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| The Durango concept sports bulging circular taillamps similar to 2000's Powerwagon concept pickup truck. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Of course straight line acceleration is important but measuring performance in a road vehicle encompasses handling and braking too. The Durango concept uses an independent multilink setup in its front suspension and a truck-like solid axle with coil springs in the rear. The former is best for highway stability, especially during emergency lane changes, while the latter benefits off-road duty.
Its 21-inch satin chrome wheels probably won't make it to production, but that said who would have previously thought the Ram 1500 pickup R/T would include a set of 20-inch wheels and tires. Speaking of rubber the Durango concept sports 265/50R21 Goodyear HPs on all four corners, a nice pavement/off-road combination tire. Four-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes take care of stopping duties, and by their large diameter appearance look well up to the task.
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| See the similarity to this earlier Dodge concept. Some thought that this would be the next generation Dakota, and that the Powerbox concept that followed would become the new Durango. Not so, as the 2003 Durango RT HEMI concept looks to be production ready. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
That said, while its exact curb weight isn't available the Durango concept will probably weigh in slightly heavier than the current Durango's 2,101 kg (4,632 lb) curb weight. Why? It's larger. From end to end the new concept grows by 94 mm (3.7 in) to 5,009 mm (197.2 in), while the wheelbase is up by 77 mm (3.0 in) to 3,028 mm (119.2 in). It's wider too, by 124 mm (4.9 in) for a total of 1,943 mm (76.5 in). The only measurement that decreases is in height, where the new sport utility is a scant 5 mm (0.2 in) lower at 1,824 mm (71.8 in). The larger dimensions result in its increased passenger and cargo capacity.