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2009 Dodge Durango

2009 Dodge Durango Offers Hybrid Efficiency

Bringing comfort, convenience, refinement and Chrysler LLC's first production hybrid powertrain system to the full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market, the 2009 Dodge Durango also boasts several best-in-class capabilities: towing capacity of 8,950 pounds, cargo space (with rear seats folded) of 68.4 cubic feet, and horsepower – 365 with the available 5.7-liter HEMI®.

The new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid offers a blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy, in a single package. Combined with Chrysler's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), the advanced two-mode hybrid technology delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city.

Customers who demand performance and efficiency in a conventional powertrain may choose between three engines: a standard 3.7-liter V-6 producing 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque; an E85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine generating 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, with the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation as well as improved fuel economy with more horsepower and torque; and a new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with MDS that produces 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque.

The 2009 Dodge Durango is offered with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. Inside, there's seating for up to eight, and amenities including industry-first heated cloth seats, available power rear liftgate, remote start, Stain Repel Seat Fabric and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR

• New exterior color: City Teal Metallic Clear Coat

INTERIOR

• Sirius Streaming Video packaged with rear-seat video system

• uconnect tunes now with 30-gigabyte hard drive

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS

• Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system

• Hybrid system delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city

• New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with fuel-saving MDS technology provides 376 horsepower (280 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 N•m)

DESIGN

The 2009 Dodge Durango continues to display bold Dodge styling with taut angles and chiseled surfaces in front-end design, marked by the signature crosshair grille. Rectangular headlamps with dual-halogen bulbs wrap around the corners of the fenders, above a one-piece front fascia with integrated fog lamps and chromed accents.

The 2009 Dodge Durango's high beltline emphasizes its bold appearance, while the roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette. Short front and rear overhangs contribute to the vehicle's expression of concentrated power, as do flared wheel arches surrounding Durango's wheels.

The rear design of the 2009 Dodge Durango is marked by 'afterburner' taillamps, augmented by a center high-mounted stoplamp integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A chrome appliqué accentuates the rear liftgate and also features a centered, three-dimensional Ram's head.

ENGINEERING

Offered for the first time in the Dodge Durango is Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group. It delivers a 'two-mode' full hybrid system by integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system.

The two modes in the hybrid system result from low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes. During the two ECVT modes, the system uses electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in a 300-volt battery pack for later use. The system's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving. In addition, there are four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities.

The first mode is designed for low speeds and light loads. In this mode, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only, or any combination of engine and electric power.

In electric-only operation, the engine is shut off, with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

A sophisticated controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. Input from the controller determines the necessary torque for driving conditions and sends a corresponding command to the engine and electric motors. The engine and electric motors transfer torque to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission in order to propel the vehicle. Unlike conventional continuously variable transmissions, however, the two-mode full hybrid's electrically controlled system uses no mechanical belts or bands. Shifts between the two modes do not require engine speed changes, resulting in seamless accelerations.

A 300-volt battery pack provides electric power for the system, and is designed to fit in the vehicle without compromising passenger space. A rectifier located under the Durango's hood converts AC to DC in order to power conventional 12-volt accessories including interior lighting, climate control and the audio system. The Durango Hybrid's 5.7-liter HEMI engine efficiently maintains the battery pack. The Dodge Durango Hybrid's powertrain produces a total of 385 horsepower (287 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 N•m) of torque.

The 2009 Dodge Durango's standard engine is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 that produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque. It is equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango models, and available on two-wheel-drive models, is a 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, offering improved fuel economy as well as more power and torque, plus more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s. It is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Durango equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), providing customers with the ability to operate their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power steering pump.

Also available in the 2009 Dodge Durango is the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, producing 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine is also mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and is available on the 2009 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models.

Chrysler's 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. The result is fuel economy that until now could only be expected from a smaller, less powerful engine.

Four-wheel-drive models of the 2009 Dodge Durango are equipped with a standard transfer case providing full-time four-wheel drive. An available two-speed transfer case features shift-on-the-fly capability for switching four-wheel drive between high-range locked or low-range modes.

The 2009 Dodge Durango is built with a torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering. Dodge Durango's rear suspension features coil springs and a solid rear axle secured with a Watt's linkage system. The result is refined ride and handling with superior payload (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6,700 lbs.) and best-in-class towing capability (8,950 pounds).

The 2009 Dodge Durango offers a standard 40/20/40 split second-row seat for seating up to three adults, with ample leg, shoulder and hip room. Optional are second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers with individual climate controls and an available DVD entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™, as well as reclining seat backs.

Third-row seating in the 2009 Dodge Durango includes a standard bench seat and an available 60/40 split bench – both with fold-flat capability. With third-row seats folded, the Durango boasts best-in-class cargo space of 68.4 cu. ft. With the second- and third-row seats folded, 102.4 cu. ft. of total cargo volume is accessible.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Powerful and efficient powertrains with fuel-saving technologies

• HEMI® Hybrid provides more than 25 percent overall fuel economy improvement; nearly 40 percent in the city

• With a standard 210-horsepower (157-kW) 3.7-liter V-6, available 303-horsepower (226-kW) 4.7-liter V-8, or the best-in-class, 5.7-liter, 376-horsepower (280-kW) HEMI Magnum V-8, the 2009 Dodge Durango offers a full range of powertrains that deliver versatility, power and capability

• The new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine features Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology, providing up to 20 percent in fuel-economy savings

• 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

Even more convenience

• Available power rear liftgate, remote start, one-touch lane-change signal, Stain Repel Seat Fabric, express-up/-down windows and dual-zone automatic temperature control

• Third-row 60/40 split seat boasts seating for three adults and improves flexibility without compromising capability

Available is a full-screen navigation system, a six-disc CD changer and 20-inch wheels

• With its third seat folded and middle row up – the most common configuration of three-row-seat SUVs – Dodge Durango has more cargo room than Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia

• 'Real SUV' capability yet refined

• Superior versatility in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.

• Four-wheel-drive Durango models feature a standard full-time all-wheel-drive system and offer an available low range

• The 2009 Dodge Durango features an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, providing a turning radius of 37.5 ft. – less than a Honda Pilot

Five Star® safety rating

• Dodge Durango was awarded a Five Star® frontal-impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2005

• Standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

• Standard on the 2009 Dodge Durango is Chrysler Group's Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability

• Standard roll-sensing side-curtain air bag system uses sensors to keep side-curtain air bags deployed longer in rollovers

• Standard advanced air bag system includes dual-stage front air bags

• Standard Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer

by Dodge

by Dodge

Most Powerful Hybrid SUVs Now Offer Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

• Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Announced for 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids: Best-in-Class 20 city/22 highway

• Chrysler and Dodge hybrid SUVs boast fuel economy improvement of more than 53 percent in city, 40 percent overall; offer better city fuel economy than a V-6 Honda Accord

• Most powerful hybrid SUVs with 400 horsepower

• Full-size SUVs deliver rare blend of fuel economy, utility, capability and performance

• Customers can expect a tax credit of up to $2,200

Yeah, it's gotta HEMI® Hybrid. And best-in-class fuel economy, too.

Official EPA fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are 20 city and 22 highway, achieving best-in-class fuel economy ratings for a full-size 4x4 SUV.

Chrysler LLC's first production hybrids are coupled with the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology. Total output, when combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system, is 400 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque – the most powerful hybrid SUVs.

The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are priced nearly $8,000 below the competition. Additionally, customers can expect a tax credit of up to $2,200.

'Our new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids deliver best-in-class fuel economy of up to 22 miles per gallon—an improvement of more than 53 percent in the city and 40 percent overall,' said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. 'This unique combination of value, fuel economy, performance and capability gives SUV owners a no-compromise hybrid alternative.'

Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrid vehicles deliver seamless, dependable power and performance on demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission—featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive—and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids are built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware. The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids arrive in showrooms this year.

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler is the seventh largest brand in the U.S. automotive market. The brand's succession of innovative products continues to solidify Chrysler's standing as the leader in design, agile performance and innovative technology built around a customer's needs, all at an extraordinary value.

The award-winning all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new or improved features that include the innovative Swivel ‘N Go™ seating system.

Arriving later this year, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will give a unique option to customers who need the cargo and towing capability of a sport-utility vehicle, but want a more efficient alternative. Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is better than 53 percent more fuel efficient in the city and 40 percent more fuel efficient overall. Also, for customers seeking additional fuel efficiency, the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler Sebring Convertible both achieve 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy and have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) SmartWay program, which recognizes the cleanest, most efficient vehicles sold in the U.S.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand Caravan.

The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle—the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey—arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. Arriving in dealerships this year is the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the new 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines fuel efficient advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability. Last fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North America.

by Dodge

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