Bigger, Bolder and Faster – that’s the message behind this preview of the 2004 Dodge Durango from Daimler-Chrysler. The exterior is said to be 85 percent of the production intent and sales of the production model should start late 2003.

With a 5.7 liter HEMI Magnum power and 345hp, the Durango concept is also said to deliver blistering acceleration and 10 percent improved fuel efficiency.

The Durango Concept design has the mechanical presence of the original 1948 Dodge Power Wagon but its satin silver accents, body color billet aluminum grille and single headlamp covers hiding dual lights create a contemporary look. The grille is powerful, prominent and a Dodge signature, with the large cross-hair as the focal point.



“The Dodge Durango Concept is all Dodge, its DNA evident from every angle,” said Trevor Creed, senior vice president – Design, Chrysler Group. “The HEMI also inspired us with design cues. The functional dual hood scoops provide a visual connection to the MOPAR muscle cars of the 1960s and hint at the HEMI power that resides beneath the hood. The exposed rivets along the sill provide a mechanical connection to the long-standing strength of Dodge trucks.”

Flared wheel arches and drop shoulder fenders provide a visual energy that transitions power from the massive grille to the rear of the vehicle. The strength of the wheel flares and the 21-inch wheels and 50-Series tires add visual heft to the design.

The lower side fascia and sills blend the power from the front wheel arches into the rear wheel housings. The rear design of the Dodge Durango Concept is as distinctive and powerful as its front grille. The power of the silhouette is funneled into the integrated rear optics, with frenched “afterburner” taillamps that recall the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon pickup concept vehicle. The distinctive rear fascia design includes dual rear exhausts tipped in satin finish aluminum.



redriderbob

 

redriderbob

 

so when are they going to release that? That'll go good with the Trailblazer SS.

 

Any news about the Durango SRT-8? What engine will it be...Hemi Twin-Turbo or 6.1 Hemi?
Will it be base on the Durango R/T concept?

 

Nothing has been said about a Durango SRT-8 as of yet. But I would say look forward about a year and a half, and you might see one. I would look for something similar to the pre-production model Durango RT Concept, however, I would look for a Durango w/ a full mono color scheme, 20" rims, full-time 4X4 drive system, dual exhaust, supercharged 5.7L HEMI "MAGNUM" V-8, leather racing style buckets, and a lowered suspension.

Just remember, the Dodge Durango RT shown above, was a concept, to show the looks of the 2004 Dodge Durango production model a year prior to it's introduction, same w/ the 2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept. The Dodge Durango RT Concept shares about 85% of it's parts with the current 2004 Dodge Durango Laramie 4X4. Also the RT Concept, just had a 345 horsepower version of the 5.7L HEMI "MAGNUM" V-8.

redriderbob

 

Hey RedRiderBob,

I heard someone said Dodge will redesign the "double-bubble" headlight len for 2005 or 2006? Can you confirm?

 

Another question I have is, if Dodge decided with the SRT-8 package will the Durango still available AWD?

 

I totally believe so, the 2000-2003 Dodge Durango 5.9L R/T had AWD, and since the current 4X4 system only available on the 2004+ models is AWD, I wouldn't have a doubt for once second!

redriderbob

 

i hear that chrysler will suspend production of durango in 2009. is that true? is so, when will we ever see the rt version?

 

The new Durango will be on the Grand Cherokee platform. I don't think we'll see an R/T for a while.