New 2007 Dodge Durango: Power, Performance and Convenience Wrapped in Bold New Look

The new 2007 Dodge Durango awakens the full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market with an all-new, bolder, more powerful exterior design, and a plethora of new convenience features. In addition, Dodge Durango continues to achieve new levels of fuel efficiency with the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, featuring Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), and an E-85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation.

'With a long track record of distinguishing itself from the crowd, the new 2007 Dodge Durango takes it a step further with a bold, sleek design and a new level of convenience and standard safety features,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'Dodge Durango's right-size package offers many features that are not typical in a full-size SUV, such as two V-8 engines – each with fuel-saving technologies – best-in-class interior space and superior ride comfort.'

With best-in-class power generated from the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, last year Dodge Durango featured Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS). MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy, four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and eight-cylinder mode when more power is in demand.

The 2007 Dodge Durango features its 4.7-liter V-8 engine with standard E-85 compatibility, earning the FFV designation that provides customers the option of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Also new for the 2007 Dodge Durango is standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side-curtain air bags, available Tire Pressure Monitoring system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist, one-touch lane-change signal, YES Essentials® stain-resistant fabric, express up-and-down windows and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007'

Exterior

- New front and rear fascias are body mounted eliminating gaps seen on previous models

- Updated front end appearance is achieved with a new grille, front fenders, hood and headlamps

- Limited model front fascia incorporates a bright insert

- New liftgate light bar incorporates the Dodge brand logo

- New bodyside moldings are standard on SXT, SLT, Adventurer and Limited models

- New larger (six- by nine-inches) rearview mirrors are heated and folding

- New exterior color offerings include Marine Blue, Steel Blue and Brilliant Black

Interior

- New optional quad bucket seats (rear seats are heated when heated front seats are ordered) are available on SLT and Limited models

- New seat materials and sew styles

- YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric is standard on SLT cloth seats

- 115-volt power inverter is standard on all vehicles equipped with rear HVAC

- Express up and down driver and passenger windows

- Standard side air bags

- Electronic Vehicle Information Center is added to the overhead console

- Leather-wrapped center console lid is standard on Limited

- New SLT center stack bezel finish—Maple Pommele Woodgrain

- One-touch, three-blink lane change feature

- Dual zone front Automatic Temperature Control

Powertrain / Chassis

- Available in 45 states, the optional 4.7-liter engine comes standard with flex-fuel capability (operates on E85 ethanol)

- 18-inch aluminum wheels now standard on SLT models with either black sidewall or outline white letter tires

- 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels now standard on Limited

- 20-inch chrome clad wheel added as optional equipment for both the SLT and the Limited

- New 17-inch aluminum wheel is standard on SXT and Adventurer models

- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment with standard trailer sway dampening

- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) is standard on SLT and Limited models

Safety & Security

- Side air bags are now standard

- Ultrasonic rear park assist is standard on Limited and optional on SLT

DESIGN

'Bold styling and a powerful presence make Dodge Durango clearly stand out from the crowd,' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. 'The new 2007 Dodge Durango's design characteristics retain and further enhance its unique presence compared with 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.'

Achieving a bold look unlike anything in its segment, Dodge Durango designers introduced taut new angles and planar surfaces to the vehicle's strong and confident front-end design. These characteristics proportion the vehicle with a new level of purpose, capability and assertive stance.

With unmistakable Dodge DNA, the Durango's bold crosshair grille prominently stands out. The 2007 Dodge Durango's grille is adorned with a hefty three-dimensional ram's head. The chromed crosshair grille features a more chiseled, ingot appearance with sharper, 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 bold yet sophisticated appearance. A new clamshell 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 beltline, which add to the vehicle's confident appearance. The 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 and functional, and features 'afterburner' taillamps. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A new, wider chrome appliqué graciously accentuates the rear liftgate and features a centered, three-dimensional ram's head.

ENGINEERING

'With exceptional ride comfort, best-in-class V-8 power, seating for eight passengers, added convenience and fuel-saving technology, the new 2007 Dodge Durango is the ultimate, right-size SUV,' said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. 'Power barely begins to describe the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, since it comes standard with Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System.

'Combined with a fully hydroformed frame and chassis, the 2007 Dodge Durango is an exceptional-handling SUV that delivers a refined driving experience, whether it's during a trip to the grocery store or a family vacation,' added Donoughe.

The award-winning HEMI's 330 horsepower (246 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. (509 N•m) of torque provide more than ample power for towing and hauling. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and is available on the 2007 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models.

Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS) – standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy, four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and eight-cylinder mode when more power is in demand. Durango customers receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI engine with the fuel economy that they – until now – could expect from only a smaller, less powerful engine.

The 2007 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that develops 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque. The 235-horsepower (175 kW), E-85-compatible FFV, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango vehicles. With 305 lb.-ft. (414 N•m) of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance and offers customers the adaptability of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Featuring a refined and quiet ride, the 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 the frame dynamics, the suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering feel.

Dodge Durango's rear suspension is configured with coil springs and a solid rear axle that deliver a smooth ride with superior payload and best-in-class 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, a best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,700 lbs. and class-leading towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.

The 2007 Dodge Durango interior is simple, roomy and user-friendly with a functional yet elegant design. Boasting class-leading 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.

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.

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 leg, shoulder and hip room – individual climate controls and an available DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.

For 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.

A new one-touch lane-change feature allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes. Advanced safety and security features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), ParkSense®, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows.

by Dodge

Dodge's most beloved sport utility vehicle, the Durango has been in production since 1998 and its popularity lies in its ability to continuously adapt to the ever-changing customer needs and desires over the years. Produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler, the first generation of the Durango was based on the Dodge Dakota and featured a study, midsized SUV body-on-frame construction. Produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware, the Dakota was classified as a mid-size SUV at first, before growing into a full-size SUV for the second generation. During its first year the Durango was only available in a four-wheel-drive version. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains were available in 1999, along with a full range of V6 and V8 engines.

Riding on a 116.2-inch wheelbase, the Durango had a length of 193.5 inches, a width of 71.5 inches, a height of 70.0 inches and had a curb weight of 4,500 pounds. Advertised as a sturdy truck with room for up to seven passengers, the Durango had the capability to tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped. Though few were actually sold, Dodge offered a 3.9L Magnum V6 engine.

For its second year of production only minor updates were made including two new paint colors. Also new this year was 6 in x 9 in heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. SLT Plus models received leather seats as standard while body-color wheel flares were made standard on 4WD Models and SLT Plus. In 2000 the 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 though the 5.2 would remain available in the early 2000 models. Leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run, the 3.9L Magnum V6 engine wasn't available any longer. The high performance R/T was introduced this year. A special AWD performance version, the R/T was powered by a powerful performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8.

An exclusive limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered in 1999 and 2000 that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Available output for the Shelby was 360 hp and 412 lb./ft. of torque. The Shelby sported special wheels, bumpers, tires and suspension and came standard painted Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. With a top speed of 142 mph, the Shelby could achieve 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds.

In 2001 Dodge focused its attention on the interior of the SUV and gave special attention to the interior trim panels, instrument panel, dash mounted controls, overhead console and a newly redesigned steering wheel. 4X4 models received a new switch on the dash for the transfer case selector instead of a manual lever on the console. A new message center was added to the modified instrument cluster. Standard equipment now included a comfy dual-zone climate control system. All models now came with standard SX speakers and improved premium sound systems. Slight updates were made to trim options and other changes included revised seats, updated door panels and aluminum wheels.

The new SXT Durango became the entry-level trim package for 2002. Safety features now included optional side curtain airbags. Near the close of the model year was an electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) added into the overhead console. The following year the Durango underwent minor mechanical updates that included new larger front brakes and new rear-wheel disc brakes.

The second-generation Durango was launched in 2004 and was originally shown as a concept named Durango R/T concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Sporting a fully boxed frame like its Dakota sibling, the new Durango had a lot in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup. Growing in size the second-generation model was 7 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 3 inches taller than its predecessor. This new model had room for eight passengers now and offered a third row bench with three seats and was now officially into the full-sized SUV category.

Offering a more luxurious ride, the new Durango featured a redesigned suspension with rear coil springs. Much of the styling cues of this generation were taken from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was based heavily on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Concept, and the '03 Durango R/T concept. In 2004 the Durango received a solid rear axle and a new coil-spring rear suspension. Mated to the rear axle was a Watt linkage system that centered the axle and reduced rear-end skate over rugged surfaces, which resulted in a wider and lower cargo floor.

In the spring of 2006 in April the 2007 Durango was debuted at the Dallas Auto Show. Sporting an extremely attractive restyle in an attempt to boost sales, the SUV featured a new grille, hood, headlamps, wheels and fenders. New Durango equipment included rear park assist, a one-touch turn signal, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. In 2009 a two-mode hybrid version was offered for a short time.

In 2007 Chrysler launched a full-size, luxury SUV called the Chrysler Aspen, first unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Based on the Dodge Durango SUV, the Aspen was the first production hybrid offering from Chrysler. Previously the Aspen name had been used by Dodge from 1976 through 1980 on a twin of the Plymouth Volaré. Equipped with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, the Aspen was available with all-wheel drive. The first truck-based Sport Utility Vehicle commercialized under the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Aspen was produced only until the end of 2008.

For the 2009 model year Chrysler began producing their first production hybrid vehicles, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids on August 22, 2008. With a MSRP of $45,340, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid had an almost 25% gain in overall duel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city. Along with the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (starting MSRP $45,570) the Durango Hybrid were rated with the Hemi V8 engine mileage to be around 20 mpg city and 22 mph highway for 2009. The Hybrids featured the 340 hp Hemi engine with MDS along with the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with GM and BMW. Non-Hybrid models were rated at 13-mpg city and 19 mph highway. Early in October the Hybrid models were available for sale at dealerships, the same month that Chrysler announced the end of Durango and Aspen production. The Hybrid SUV became one of the shortest-lived models from a major automaker.

Demand for the full-size SUV waned and in October of 2008 Chrysler decided to close the Newark Assembly facility. The facility had previously produced the Durango and Chrysler Aspen, which would end production for the 2009 model year. On December 19, 2008 production ceased.

Dodge released an Internet teaser of first images in August of 2010 to incite interest for the third generation of the Durango. In December of the same year the Durango was put into production based on an all-new, computer-designed unitized platform, built alongside the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, Michigan. Not classified as a full-size SUV the new Durango shares the same powertrains, chassis parts and running gear with the Grand Cherokee.

Powering the third generation was the choice of two world-class engines; the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 hp. The base 3.6-liter engine produced 290 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Pentastar option was mated to the Mercedes W5A80 five-speed automatic with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. Featuring the 545RFE 5-speed automatic, the 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 engine continued with 360 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque along with a 'fuel-saver' mode that was generally used when cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The third generation SUV grew to a longer length than the Grand Cherokee and had room for three rows of seating compared to the two rows in the Grand Cherokee. On December 14, 2010 the 2011 Durango entered production alongside its sibling, the second generation Charger. Halfway through January 2011 it went on sale for general dealership availability. Motorweek gave the 2012 Durango the Drivers' Choice Award and the IIHS ranked the 2012 Durango as a 'Top Safety Pick'.

The brand new Durango for 2014 was debuted at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Sportier a design reminiscent of the Rallye with a blackened plastic bumper and outline, the new Durango featured modern sporty lines. Drawing inspiration from the new Dodge Charger the '14 Durango featured a similar LED taillight cluster. The interior of the new SUV featured a new steering wheel with paddle shifters. According to Chrysler there will be an estimated 9% increase in fuel efficiency thanks to the 3.6L V6 and optional Hemi V8 mated with the new Chrysler 8-speed automatic transmission.

To boost interest in the new Durango Chrysler Group LLC and Paramount Pictures joined together to promote the film Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues with a sequen¬-ce of Durango commercials highlighting Will Ferrell playing Ron Burgundy.

by Jessican Donaldson