The third generation of Dodge Durango is be built along side of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jefferson Ave. The new Durango will not only share the assembly line with the Grand Cherokee, but also the running gear, powertrains, and chassis parts.
The new Durango will feature two engines. The base engine is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine pumping out 290 hp (220 kW; 290 PS) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque @ 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm. The Pentastar V6 is attached to the Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler’s controls and the driver-interactive control. The 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 returns with 360 hp (270 kW; 360 PS) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) of torque, which also features the 5-speed automatic found in the V6.
The wheelbase of the new Durango will be longer than that of the Grand Cherokee. It will feature three rows of seating compared to the Grand Cherokee's two rows. It will also plug the gap at Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram dealers that is left with the discontinuation of the Jeep Commander.
The 2011 Dodge Durango is expected to enter production period in late October to early November, with production starting in December 2010, and dealership inventory starting to acumulate around January 2011.
