2008 Dodge Nitro

2008 Dodge Nitro Continues to Set the Mid-size SUV Segment Ablaze

Since its introduction in 2007, the Dodge Nitro has ignited the mid-size sport-utility (SÚV) segment with its bold, aggressive styling and performance to match. But, Nitro is not just another pretty face – it offers all the mid-size SÚV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro's fold-flat first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. The Load 'N Go™ cargo floor slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 400 pounds. Optional heated leather seats, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, cutting-edge entertainment system options and a long list of standard safety and security features are just how the Dodge Nitro spiced up the mid-size SÚV recipe.
For 2008, the Dodge Nitro adds a Trailer Sway Control System and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System to its laundry list of safety and security features. Brilliant Black, Light Graystone and Modern Blue are new exterior color options.

The Dodge Nitro is the first mid-size SÚV for the Dodge brand and complements its lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SÚV.

'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2008'
Exterior:


• Dodge Nitro is available in three new colors: Brilliant Black Pearl Coat, Light Graystone Pearl Coat, Modern Blue Clear Coat

• Two-tone seats with a choice of Inferno Red, Electric Blue or Sunburst Orange seat inserts on R/T model

Safety and security:


• Trailer Sway Control System

• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System

Packages:


• Travel Group: Trailer tow, security alarm and full-size spare

• Convenience Group: Remote start, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, ÚConnect®

• Premium Sound Package: Six-disc CD/AM/FM radio, six premium speakers with subwoofer

DESIGN
To achieve a distinctive, bold appearance unlike anything in its segment, Nitro designers incorporated design elements and themes that were strong and confident. These characteristics proportion the vehicle like no other in its class. The result is the unmistakable Dodge Nitro with its purposeful, capable and assertive stance. There are three models – Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T.

Basic to every Dodge vehicle is the bold crosshair grille, which is just one of many design elements that define the cool persona and tough attitude of Dodge Nitro. The grille, body color on the Dodge Nitro R/T and chrome on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT, is emblazoned with a hefty three-dimensional ram's head. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle and a clamshell hood with strong character lines complete the front end.

The side of the vehicle features a deep-body section and high beltline which add to the vehicle's confident appearance. Chromed vents positioned on each front fender compliment the vehicle's modern design and contemporary flair. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a mid-size SÚV, contribute to the vehicle's forceful expression. Wheels pushed to the corners, with powerful-looking wheel arches, convey Nitro's confident stance. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Dodge Nitro SLT are 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires.

The interior of the five-passenger Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo. The headliner is shrink-wrapped to allow maximum head room and there is plenty of leg room for first- and second-row passengers.

The Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T receive chrome detail on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, center console, HVAC controls and door handles. The gear shifter and control buttons are substantial in size and bold by design.

The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front passenger seat, as well as fold-flat second-row seats. Second-row seats also recline for added passenger comfort. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T is the LOAD 'N GO cargo floor which slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. The LOAD 'N GO cargo floor can hold up to 400 pounds and is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT is a reversible load floor, and a compact utility table is optional.

ENGINEERING

4.0-liter SOHC V-6
The performance-oriented, 4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is designed to provide the power and torque required to make the Dodge Nitro R/T a leader in the mid-size SÚV segment. The engine delivers 260 hp (194 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque @ 4,200 rpm. It is an enhanced version of the 3.5-liter engine used in prior Chrysler Group vehicles. The 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides more power and torque than the prior 3.5-liter, with emphasis on low- and mid-range operation to meet the needs of the day-to-day driver.

The 4.0-liter engine is standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T model.

2008 Dodge Nitro SXT

Standard Features

3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine
Six-speed manual transmission
Chrome grille
16-inch aluminum wheels
P225/75R16 all-season BSW tires
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
All-speed traction control
Sport suspension system
Tire Pressure Monitoring system
Roof rack side rails
Low-back, two-toned cloth seats
Supplemental side curtain air bags in the first and second rows
AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo
Fold-flat front-passenger seat
Reclining rear seats
Power folding mirrors
12-volt power outlet
Cargo floor with a reversible cargo tray
SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
Optional Features

Four-speed automatic transmission
Part-time four-wheel-drive system
17-inch aluminum wheels
P235/65R17 OWL all-terrain tires
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control
Deep tint glass
Fog lamps
Sun roof
Compass/temperature display
HomeLink universal garage door opener
Body color fender flares, fascias and bodyside molding
Travel Group: Trailer tow, security alarm and full-size spare
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT

Standard Features

In addition to standard and optional features on the Dodge Nitro SXT, the SLT model includes:

Four-speed automatic transmission
Body-color fender flares, fascias and bodyside molding
P235/65R17 VSB performance tires
17-inch aluminum wheels
Load 'N Go cargo floor
Two-tone seats with YES Essentials® seat fabric
Six-way power driver seat
Tire pressure display
Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)
Power and heated, folding exterior mirrors
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls
Express-up driver window and express-down driver and passenger window
Chrome interior accents on door handles, HVAC and center stack
Optional Features

17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires with performance suspension
Rear DVD entertainment system
MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System
Leather, heated seats
Convenience Group: Remote start, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, ÚConnect
Premium Sound Package: Six-disc CD/AM/FM radio, premium speakers
2008 Dodge Nitro R/T

Standard Features

In addition to standard and optional features on the Dodge Nitro SLT, the R/T model includes:

4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine
Five-speed automatic transmission
Performance suspension
20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
P245/50R20 VSB performance tires
Body-color grille with bright billets
Body-color air dam and sill molding
R/T logo on the front seats with stitching
Optional Features

Two-tone seats with Electric Blue, Inferno Red, or Sunburst Orange seat inserts
Monochrome Dark Slate leather, heated seats with red stitching and R/T logo
2008 DODGE NITRO SAFETY AND SECÚRITY EQÚIPMENT
Please refer to the safety glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:

Advanced Multi-stage Driver and Front-passenger Air Bags
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Rough Road Detection
All-speed Traction Control System
BeltAlert
Crumple Zones
Brake Assist
Brake/Park Interlock
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Child-protection Rear Door Locks
Energy-absorbing Steering Wheel and Column
Electronic Stability Program
Electronic Roll Mitigation
Enhanced Accident Response System
Four-wheel Disc Brakes
Head Restraints in all Outboard Seating Positions
Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
HomeLink
Knee Bolsters
Load-limiting Seat Belt Retractors
Occupant Classification System
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Remote Keyless Entry
Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags in First and Second Rows
Three-point Belts in all Seating Positions
Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Signal and Tire Pressure Display
Trailer Sway Control System
ÚConnect Hands-free Communication System
COLOR AVAILABILITY

Brilliant Black Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Electric Blue Pearl Coat
Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
Light Graystone Pearl Coat
Modern Blue Pearl Coat
Stone White Clear Coat
Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat
MANÚFACTÚRING INFORMATION
2008 model year production start: August 2007
Production location: Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio
3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit
4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Trenton Engine Plant in Trenton, Mich.
Six-speed manual transmission (NSG 370): Gaggenau Transmission Plant in Gaggenau, Germany
Four-speed automatic transmission (42RLE): Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.
Five-speed automatic transmission (W5A580): Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Ind.

MARKETING POSITION
In a mid-size SÚV segment dominated by bland, feminized designs, Nitro breaks the rules with a strong and imposing yet urbane style, uniquely asserting confidence and capability to which men aspire and women appreciate.

DEMOGRAPHICS
• Gender: 38 percent male/62 percent female

• Median Age: 40

• Median Annual Household Income: $61,000

• Education: 38 percent with undergraduate/graduate degrees

• Household: 59 percent married/young families/couples

MARKET ADVANTAGES

• Strong, distinctive, and imposing style

• Sporty performance

• People and cargo flexibility

Source - Dodge