HEMI DAKOTA

From: Richard A Pyburn (rap777@juno.com)
Date: Tue Jun 19 2001 - 15:48:58 EDT


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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