New Durango Next Year

[NOS2006]

The Dodge Durango officially ended production in December when Chrysler closed the doors of the SUV’s Newark, Delaware production facility, but the Durango nameplate isn’t riding off into the sunset just yet. According to Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, an all-new Dodge Durango is waiting in the wings.

In a letter sent out to Chrysler employees last week, Nardelli confirmed that a new Dodge Durango is in the works. This is the first time Chrysler has commented on the fate of the Durango since closing the Newark plant late last year.

The new Durango – which is set to hit the market next year – will be based on the same platform as the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. As such, the Durango will be built alongside the Grand Cherokee at Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue North plant just outside of Detroit, according to Automotive News.

Although the Durango is getting a new lease on life, Chrysler has no plans on reviving its closest sibling, the Chrysler Aspen.

Nardelli also confirmed new versions of the automaker’s popular Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger were on the way, but failed to give a launch date for the new vehicles. However, insiders say both vehicles are primed for a late 2010 reveal.

[NOS2006]

WHOSE EXCITED?!

Not this guy.

[Intrepidation]

Known about this for a while now. Chrysler needs to offer something in this segment, and a Durango more along the size of the original is definitely a wise decision.

Now get to work on Project D and those small cars...and my 200C.

[CMG]

I haven't liked the Durango since the "ugly" restyle so it's about time in my books....

[Intrepidation]

I prefer the MCE to the original of this generation. I like the first gen Durango best though.

[RoadmaSSter]

I prefer the MCE to the original of this generation. I like the first gen Durango best though.

+1. It will be interesting to see how the new one turns out being based on the ML-class, etc. I'm anxious to see the styling of both the Durango and the Jeep.

[smk4565]

It will be like the Libery-Nitro clones, but with Grand Cherokee and Durango. And body on frame SUVs aren't going to save Chrysler.

[RoadmaSSter]

It will be like the Libery-Nitro clones, but with Grand Cherokee and Durango. And body on frame SUVs aren't going to save Chrysler.

They won't be unibody?

[Intrepidation]

It will be like the Libery-Nitro clones, but with Grand Cherokee and Durango. And body on frame SUVs aren't going to save Chrysler.

No $h! Sherlock they won't save Chrysler, but they were due for replacement. This will be platform sharing...think more along the lines of Acadia VS Enclave not rebadges like Colorado VS Canyon.

They won't be unibody?

It will be Unibody.

[RoadmaSSter]

No $h! Sherlock they won't save Chrysler, but they were due for replacement. This will be platform sharing...think more along the lines of Acadia VS Enclave not rebadges like Colorado VS Canyon.

Exactly.

It will be Unibody.

I know, I was just surprised by the BOF comment.

Edited January 31, 2009 by RoadmaSSter

[Intrepidation]

You know smk...facts are are a concept that escapes him.

[daves87rs]

I hought no one cared about SUVs anymore...

[Intrepidation]

I hought no one cared about SUVs anymore...

There is still a market for them, it's just smaller. That's why the Aspen was killed off. Chrysler will have 2 mid-size SUVs, the Nitro (which will be Discontinued, the Liberty, and the Commander (which is also being discontinued.

How many does GM have again? Or Toyota for that matter?

[Croc]

With their inventories the way they are, they could take the Durango out of production for 2 years and still have an ample lot supply.

[Robert Hall]

I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the 4th gen GC.

[BrewSwillis]

WHOSE EXCITED?!

I am.

[Satty]

One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

Two can be as bad as one

It's the loneliest number since the number one

No is the saddest experience you'll ever know

Yes, it's the saddest experience you'll ever know

`Cause one is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

One is the loneliest number, worse than two

It's just no good anymore since she went away

Now I spend my time just making rhymes of yesterday

One is the loneliest, number one is the loneliest

Number one is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

One is the loneliest, one is the loneliest

One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

It's just no good anymore since she went away

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

[daves87rs]

There is still a market for them, it's just smaller. That's why the Aspen was killed off. Chrysler will have 2 mid-size SUVs, the Nitro (which will be Discontinued, the Liberty, and the Commander (which is also being discontinued.

How many does GM have again? Or Toyota for that matter?

Not for long.....

[Robert Hall]

There is still a market for them, it's just smaller. That's why the Aspen was killed off. Chrysler will have 2 mid-size SUVs, the Nitro (which will be Discontinued, the Liberty, and the Commander (which is also being discontinued.

How many does GM have again? Or Toyota for that matter?

1 midsize SUV left from GM, 4 midsize CUVs, 4 fullsize CUVs, 10 fullsize SUVs....seems like too many. But they cut 5 or so more midsize SUV models in the last few years (GMT360s)..

Edited February 3, 2009 by moltar

[6t5frlane]

Satty, That actually was written by Harry Nillson for 3 dog night. Just some mindless trivia.