satellite radio providers in Canada. Also available as a stand-alone option is a navigation system with turn-by-turn directions.

2008 Dodge Dakota powertrain choices, include a new V-8 engine - the only V-8 option available in the mid-size pickup segment.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter High Output engine. The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.

The result is 290 horsepower, a 25 percent increase, and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10 percent increase.

The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Dakota equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV).

The base engine is a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new 2008 Dodge Dakota's powerplants are backed up by a choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission on all models, a four-speed automatic with Overdrive is available with Dakota's V-6 engine and a five-speed automatic with Overdrive available on V-8-equipped models.

The truck can be equipped with a part-time transfer case featuring two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with locked high- and low-range, or an available transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive as well as selections for locked high- and low-range.

For 2008, Dodge Dakota continues to offer a first-for-the-segment remote start for more convenience. The truck arrives in dealerships in August.

With a Canadian market share of 9 per cent, Dodge is Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fourth-largest nameplate in the Canadian automotive market.

ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

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