The Durango is BACK

After taking a year off, Durango returns to the Dodge line-up for 2011, showing off the new Dodge badge (now that Ram has taken its ram?s head and formed its own brand).

It also marks a reworking of the sport utility (SUV) vehicle by taking a pass on the body-on-frame Dakota platform of the previous generation. The all-new 2011 Durango will use a unibody design, stretched from that used for the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee (and borrowed from the Mercedes ML and GL Classes). The stretched body allows three rows of seating (Grand Cherokee only has two).

Two engine choices will be available ? the fuel efficient 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 will be the standard engine, while the power-player 5.7-litre Hemi V8 will be the choice of owners who need to tow stuff (up to 3,356 kg, or 7,400 lbs., when properly equipped) or do other kinds of grunt work. Although, the V6 is still tow-rated at 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs.). And Chrysler claims up to 800 km on a tank of gasoline (which could also mean a large fuel tank).

Both feature variable valve timing to take full advantage of the power/economy spectrum and the Hemi features Dodge?s multi displacement system that takes four cylinders offline in low-demand situations (such as cruising along the highway).

Interior details are elevated to a level never seen by Dodge with elegance and technology. Dodge is saying the new Durango interior features ?thoughtful touches that will make owners and their crews want to jump in, hunker down and thoroughly enjoy even the longest drive?. We take that to mean soft touch surfaces, the latest entertainment and connectivity technology, and fine natural materials such as leather and wood. Chrysler is claiming plenty of room in all seating positions and up to 22 available seating configurations, meaning versatility for carrying passengers and cargo. Keyless entry and push button start is also expected (Chrysler calls it Enter ?n Go)

Safety concerns are allayed by a complement of 45 safety and security features, including standard front side impact air bags and full side air-curtains. Emergency avoidance is entrusted to electronic stability control, blind spot monitoring, cross-path detection (useful when backing out of mall parking spots) and adaptive cruise with collision warning.

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