Dodge Durango Offers New Rallye Appearance Package Building off Class-Leading Power, Towing and Driving Range

• New Rallye Appearance Group offers R/T appearance, class-leading 295 horsepower V-6, 6,200-lb. towing and 550-mile driving range for less than $31,000 starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

• R/T models available with heated/ventilated Nappa leather seating, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection (late availability)

• Available second-row captain's chairs are available across all models – with two center consoles, including one supporting walk-through capability

• New standard leather seating, heated first- and second-row seats and bright door handles on Crew model

• New lower price on Citadel – with a starting MSRP of $39,995 U.S.

• Class-leading driving range of more than 550 miles

• Class-leading towing with both engines: up to 7,400 pounds with HEMI® V-8 and 6,200 pounds with V-6

• Available high-tech features such as Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and rear-seat DVD entertainment system

• Best-equipped seven-passenger SUV in the United States

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick

September 1, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Since its return to the SUV segment in 2011, Dodge Durango has established itself as a class-leader in value, functionality, reliability, utility and design. For 2013, Dodge Durango will be offered in four trim levels: SXT, Crew, R/T and Citadel, and the lineup receives new and revised features aimed at keeping it at the head of the pack.

With its four-wheel independent suspension, near 50:50 weight distribution, and responsive steering and handling, Durango has driving dynamics unlike what you typically find in a sport-utility vehicle. No other SUV on the road compares with the Dodge Durango's distinctive bold Dodge design that craftily houses a spacious three-row, seven-passenger functional, flexible and premium interior, covered in soft-touch materials.

Enhancing Durango's bold design is a new Rallye Appearance Group available on SXT models for the 2013 model year (late availability). With 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with Mineral Grey pockets, black bezel headlamps and body-color wheel lip moldings, sill moldings, grille and front and rear fascias, customers can now get the sporty appearance of the R/T model with the more than 550-mile driving range of the 295 horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine. In addition to featuring the exterior look of an R/T, the Rallye Appearance Group also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor mirrors, Uconnect with voice command, Bluetooth streaming audio and autodimming rear view mirror. Add it all up, and the Rallye is positioned as the most affordable three-row

SUV with 20-inch wheels.

Standard on 2013 Crew models is premium leather seating, heated first-and second-row seats, and bright door handles.

Also new for 2013, Dodge is offering a Premium Leather Group on R/T models. An upgrade to the R/T's available leather seating, the Premium Leather Group adds heated and ventilated perforated Nappa leather seats with red stitching and Nappa-covered door and front armrests with red stitching.

R/T models also feature the newly available Technology Group, which includes Blind-spot Monitoring/Rear Cross Path detection system and adaptive cruise control (late availability).

The R/T model's standard 20-inch wheels now have Mineral Grey painted pockets to accentuate the polished spokes.

The 2013 Dodge Durango is crammed with features, and it still has room for class-leading utility. With more than 30 storage areas, 50 seating configurations and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet that fits a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table, Durango is capable of hauling more than just trailers.

Utility may be one of Durango's key attributes, but safety was also a top priority during development. The Dodge Durango is a 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety two years running.

Perfect blend of power and fuel efficiency

The 2013 Dodge Durango delivers the rare combination of power and fuel efficiency. Both engines deliver best-in-class V-6 and V-8 towing with standard trailer-sway control on all models (V-8 - 7,400 pounds and V-6 – 6,200 pounds). Its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers an unsurpassed 290 horsepower (295 horsepower with available Rallye Appearance package on SXT models) along with a best-in-class driving range of more than 550 miles on one tank of fuel – that means Durango owners could drive all the way from Chicago to Nashville, or New York to Boston and back again, without needing to stop for fuel.

The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (city/hwy) for the Durango equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine are 16/23 for both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

Durango is also available with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with fuel saver mode. The 5.7- liter delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) at 4,250 rpm and also features variable-valve timing (VVT). The available V-8 delivers performance, best-in-class 7,400 pounds of towing capability and fuel efficiency. The EPA fuel economy mpg (city/hwy) is 14/20 for rearwheel- drive models and 13/20 for all-wheel-drive models.

The 2013 Dodge Durango features two automatic transmissions and two available full-time all-wheeldrive systems (V-6 and V-8 versions). The drivelines provide smooth operation of the vehicle over a variety of road conditions. Where competitors have switched to car-based platforms, the HEMIpowered, all-wheel-drive Durango features a low-range transfer case for light off-road recreation and to ease maneuvers while towing, such as pulling a boat out of the water from a high degree launch or backing up with a trailer attached.

Driving dynamics

The 2013 Dodge Durango delivers excitement and refinement with world-class suspension and performance. It's a driver's SUV that delivers impressive on-road performance and capability with the flexibility of a three-row SUV.

The short/long arm front suspension and isolated multi-link rear suspension features isolated front and rear cradles for improved on-road handling and comfort. Durango delivers on the pavement with aggressive shock and spring rates and large sway bars to handle body roll in hard turning maneuvers. Available electro-hydraulic performance steering, along with standard electronic stability control also contribute to maintain tire grip and vehicle stability.

Refinement for seven, or six

Passengers will feel materials that are refined with a functionality that gives owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. The instrument panel features a beautifully crafted monotone or two-tone appearance with a dark upper and lighter lower color and premium soft-touch materials for all price classes. Durango's interior is also extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers, and there's a surprising amount of interior flexibility.

Introduced earlier in the 2012 calendar year, second-row captain's chairs with an innovative flip-andfold feature and integrated soft-touch armrests are available on all trim levels. Between the seats is a floor-mounted console that can hold drinks and small objects. It is designed so passengers can easily walk from the second to third rows between the second-row captain's chairs. Customers can also optfor a larger center console that has more storage space and class-exclusive features, such as illuminated cup holders and a USB port, as well as a 12-volt outlet for charging phones, video games and the like.

From families taking a long road trip and needing to keep the kids entertained, to sports enthusiasts who don't want to miss the game and teens who can't live without on-line gaming, the Dodge Durango offers the latest high-tech features to keep driver's eyes on the road and passengers connected. Drivers can communicate, navigate and select entertainment options with advanced voice-recognition controls. Passengers can stay entertained with the latest available features, including and SiriusXM Radio with Travel Link.

Exterior revisions for the 2013 model year include two new colors, Bright White and Deep Cherry Red. These colors join the current Bright Silver, Rugged Brown, True Blue, Maximum Steel, Brilliant Black Crystal, Mineral Gray and Redline Red (R/T and Rallye Appearance Package only).

Safety is paramount

The 2012 Dodge Durango is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control (ESC) that delivers three security features to improve overall vehicle stability both on- and off-road: electronic roll mitigation (ERM) reacts and applies brakes during extreme situations, while available Hill-start Assist (HSA) works with standard trailer-sway control (TSC) to enhance off-road and towing capabilities.

Other safety and security features available on Durango include Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, which aid drivers when they're changing lanes or in parking lot situations. In addition, Durango features standard seat-mounted air bags in the front row, while side-curtain air bags extend protection to all three rows. Durango also includes standard front-row active head restraints.

2013 Dodge Durango SXT

The Durango SXT includes a tremendous level of equipment, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 290 horsepower (295 horsepower with Rallye Appearance Package), sevenpassenger seating, 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, bright chrome exterior accents, four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system, three-zone automatic temperature control, power windows, locks and mirrors, power heated mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, SiriusXM Radio with 12-month subscription, electronic stability control (ESC), Brake Assist, traction control, sidecurtain airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags and much more.

Available Uconnect with Bluetooth streaming audio, 40GB hard drive, 6.5-inch touchscreen media center, navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and second-row folding captain's chairs add high levels of comfort and convenience in an affordable seven-seat SUV.

Starting at a U.S. MSRP of $28,995, SXT is positioned as the best equipped three-row SUV in America. The new Rallye Appearance Group at just $30,995 starting U.S. MSRP adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with Mineral Grey pockets, monochromatic exterior appearance with ground effects, dark-tinted headlamps, dual exhaust with bright tips, 295 horsepower Pentastar V-6, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Uconnect Voice Command with streaming audio and much more.

2013 Dodge Durango Crew

New for 2013, Crew adds standard premium leather seating with heated first- and second-row seats and bright door handles.

Crew models also add standard features like a 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center, ParkView rear back-up camera, premium Alpine audio system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, power liftgate, leatherwrapped steering wheel and shifter, power 12-way driver and 10-way passenger seats, memory function for driver seat/radio/mirrors, remote start and security alarm, cargo cover, and much more.

A best-in-class 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 becomes available when moving up to Crew models, along with second-row captain's chairs, rain sensing windshield wipers, Blindspot Monitoring/Cross Path detection and rear seat DVD entertainment group.

2013 Dodge Durango R/T

R/T adds the powerful 5.7-liter 360 horsepower HEMI V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology as standard equipment along with a distinctive monochromatic appearance, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, unique 20-inch aluminum wheels with a polished face and Mineral Grey-painted pockets, 20 mm lowered ride height, unique front fascia, performance suspension and steering, and unique interior trim and remote start to name a few.

Navigation, Uconnect with Bluetooth, rear DVD entertainment center, new ventilated Nappa leather seats and new blindspot monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection are available for those who want to maximize the comfort and safety of their Durango.

2013 Dodge Durango Citadel

The top-of-the-line Durango is reduced by $1,000 to a starting U.S. MSRP of $39,995 and adds standard premium Nappa ventilated and heated leather seating, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, power sunroof, HID headlamps, premium navigation, power heated and tilting steering wheel, Uconnect with Bluetooth, 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation and much more.

A 5.7-liter V-8 engine, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, rear DVD entertainment center and second-row captain's chairs are available on Citadel.

Manufacturing

Dodge Durango is built in the United States at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.

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