[Source: Dodge press release]

'With a long track record of distinguishing itself from the crowd, the new 2007 Dodge Durango takes it a step further with a bold, sleek design and a new level of convenience and standard safety features,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'Dodge Durango's right-size package offers many features that are not typical in a full-size SUV, such as two V-8 engines – each with fuel-saving technologies – best-in-class interior space and superior ride comfort.'

With best-in-class power generated from the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, last year Dodge Durango featured Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS). 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.

The 2007 Dodge Durango features its 4.7-liter V-8 engine with standard E-85 compatibility, earning the FFV designation that provides customers the option of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Also new for the 2007 Dodge Durango is standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side-curtain air bags, available Tire Pressure Monitoring system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist, one-touch lane-change signal, YES Essentials® stain-resistant fabric, express up-and-down windows and dual-zone automatic temperature control.


'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007'

Exterior

• New front and rear fascias are body mounted eliminating gaps seen on previous models
  
• Updated front end appearance is achieved with a new grille, front fenders, hood and headlamps
  
• Limited model front fascia incorporates a bright insert
  
• New liftgate light bar incorporates the Dodge brand logo
  
• New bodyside moldings are standard on SXT, SLT, Adventurer and Limited models
  
• New larger (six- by nine-inches) rearview mirrors are heated and folding
  
• New exterior color offerings include Marine Blue, Steel Blue and Brilliant Black
  

Interior

• New optional quad bucket seats (rear seats are heated when heated front seats are ordered) are available on SLT and Limited models
  
• New seat materials and sew styles
  
• YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric is standard on SLT cloth seats
  
• 115-volt power inverter is standard on all vehicles equipped with rear HVAC
  
• Express up and down driver and passenger windows
  
• Standard side air bags
  
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center is added to the overhead console
  
• Leather-wrapped center console lid is standard on Limited
  
• New SLT center stack bezel finish—Maple Pommele Woodgrain
  
• One-touch, three-blink lane change feature
  
• Dual zone front Automatic Temperature Control
  

Powertrain / Chassis

• Available in 45 states, the optional 4.7-liter engine comes standard with flex-fuel capability (operates on E85 ethanol)
  
• 18-inch aluminum wheels now standard on SLT models with either black sidewall or outline white letter tires
  
• 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels now standard on Limited
  
• 20-inch chrome clad wheel added as optional equipment for both the SLT and the Limited
  
• New 17-inch aluminum wheel is standard on SXT and Adventurer models
  
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment with standard trailer sway dampening
  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) is standard on SLT and Limited models
  

Safety & Security

• Side air bags are now standard
  
• Ultrasonic rear park assist is standard on Limited and optional on SLT
  

DESIGN

'Bold styling and a powerful presence make Dodge Durango clearly stand out from the crowd,' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. 'The new 2007 Dodge Durango's design characteristics retain and further enhance its unique presence compared with other competitive SUVs. Durango's new grille and body-mounted front and rear fascias feature chiseled, sharp angles and new rectangular headlamps that prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, providing a distinctive, confident, high-quality appearance.'

Achieving a bold look unlike anything in its segment, Dodge Durango designers introduced taut new angles and planar surfaces to the vehicle's strong and confident front-end design. These characteristics proportion the vehicle with a new level of purpose, capability and assertive stance.

With unmistakable Dodge DNA, the Durango's bold crosshair grille prominently stands out. The 2007 Dodge Durango's grille is adorned with a hefty three-dimensional ram's head. The chromed crosshair grille features a more chiseled, ingot appearance with sharper, squared-off edges. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps – with new dual-halogen bulbs – prominently wrap the corners of the new fenders. A new one-piece, body-mounted front fascia with integrated fog lamps and a chrome appliqué accents Durango's bold yet sophisticated appearance. A new clamshell hood features strong character lines and completes the front-end design.

The profile of the 2007 Dodge Durango features a deep-body section and high beltline, which add to the vehicle's confident appearance. The short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle's forceful expression. New available 20-inch wheels are surrounded by bold, powerful-looking wheel arches, and the roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette.


The overall rear design of the Durango is clean and functional, and features 'afterburner' taillamps. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A new, wider chrome appliqué graciously accentuates the rear liftgate and features a centered, three-dimensional ram's head.

ENGINEERING

'With exceptional ride comfort, best-in-class V-8 power, seating for eight passengers, added convenience and fuel-saving technology, the new 2007 Dodge Durango is the ultimate, right-size SUV,' said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. 'Power barely begins to describe the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, since it comes standard with Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System.

'Combined with a fully hydroformed frame and chassis, the 2007 Dodge Durango is an exceptional-handling SUV that delivers a refined driving experience, whether it's during a trip to the grocery store or a family vacation,' added Donoughe.

The award-winning HEMI's 330 horsepower (246 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. (509 N•m) of torque provide more than ample power for towing and hauling. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and is available on the 2007 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models.

Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (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. Durango customers receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI engine with the fuel economy that they – until now – could expect from only a smaller, less powerful engine.

The 2007 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that develops 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque. The 235-horsepower (175 kW), E-85-compatible FFV, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango vehicles. With 305 lb.-ft. (414 N•m) of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance and offers customers the adaptability of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Featuring a refined and quiet ride, the 2007 Dodge Durango provides a handling edge not normally associated with sport-utility vehicles. A torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame is linked to an independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering. Courtesy of the frame dynamics, the suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering feel.

Dodge Durango's rear suspension is configured with coil springs and a solid rear axle that deliver a smooth ride with superior payload and best-in-class towing capability. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The result is a smooth ride, a best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,700 lbs. and class-leading towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.

The 2007 Dodge Durango interior is simple, roomy and user-friendly with a functional yet elegant design. Boasting class-leading cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.

Dodge Durango's flat load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats, provides 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between the wheelhouses in the rear cargo area is 48 inches wide – enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.

New for 2007, Dodge Durango offers optional second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers a first-class environment. A standard 40-20-40 split second-row seat boasts seating for three adults – with ample leg, shoulder and hip room – individual climate controls and an available DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.

For easy loading and unloading of gear, the Dodge Durango offers a power rear liftgate, which opens with the touch of a button. In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.

A new one-touch lane-change feature allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes. Advanced safety and security features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), ParkSense®, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows.