New York — Chrysler Group LLC will today unveil a significantly refreshed version of its Dodge Durango sport utility vehicle at the New York International Auto Show. It's another example of the automaker's effort to turn around its product lineup.
A close relative of the newly redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2014 Durango will feature an upgraded interior designed to make the most of Chrysler's latest infotainment technology and an eight-speed transmission that promises to boost fuel economy up to 9 percent.
Unlike the 2014 Grand Cherokee, the seven-passenger Durango will not offer a diesel option — at least not initially.
The Durango has an entry-level price of $30,000, making it attractive to younger buyers, the company said.
"The vehicle is fundamentally an all-new vehicle," said Reid Bigland, chief of the Dodge brand.
It has a new exterior with a bolder front face, new interior and new powertrain. It has LED rear lights inspired by the Charger and Dart.
Chrysler has added heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel to the new Durango, two options that are "off the charts," Bigland said.
He said the Durango "caters to young families." Bigland said 59 percent of buyers are young families.
The average age of the Durango buyer is in the early 40s, about 10 years younger than average for the full-size SUV market. Chrysler has had success in convincing buyers to opt for pricier versions.
Built off the same platform on the same Detroit assembly line as the Grand Cherokee, the Durango continues to be upstaged by its sibling. Last year, Chrysler sold 42,589 Durangos, down 17.6 percent over the previous year. It sold 154,734 Grand Cherokees, up 21.1 percent compared to 2011's tally.
But Chrysler says it needs both vehicles in its portfolio. And Bigland says there is not a lot of cross-shopping between the two models. The Durango has three rows of seating; the Grand Cherokee has two.
The new Durango will be available with either a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that generates 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that offers 360 horses and 390 pound-feet of torque — with an expected 25 mpg fuel economy.
The V-6 version offers best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 pounds, while the V-8 can pull another 1,200 pounds.
Chrysler has not said when the Durango will begin shipping.
From The Detroit News:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130328/AUTO0101/303280340#ixzz2Opfjc9MF
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