These latest photos reveal the 2004 Dodge Durango almost completely undisguised. Some bits of tape over the taillights and emblems, plus a cover on the front bumper are the only disguise.
Once again it appears that Chrysler is taking an auto-show concept vehicle and turning it into a production model with little change. In this case, the concept vehicle is the Dodge Durango R/T, shown at the 2003 Detroit International Auto Show. Instead of the near-universal boxy SUV, the Durango R/T has just the right amount of retro looks, like the PT Cruiser, along with a boldness and macho design that is unique and appealing. Now these latest photos of a nearly undisguised Durango show that this next-generation Durango looks just like the concept vehicle.
Naturally any production model must have differences from a concept car, and one can spot a few on this prototype. For one thing, the radio antenna sprouting from the right-front fender of the prototype, while the concept car naturally had no antenna to mar its looks. The concept vehicle also has huge 21-inch wheels. Wheels for the prototype are not that big, but still look to be a hefty 18 inches or so. Best of all, the production model keeps the unique front fenders which thrust forward to house the headlights – a wonderful retro touch that sets this design apart from the other big SUV’s.
The new Durango is bigger than the current Durango in all directions. This gives more interior room for passengers in three rows of seats. Fold down the third-row seat and hauling space is plentiful, with enough room for that important 4x8 sheet of plywood. And “hauling” will describe the truck’s performance too, when fitted with the big 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 good for 345 horsepower.
As long as they stick a HEMI in it I will be sure to love it. It would also be nice to see that ram air hood that they had on the concept. It would be cool if they used the same grille style on the R/T that they use on Sport Rams, body colored surround and chrome cross bars!
From the looks I think some of the models, i.e. R/T, will be kick ass!
fugly to me...very weird lines...the front end looks saggy instead of bullish/ram tough...ya know...
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As for pricing, we are trying to offer a 2WD SLT 5.7 Hemi for less than $ 28,000.
As for when to expect to see them available at your local dealerships, Mid-November.
Also , a surprise ........standard 4 wheel drive system will be a
single speed AWD, not Part time 4 wheel drive ( no low range ). it will be available as an option.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the 3.7 for 2WD models. Good info as always, 2.0 R/T!
MORE COMMENTS...
It is surprising that Dodge would go with AWD as the standard system, but it's not like anybody takes them offroad. AWD is much more useful than 4WD-PT, as long as you don't offroad. I'm very glad to see 4WD-PT is still available as an option, though.
And the price is right. A comparable 2wd Tahoe (according to a quick lookup) would MSRP for about $35,000 and invoice for about $31,000. And that's with a 285-hp engine rather than the 345-hp Hemi.
I do think the Durango could've looked more aggressive and less minivan-ish. But when you enlarge the cargo area like that, there's only so much you can do to hide it. I'm anxious to drive one, and to see one in a decent color (white doesn't do it for me, and the red looked flat for some reason).
it kinda looks like a trailblazer. the lines, the rake, and the rear. thats a first...usually its GM that copies off everyone, not vice versa. (note: i am in no way implying that Dodge copied GM's design. just stating my opinion that GM is the copycat of the auto world.)
Could they make it look any less agressive? It looks like a Mini Van! Horrible front end, and horrible stance to boot. I think its very icky.
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[size=1]Disclaimer: All Dodge corporate employees, Dodge dealerships, Dodge service personnel or employees, family, friends, or acquaintances thereof: This in no way constitutes an admission or acknowledgement of tampering, modification, usage, or alteration of any vehicle in my possession or component thereof in such a fashion as to void, cancel, deny or otherwise refuse service on any service contracts, warrantees, or recall notices covering said vehicles. This and other posts submitted on this, or any Internet forum, under the screen name IPaidForThisName simply represent an attempt to gain acceptance from a peer group espousing cars of a high performance nature - especially those that have been altered to improve, enhance, or otherwise modify the automobile's natural characteristics. Any statements, claims, or graphical representations made that would constitute a violation of any contractual agreement are to be considered fictitious and not to be accepted in any court of law, or similar environment mediated for the purpose of dispute resolution[/size]
Looks like shit, I'd rather wait for the Trailblazer SS. They're gonna try and put the 3.7L in there? Fucking christ my mom has that engine in her Liberty and it's a terd, I don't want to imagine what another 5 or 600 pounds would do....
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SPY SHOT: Update production Durango Caught
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