DETROIT, Mich. — The Dodge Nitro concept SUV-minivan crossover was one of the stars of the recent Detroit and Chicago shows, and you might not have to wait long to get one.
Dodge has confirmed the Nitro could go into production as early as 2006 for the 2007 model year.
Much of the design work of the Nitro was inspired by a 2002 concept, the M80 pickup. The M80 may not see the light of day, but the Nitro will fit well into the Dodge lineup, as consumers are looking for smaller, more city-friendly SUVs than the Durango.
Nitro will be built on the same platform as the new "green" Jeep, the Liberty, though with a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. Nitro's wheelbase is 108.3 inches and its overall length is 178.8 inches, making it smaller than a Durango.
It will share the Liberty's 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 with four-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive.
What this means to you: The Nitro could do for Dodge what the PT Cruiser did for Chrysler — provide a really distinctive vehicle in a crowded sector.
Dodge has confirmed the Nitro could go into production as early as 2006 for the 2007 model year.
Much of the design work of the Nitro was inspired by a 2002 concept, the M80 pickup. The M80 may not see the light of day, but the Nitro will fit well into the Dodge lineup, as consumers are looking for smaller, more city-friendly SUVs than the Durango.
Nitro will be built on the same platform as the new "green" Jeep, the Liberty, though with a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. Nitro's wheelbase is 108.3 inches and its overall length is 178.8 inches, making it smaller than a Durango.
It will share the Liberty's 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 with four-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive.
What this means to you: The Nitro could do for Dodge what the PT Cruiser did for Chrysler — provide a really distinctive vehicle in a crowded sector.
Add A Comment »