Hey, y'all! I've been away for a few days, enjoying father's day withthe
inlaws and all (yeah, right, enjoying). ANyhow, anyone catch this article
in the Buzz about the 2003 HEMI Dak and the 4.7HO?
Here's the link and the story:
http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b061901.htm
BUZZ WATCH
HEMI DAKOTA AND DURANGO
After last week's column on the new 5.7 liter HEMI that
will
be used in the 2003 I received several letters from readers
wondering if the new engine will be used in the Dakota and
Durango. The good news is that the next generation Dakota,
codenamed NB, will in-fact be available with the new engine
when the truck makes its debut in either model year 2004 or
2005.
The new 3.7 liter V6 and the 4.7 liter V8 will be the
primary
engines for the next Dakota. The 5.7 will only be available
in
limited quantities with the Dakota R/T bing the primary
recipient. The NB won't be the only truck getting the HEMI.
The next generation Durango, codenamed HB, will also be
getting the hot new engine. The HB is definitely scheduled
for launch in model year 2004. The good news is that the
HEMI will have wider availability in the Durango.
As previously reported, both of these new trucks will
feature
styling based on the popular Power Wagon concept or more
accurately on the 2001 Power Box concept unveiled this past
January at the LA Auto Show.
Both vehicles will have longer wheelbases (approximately 10
inches) but will retain the same basic outside dimensions
as
the current model. Interior space will be increased on
both.
The next Durango will have 24 percent more interior space
than the current model and Durango and will be capable of
seating eight. Backseats will fold flush into the rear
cargo
floor for increased space. With the rear seats folded flat,
the
overall cargo length will be seven feet, which one foot
more
than in current Durango.
4.7 HIGH OUTPUT
Several readers also wrote in wondering about the next
Ram's engine line-up, specifically about the hole between
the
245 horsepower 4.7 liter V8 and the 350 horsepower 5.7
HEMI V8. Their concern is that there's not going to be an
intermediate engine which will give the competition an
advantage.
No need to worry, as previously reported, Chrysler already
has an answer to that problem. For model year 2002 they
will introduce a high-output version of the 4.7 liter V8.
The
4.7 HO will put out more than 270 horsepower.
One of my Ace Buzz Patrollers reports that the Mack I
engine plant began building production versions of the new
engine on Monday. For 2002 the engine will only be
available in the Grand Cherokee. Availability will be
limited
for the hot new engine. Sources tell me it's an impressive
performer in the JGC, pulling 0-60 in around seven seconds
and covering the quarter mile in the fourteens.
The HO 4.7 will begin showing up in the Dodge Ram in
model year 2003. It probably wont make its debut in the
Durango/Dakota until the new models debut in 2004/2005.
________________________________________________________________
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:01:50 EDT