2014 Dodge Durango unveiled

An updated version of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV has made its public debut at the New York International Auto Show.

The exterior tweaks are subtle, consisting of a mild facelift for the front end, the adoption of LED ‘racetrack’ taillight clusters and a restyled rear bumper.

Dodge Durango (2014) Front Side

On the inside the Durango retains its three-row seating, with a pair of captain’s chairs available for the middle row instead of the usual bench. The instrument cluster is now a 7” customisable thin-film transistor colour screen, while the redesigned centre console houses a touchscreen for operating the navigation, communication, entertainment and air conditioning systems. Voice control can also be specified.

Technically, the most significant change is a new standard-fit eight-speed automatic transmission. Controlled via either a rotary shifter or steering wheel paddles, it’s reckoned to reduce fuel consumption by up to nine per cent when partnered with the 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 engine. As before, the alternative motor is a 5.7 litre Hemi V8 which produces 360 bhp (268 kW / 365 PS) and 529 Nm (390 lb/ft) of torque.

To further improve efficiency, Dodge has introduced an Eco Mode. Activated automatically upon start-up, it dictates the gear shift patterns, throttle sensitivity and, for V8-powered versions, the cylinder deactivation function. What’s more, fuel delivery to the engine is cut when the vehicle is coasting.

Given the Durango’s likely role as a family transport, safety is probably going to be a priority for many owners. For them, a number of additional features are being offered for the first time including adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning device.

Production of the 2014 Dodge Durango is due to begin during the third quarter of 2013. Buyers will have a choice of SXT, Rallye, Limited, R/T or Citadel trim grades, although prices have yet to be announced.

Dodge Durango (2014) SideDodge Durango (2014) Dashboard

Dodge Durango (2014) Rear SeatsDodge Durango (2014) Rear Side

Related posts:
Durango Special Service
Journey becomes a Fiat
2011 Dodge Durango

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more