2007 Dodge Nitro @ 2006 Chicago Show

[mikeyb]

The Dodge brand which is no stranger to creating innovative automotive products and features is spicing up the mid-size SUV segment with the 2007 Dodge Nitro, a new sport-utility vehicle whose bold and aggressive styling matches its dynamic performance.



"The Dodge Nitro's styling delivers something extra; that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for attitude," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President Global Marketing. "In addition, the Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a performance suspension."

The 2007 Dodge Nitro is the first mid-size sport-utility vehicle for Dodge and complements the brand's current lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.

"Being the first mid-size SUV for the brand, Dodge Nitro had to personify the bold, powerful and street-smart attitude of Dodge," said Murphy. "In a world of mostly bland SUVs, the 2007 Dodge Nitro has the design, engineering and performance to inspire consumers and ignite the mid-size SUV market."

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Available on the Dodge Nitro and Dodge Nitro SLT is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 Nom) @ 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 hp (190 kW) @ 5,800 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. torque (360 Nom) @ 4,000 rpm. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Nitro SLT is a new performance suspension and 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels, providing performance-oriented drivers with fun-to-drive handling and a firm ride.

Three transmissions one manual and two automatic will be offered. The Dodge Nitro comes with a standard six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The Dodge Nitro SLT has a standard four-speed automatic. The Dodge Nitro R/T has a standard five-speed automatic. All U.S. models offer 4x2 and 4x4 capability. The new mid-size SUV boasts excellent acceleration, braking, handling and towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.

Standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T is a new Chrysler Group feature, the LOAD 'N GO cargo floor that slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages, and can hold up to 400 pounds. It is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. A compact utility table is an available option on the Dodge Nitro model.

The Dodge Nitro also includes many standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Roll Mitigation and side-curtain airbags.

Available options include a DVD-based navigation system with traffic data update, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, AM/FM/6-disc/DVD/MP3 audio with premium speakers with a subwoofer, remote start, UConnect, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

"With its performance-oriented 4.0-liter engine and LOAD 'N GO cargo floor, the Dodge Nitro continues the brand's history of creating new and game-changing products and features," said Murphy.

There was the 1992 Dodge Viper, for example. The outrageously sculpted and brutishly powerful sports car turned heads, palpitated hearts and became the icon of the brand.

In 1994 the big-rig design of the Dodge Ram pickup truck instantly made every other pickup truck in its class boring.

And the Stow 'n Go seating system, introduced in the 2005 model year Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, reasserted Chrysler Group's leadership position in that market.

"Just like those innovations, the 2007 Dodge Nitro will reinvigorate its segment, the mid-size sport-utility market," said Murphy.

Chrysler Group previously announced that the Dodge brand will expand to Europe and volume markets overseas, and the Dodge Nitro will be part of that expansion. The vehicle will be available in markets outside North America, in both left- and right-hand drive, by the first quarter of 2007.

The 2007 Dodge Nitro will be built at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep Liberty. Dodge Nitro will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. With a U.S. market share of 6.9 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share. The Dodge brand will arrive in Europe and other volume markets outside of North America starting in 2006.

 

[eting_pro5]

Meh. Doesn't do it for me, but I like the Land Rover rip-off fents on the quarter panels

 

[nealric]

This car is the reason the word "fugly" needed to be invented.

YUCK!

 

[romecandleboy]

It is what it is....another SUV. The interior looks ok, but that armrest looks a little intimidating.

 

[MrValve]

Looks like a Dodge Jeep Cherokee

 

[JOS3]

why are they wasting floor space on POS like this?

 

[p5power]

am i the only one that was expecting a car...not an SUV? i'm sorry, but the name doesn't fit the product.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

Looks like a Dodge Jeep Cherokee

the platform is shared with a Jeep Liberty and built on the same assembly line

 

[romecandleboy]

What's with that handle that Dodge/Chrysler puts on the glove box ? Is that necessary?

 

[Newf]

well it's not as ugly as the durango...
...but just how many of these SUV's do we need in this world anyways?

 

[orlandomsp]

Another ugly Dodge.

 

[p5power]

just how many of these SUV's do we need in this world anyways?

(werd)

 

[altspace]

"Industrial" looking, especially the interior. Stainless steel oven comes to mind.

 

[altspace]

"Mid-Size"? Just how big is this thing?

 

[dbzeag]

Wow, those are the worse ergonomics I have ever seen in a car. I have only driven one Chrysler product and it was a Dodge Stratus. Let me just say it was one of the worse cars I have ever driven. It felt like someone purposefully decided to make the driver's life a living hell.

Then I see the interior shots of this hunk of uselessness. More of the same anti-thought. Tell me how anyone has any hope of turning those stupidly small and badly installed climate control switches under that radio "awning". Tell me how anyone would get around that ridiculous shifter to hit the buttons that are completely out of view. Tell me how large a person's torso has to be to comfortably use that "armrest". Tell me how anyone can use those cup holders sitting right next to that protrusion of an arm rest.

High door sills, small windows, long bonnet, brilliant for parking lots and just driving in general.

Does anyone else think the back cargo area is a bit too complicated for what is should be doing?

Congrats Chrysler, you have made another wonderful and stylish car with no substance and no usability.

 

[fattyboombatty]

Wow, those are the worse ergonomics I have ever seen in a car. I have only driven one Chrysler product and it was a Dodge Stratus. Let me just say it was one of the worse cars I have ever driven. It felt like someone purposefully decided to make the driver's life a living hell.

Then I see the interior shots of this hunk of uselessness. More of the same anti-thought. Tell me how anyone has any hope of turning those stupidly small and badly installed climate control switches under that radio "awning". Tell me how anyone would get around that ridiculous shifter to hit the buttons that are completely out of view. Tell me how large a person's torso has to be to comfortably use that "armrest". Tell me how anyone can use those cup holders sitting right next to that protrusion of an arm rest.

High door sills, small windows, long bonnet, brilliant for parking lots and just driving in general.

Does anyone else think the back cargo area is a bit too complicated for what is should be doing?

Congrats Chrysler, you have made another wonderful and stylish car with no substance and no usability.

So you are thinking about getting this when it is released?

 

[Protege52003]

the platform is shared with a Jeep Liberty and built on the same assembly line

but looks much better than the liberty!

i kind of like it......

-R

 

[altspace]

It's "edgy". Funny how the "box" style has made a comeback. Ala, Jeep Commander, Scion xB, etc.

 

[dbzeag]

So you are thinking about getting this when it is released?

If I was given this as a prize, I would sell it that minute for the buck fifty it's worth when it leaves the lot and be happier than if I had kept it.

 

[fattyboombatty]

If I was given this as a prize, I would sell it that minute for the buck fifty it's worth when it leaves the lot and be happier than if I had kept it.

lol