2005 Dodge Nitro Concept

Secondly the Nitro is about the same size as the Grand Cherokee; 38 mm (1.5 inches) taller, probably due to the 20-inch

After reading over the dimensions of the Nitro, it's probably a safe bet to assume it will be based off of the Jeep Grand Cherokee if produced. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

concept wheels and tires, and 5 mm (0.2 inches) narrower, a negligible difference that could merely be the result of unique styling. At 4,543 mm (178.8 in) long without a hitch and 4,565 mm (179.7 in) with one, the new concept is shorter than the GC by 175 mm (6.9 inches) at its longest - a fairly substantial difference but one that could also be attributed to the Nitro's near vertical liftgate.

The concept's wheelbase is nearly identical to the Grand Cherokee, mind you, only being 29 mm (1.1 inches) shorter, while both feature similar cargo capacity; the GC nudging the Nitro out by about 78 litres (2.8 cu ft) with the rear seats upright and only 9 litres (0.3 cu ft) when the seats are folded flat.

Now that we're talking dimensions and measurements, the Nitro weighs in at 1,867 kilos (4,115 pounds), which is 118 kilos (261 pounds) lighter than the 1,985 kg (4,376 pound) Grand Cherokee Laredo. The Laredo

While Dodge is selling a lot of vehicles, it would of course like to boost its 6.9 percent market share. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

features a 4.7-litre V8, however, which would make up a great deal of the extra weight.

I suppose what might be the most intriguing prospect to comparing the Grand Cherokee and Nitro, is the prospect of alternative powertrains. The JC comes with Chrysler Group's strong 4.7-litre V8, as mentioned above, which would go a long way to making the Nitro more, well, "Nitro", if you get what I'm trying to say. Of course, the automaker's 5.7-litre HEMI would give it more bang as well, as would the 425-horsepower 6.1-litre HEMI - the first already available in the GC and the second on its way as a special SRT8 version.