BASE POWERTRAIN: 3.7 liter, 210 hp, 235 lb ft V6; awd, four speed automatic

WHAT'S COOL: The Nitro shows Dodge's intentions about adding a mid-sized SUV to it lineup within the next couple of years. The Nitro borrows its platform and drivetrain from the Jeep Liberty. Neat touches on the concept include a pop-up navigation screen, and a tray that slides out the back opening. The Nitro concept seats five but a production version will likely seat seven with three rows of seats.

WHAT AUTOMAKER SAYS: "Dodge Nitro's crisp lines and substantial body size create a brawny character not found in any mid-size SUV on the road today."

CHICAGO -- The Dodge Nitro is labeled a concept, but it shows how an SUV would be styled if it were to be developed on a Jeep platform. Such a vehicle is expected for 2006, industry sources say.

To create the Nitro, the Chrysler group took the Liberty platform and stretched the wheelbase by 4.0 inches. The resulting vehicle is 4.1 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider than the Liberty. The Nitro is 22.0 inches shorter than the Dodge Durango.

Styling draws on cues first seen on the Dodge M80 pickup concept introduced in 2002 at the Detroit auto show. While the M80 performed poorly in consumer clinics, an SUV version, called the M81, "got a lot of people's attention," says Trevor Creed, Chrysler group senior vice president for design. "So we think this is an ideal vehicle for the lineup."

One significant styling change between the Nitro and the M80 and M81 is the headlight treatment: Those vehicles "had round headlamps, and a lot of people said they looked more like a Jeep than a Dodge. So we changed to the rectangular design," says Creed.

The Nitro concept uses Chrysler group components, including a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6, four-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the vehicle is engineered for off-road use, Creed says it "doesn't have the extreme approach and departure angles that we have on a Jeep."

On the inside, the cargo floor behind the second seat is made of textured rubber for easy cleaning. When the rear cargo hatch is open, the floor slides rearward to ease loading and unloading packages and camp gear, or it can serve as a picnic table.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER

Dodge Introduces Nitro Concept Vehicle

Full-Size Attitude in a Mid-Size SUV
What happens when you bring the Dodge brand’s “Grab Life by the Horns” attitude to the mid-size SUV market? You get the Dodge Nitro concept. Making its debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV concept with a uniquely bold, powerful design statement that would ignite an automotive segment more typically characterized by bland styling.

Once again, the Dodge brand is breaking the rules and exploring yet another bold proportion with the Dodge Nitro concept. The Dodge Nitro concept would be the first mid-size SUV for Dodge, completing the brand’s current lineup, which now consists of passenger cars, minivans, trucks and a full-size SUV. The five-passenger Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking style, performance and utility.

“The Dodge Nitro concept is brimming with character; it evokes emotion through its rugged styling and dominant stance,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “This is more than just another typical mid-size SUV design statement.”

Exterior Styling — Bold and Powerful
The Dodge Nitro’s bright “Anodized Red” exterior color, confident stance and unique full exterior style not only amplify the vehicle’s persona — they set a tone that is continued throughout.

The face of the vehicle features the signature chrome Dodge crosshair grille flanked by jewel-like rectangular headlamps. The imposing hood carries distinctive character lines that relate directly to the front-end features.

Dodge Nitro’s crisp lines and substantial body size create a brawny character not found in any mid-size SUV on the road today. Eye-catching 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels convey a no-nonsense functional statement. Brushed silver vents positioned on each front fender and generously proportioned door handles add to the vehicle’s modern design and contemporary flair.

The rear of the vehicle features an integrated trailer tow hitch, chrome dual exhaust tail pipes, and a brushed silver license plate visor.

The roof is garnished with a satin silver and black-trimmed roof rack and crossbars that nest between integrated side rails, completing the functional look of the Dodge Nitro concept.

“Although the Dodge Nitro concept is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle, its expressive form and fullness of surface are similar to that of much larger SUVs,” said Rick Aneiros, Vice President – Jeep® and Truck Design. “The vehicle is not just an exercise in design; its attributes are functional and purposeful.”


Interior Styling — Sleek and Utilitarian
The Dodge Nitro concept’s spacious interior is both functional and flexible for people and cargo. Upon entry into the vehicle, chrome, silver and red accents have a dynamic presence throughout the interior.

A three-pod, four-gauge instrument cluster with electroluminescent lighting featuring white gauges with red pointers is accented by silver bands, giving the interior a sense of technical precision. Most stunning is the vehicle’s satin silver center console, which houses a DVD-based navigation radio with a seven-inch fixed LED screen. Control buttons, shifter knob, door handles, gauges, speakers and assist handles are also satin silver. The attention to detail continues on to the driver pedals, which are made of brushed aluminum with black rubber anti-slip inserts.

The seats, which have a rich, polished appearance, are black leather with rugged bright red inserts. Black netting placed in the center of the head rests gives the vehicle a built-for-fun appeal. Assist handles are located in the back of the front driver and passenger seats to enable easy entry and exit. Front passenger and rear seats fold flat, allowing for ample cargo capacity.

The rear cargo floor is made of rugged-textured vinyl and is easy to clean. With the rear hatch open, the cargo floor slides rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. Modular storage bins and a first-aid kit are located in the rear quarters of the vehicle.


Performance — Functional and Fun
The Dodge Nitro concept is not only great to look at, it’s fun to drive. The Dodge Nitro concept’s estimated performance figures include a top speed of 108 mph, standing 1⁄4 mile at 16.9 seconds, and can go from 0 – 60 mph in 9.6 seconds.

The Dodge Nitro concept incorporates existing Chrysler Group components including the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine, which generates 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. torque (319 N•m) @ 4000 rpm, the 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission and independent SLA front and five-link rear suspension system. The vehicle has full-time four-wheel drive and weighs in at 4115 pounds (1867 kg).

Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2004. With a 6.9 percent market share, Dodge is the fifth largest nameplate in the United States and will arrive in European volume segments in 2006

Dodge Nitro Concept Specifications

Powertrain
Engine – 3.7-Liter SOHC V-6
Estimated Power – 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5200 rpm
Estimated Torque – 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
Transmission – 42RLE, Four-speed auto
Drivetrain – Full-time Four-wheel drive
Suspension:
Front – Independent SLA
Rear – Five-link solid axle
Estimated Performance
0 – 60: 9.6 seconds
Standing 1⁄4 mile: 16.9 seconds
Top Speed: 108 mph

Weight/Dimensions
Vehicle Weight – 4115 lbs. (1867 kg) (estimated)
Length – 178.8 in. (4543 mm) without Hitch
Length – 179.7 in. (4565 mm) with Hitch
Wheelbase – 108.3 in. (2752 mm)
Front Overhang – 28.9 in. (735 mm)
Rear Overhang – 41.6 in. (1057 mm)
Width (max) – 73.1 in. (1857 mm)
Height – 69.2 in. (1758 mm)
Track – Front and Rear – 61.0 in. (1549 mm)
Ground Clearance – 7.8 in. (198 mm)
Cargo Area 2nd Row Down – 66.9 cu. ft. (1.9 cu. meter)
Cargo Area 2nd Row Up – 32.3 cu. ft. (0.9 cu. meter)

Wheel/Tire
Wheels – 20 x 7.5 Cast-Aluminum
Tires – 255/50R20 Michelin 4x4 Diamaris

The Nitro borrows its platform and drivetrain from the Jeep Liberty.

MUNICH, Germany -- Dodge is DaimlerChrysler AG's best-selling brand in the United States, but it is virtually unknown in Europe.

To work its way into the consciousness of Europeans, Dodge is using low-cost, high-visibility marketing techniques to get buyers into its forthcoming Caliber five-door hatchback and Nitro medium SUV.

One example is a cooperative effort with home-improvement stores in which Dodge intends to appeal directly to visitors and offer practical help, such as driving building materials home in a Dodge.

Specifically, the person Dodge wants to lure is a male problem-solver.

"We are emphasizing core values such as enjoyment, power, masculinity and authenticity," said Robert Scheffler, head of marketing communication for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Germany.

Brash attitude

To get that message across, Dodge will import some of the brash, in-your-face attitude that has helped it continue to top the combined sales of sister brands Chrysler and Jeep in the United States.

The ram's head and slogan "Grab life by the horns" frequently seen in North American ads also will be used in Europe. The English-language slogan will not be translated in most countries.

"We want to differentiate ourselves from classical advertising, which is often rather anonymous," Scheffler said.

European potential

The brand already has a halo model here: the Viper roadster.

DaimlerChrysler believes Dodge can outsell Chrysler and Jeep combined in Europe, as it does in the United States.

In 2004 Chrysler sold 57,228 units and Jeep sold 35,688 units in western Europe, according to Automotive News Europe's 2005 Global Market Data Book. Dodge sold just 214 cars.

Dodge is a strong brand in the United States. During the first 10 months of this year, Dodge sold 1,014,859 units in the United States, compared with 940,627 for Chrysler and Jeep combined.

The Dodge campaign will center around the Caliber and Nitro.

The Caliber arrives in Europe in June. It shares a vehicle platform with the upcoming Jeep Patriot and Compass.

The Nitro arrives in late 2006 or early 2007. It will share a platform with the redesigned Jeep Wrangler debuting next year.

"While Chrysler appeals to upmarket customers and automotive gourmets, Dodge customers will be found in the mid-range income bracket with more of a down-to-earth attitude, and more often employed as independent entrepreneurs," said Markus Hauf, a spokesman for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep in Germany.

Seat, Alfa targeted

For the Caliber, the emphasis will be on price and styling.

"With the Caliber, we will appeal to Seat and Alfa Romeo customers, and we also expect drivers of the Mazda3 and current Opel offerings to take a closer look," Hauf said.

The Nitro will compete with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rear-drive and four-wheel-drive models are planned.

Still to be determined is whether the redesigned Dodge Stratus will be imported. That car will debut in North America in 2007.

Hauf said the rwd Dodge Charger and Magnum are not planned for the European market because the vehicles would overlap with the Chrysler 300C and 300C Touring

The Dodge brand — which is no stranger to creating innovative automotive products and features — is spicing up the mid-size SUV segment with the 2007 Dodge Nitro, a new sport-utility vehicle whose bold and aggressive styling matches its dynamic performance.

"The Dodge Nitro's styling delivers something extra; that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for — attitude," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing. "In addition, the Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a performance suspension."

The 2007 Dodge Nitro is the first mid-size sport-utility vehicle for Dodge and complements the brand's current lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.

"Being the first mid-size SUV for the brand, Dodge Nitro had to personify the bold, powerful and street-smart attitude of Dodge," said Murphy. "In a world of mostly bland SUVs, the 2007 Dodge Nitro has the design, engineering and performance to inspire consumers and ignite the mid-size SUV market."

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Available on the Dodge Nitro and Dodge Nitro SLT is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 Nom) @ 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 hp (190 kW) @ 5,800 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. torque (360 Nom) @ 4,000 rpm. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Nitro SLT is a new performance suspension and 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels, providing performance-oriented drivers with fun-to-drive handling and a firm ride.

Three transmissions — one manual and two automatic — will be offered. The Dodge Nitro comes with a standard six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The Dodge Nitro SLT has a standard four-speed automatic. The Dodge Nitro R/T has a standard five-speed automatic. All U.S. models offer 4x2 and 4x4 capability. The new mid-size SUV boasts excellent acceleration, braking, handling and towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.

Standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T is a new Chrysler Group feature, the LOAD 'N GO cargo floor that slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages, and can hold up to 400 pounds. It is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. A compact utility table is an available option on the Dodge Nitro model.

The Dodge Nitro also includes many standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Roll Mitigation and side-curtain airbags.

Available options include a DVD-based navigation system with traffic data update, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, AM/FM/6-disc/DVD/MP3 audio with premium speakers with a subwoofer, remote start, UConnect, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

"With its performance-oriented 4.0-liter engine and LOAD 'N GO cargo floor, the Dodge Nitro continues the brand's history of creating new and game-changing products and features," said Murphy.

There was the 1992 Dodge Viper, for example. The outrageously sculpted and brutishly powerful sports car turned heads, palpitated hearts and became the icon of the brand.

In 1994 the big-rig design of the Dodge Ram pickup truck instantly made every other pickup truck in its class boring.

And the Stow 'n Go seating system, introduced in the 2005 model year Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, reasserted Chrysler Group's leadership position in that market.

"Just like those innovations, the 2007 Dodge Nitro will reinvigorate its segment, the mid-size sport-utility market," said Murphy.

Chrysler Group previously announced that the Dodge brand will expand to Europe and volume markets overseas, and the Dodge Nitro will be part of that expansion. The vehicle will be available in markets outside North America, in both left- and right-hand drive, by the first quarter of 2007.

The 2007 Dodge Nitro will be built at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep Liberty. Dodge Nitro will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle.

With a U.S. market share of 6.9 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share. The Dodge brand will arrive in Europe and other volume markets outside of North America starting in 2006.

Dodge will take the wraps off its mid-sized Nitro SUV at the Chicago Auto Show.

The Nitro, which is based on the Jeep Liberty platform, will go on sale in the third quarter of 2006. Dodge is aiming the vehicle at young families and young couples.

Three trim levels will be offered: the base Nitro and the SLT and R/T versions. A 3.7-liter V-6 engine rated at 210 hp is standard on the base and SLT models. A 4.0-liter V-6 delivering 255 hp is standard on the R/T.

The Nitro will be offered with a diesel engine outside North America in 2007.

One manual and two automatic transmissions will be offered. A six-speed manual is standard on the base model. A four-speed automatic is standard on the SLT.

A five-speed automatic is standard on the R/T.

All three versions are available with four-wheel drive.

A performance suspension is standard on the R/T and optional on the SLT.

Standard safety features include stability control, antilock brakes, electronic roll mitigation and side curtain airbags.

Chrysler today announced pricing for the 2007 Dodge Nitro, which was first unveiled in February, and went into production just last week. Three models are available: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine which generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 horsepower (190 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N*m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the SLT are a new performance suspension, 20-inch tires and chromed-clad aluminum wheels. Pricing is as follows: Dodge Nitro SXT 4×2 $19,885; Dodge Nitro SXT 4×4 $21,395; Dodge Nitro SLT 4×2 $23,295; Dodge Nitro SLT 4×4 $24,805; Dodge Nitro R/T 4×2 $25,970; Dodge Nitro R/T 4×4 $27,630.