Dodge Updates Durango For Fall
The new Durango is also safer then ever, boosted by a new array of active, accident-preventing equipment. New for 2007 is Electronic Stability Program (ESP), an anti-skid system that uses the car’s brakes to control unexpected understeer and oversteer. Standard on all models, ESP works with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) that uses on-board sensors to monitor the truck’s speed and steering angle to prevent a rollover. The Durango also has an extensive list of passive safety equipment that includes three-point seatbelts for all occupants, dual front airbags, side front airbags and standard side curtain airbags for protection across all three rows of seats.
But the buzz surrounding the updated Durango isn’t what is currently available, but what will soon be. Hot on the trail of General Motors’ Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, starting 2007, Dodge will produce an E85 ethanol-fuel version of the Durango, powered by a modified version of the midrange 4.7-litre Magnum V8 engine. As with all E85-powered vehicles, the Durango produces the same amount of power and torque (230-hp, 290 lb-ft) as the regular gasoline-fueled version, but produces far fewer carbon dioxide emissions. Interestingly, Dodge will be offering this engine standard on all 4WD Durango models. The base engine for 2WD Durangos will continue to be Dodge’s 210-horsepower 3.7-litre Magnum V6.
The big news that should really boost consumer interests is that Dodge has given the green-light for a hybrid version of the Durango too, powered by the Two-Mode Hybrid System which DaimlerChrysler codeveloped with General Motors and BMW Group. Scheduled to arrive in 2007 as a 2008 model, it mates its 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with MDS cylinder deactivation to a full hybrid powertrain system, featuring idle-stop and a full electric mode that allows the vehicle to run on electric power alone. The adoption of the hybrid system required extensive modification to the SUV’s floor and second row seats, even in the non-hybrid version, but the payoff will be worthwhile cuts in fuel consumption.
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