"The Dodge Nitro's styling delivers something extra; that little something midsize buyers are still searching for -- attitude," said
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| Those wanting more power than the standard 210-hp 3.7L will be able to opt for a Nitro R/T, featuring an all-new 4.0L V6 with 255-hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
George Murphy, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. "In addition, the Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a midsize SUV, such as two V6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a performance suspension."
Like the concept, one of those V6 engines is the Liberty's 3.7-litre SOHC unit, sporting 210-hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, the same as with the Liberty and its other applications, but featuring some refinements in the way of improvements to the valve train and combustion chamber for a smoother idle and less engine noise. The 3.8 also features Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) to enhance throttle response while delivering a more "consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active". This will be the Nitro's base engine, and also featured in its second-rung SLT trim level.
Those
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| The top-line 4.0L V6 will provide V8-like output, much needed for carrying heavy loads and towing. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
wanting more power will be able to opt for a Nitro R/T, featuring an all-new 4.0-litre V6 with 255-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This top-line engine will provide V8-like output, much needed for carrying heavy loads and towing - the latter application up to 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs). No doubt, this engine will be used elsewhere, such as in the top-line Liberty, base Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota, etc. I should also mention that the Nitro will come fitted with a diesel engine as well, probably the same Italian-made common-rail turbocharged unit that powers the Liberty CRD. This would be good news for North American diesel fans, but alas it will only be available in markets outside of Canada and the U.S.
Shifting
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| Base models will get a six-speed manual, just one of total of three transmissions to be offered. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
gears, a total of three transmissions will be offered. Base models will get a six-speed manual, making the most of the engine's lighter torque rating. This six-speed is a pretty sophisticated manual, featuring first and second gear triple-cone synchronization for smoother operation, plus third and fourth gear double-cone and fifth and sixth gear single-cone synchronization. What's more, hard-finished gears make it quieter. Greater strength and precision are had via its multi-rail, steel-construction shift system, while a two-piece aluminum case with integrated clutch housing increases powertrain stiffness while reducing overall weight. Of course, the benefits of six
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The top-line R/T powerplant will get a five-speed automatic as standard equipment, featuring manual mode operation. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)
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individual cogs include improved off-the-line and top-speed performance, as well as better fuel economy.
A four-speed automatic will also be available with the 3.7-litre engine, where the top-line R/T powerplant will get a five-speed automatic as standard equipment. This five-speed unit features manual mode operation, but unlike previous shift-it-yourself automatics available on everything from the mighty Charger R/T or even mightier Charger SRT8, to the Ram pickup truck line, Dodge has dropped the AutoStick moniker. Rather, the new transmission features Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive shift control, which provides fully-automated shifting when placed in the "D" position and manual control when sliding the shifter from side to side. While the name has changed, the five-speed automatic's operation sounds the same as previous AutoStick gearboxes, which is what matters most.
