Dodge Nitro
chargergirl13
Member Posts: 4
I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the capabilites of the upcoming 07 Dodge Nitro, other than than the press release info. It says less capable than the liberty, but still capable - that doesn't tell us much.
Any info is appreciated!
Any info is appreciated!
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http://www.speedsportlife.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=541
Also, what about colors, any chance of inferno red?
Thanks
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles/detail.asp
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/10/2007-dodge-nitro-srt-possible-but-v8-unli- kely/
Towing Capacities, lbs. (kg)3.7L Gasoline Engine, Manual Transmission
2,000 (907)
3.7L Gasoline Engine, Manual Transmission w/Trailer Tow Package
3,500 (1588)
3.7L and 4.0L Gasoline Engine, Automatic Transmission
2,000 (907)
3.7L and 4.0L Gasoline Engine, Automatic Transmission w/Trailer Tow Package
5,000 (2268)
Caliber (2007)
<< back to Caliber (2007) homepage
SE
SXT
R/T AWD
1.8L World Engine
5-Speed Manual Transaxle 148 hp
28 city / 32 hwy* 148 hp
28 city / 32 hwy* -
2.0L World Engine
Continuously Variable Transaxle 158 hp
26 city / 30hwy* 158 hp
26 city / 30hwy* -
2.4L World Engine
Continuously Variable Transaxle - - 172 hp
23 city / 26 hwy*
* 2007 EPA estimated miles per gallon, actual mileage may vary with driving conditions.
They had a base model Nitro in black on the show floor, doors locked----VERY UNIMPRESSIVE, and very cheap seeming with lots of different color plastic on the outside and small chubby wheels, looked like an oversized toy truck.
However, downstairs with the other trucks, they had the Dodge Nitro R/T, in Inferno Red, with stock 20” polished aluminum wheels. They had it up on the rotating platform with the pre-requisite pretty girl giving her talk with the doors and hatch wide open.
The wheels may be a little to bling’ed out for some folks, and quite honestly it is hard to believe they will be the stock rims, but it is true. Another big plus is the reclining rear seats with drop down headliner DVD entertainment system for the lucky folks in the back. The Nitro will also feature a regular two prong outlet to recharge the cell phone, iPod etc. Factory remote start and Uconnect. Forward and rear leg room looked good, and head room should not be a problem either. Rear hatch opens to a large storage area with a slide out 400lb capacity loading dock. The dock slides out only 18” though.
Fully loaded R/T with a new 4.0L 255HP engine with Nav, DVD Entertainment and Leather expected to be around $30,000.
I will definitely be considering trading my 2001 Ford Escape on a new Nitro R/T in Red or Silver this Fall. They are expected to hit show rooms in Oct-Nov
The Nitro, quickly fell completely off my shopping list. The baseline model was "unimpressive" indeed. The interior looked horrible. I can never afford top line models, so the mid to base are very important to me. The interior looked really cheap and rigid.
For my money the best CUVs were the new Sante Fe and the Mazda CX-7. The Nitro seemed to have a lot of room. I think the market will become fragmented, where people who want sport buy the CX-7, people who want balance will grab the Santa Fe or the Edge which was really nice inside and out, and for those who want a more rugid look, they'll opt for the Nitro.
(And the word is spelled "r-u-g-g-e-d" - as in "Ram Tough".) :P
The Mazda design is sporty, period. The Edge is kinda of flashy. The Nitro is rugged. What is wrong with my descriptions. It's called market fragmentation. Everybody wants something different.
I qouldn't put the interior quality of Dodge up against Mazda's. Come on now, there jokes aren't funny. :P
Also has anyone noticed that the build and price feature has been removed from the website.
The 18” wheels are much more practical wheels (actually 16” are even more practical for all around use). The adjustable suspension would appeal to varying use. The six speeds would be wonderful if first was low and could be locked out for normal driving. and sixth gear was an overdrive. Keep the rear end at 3.73 and above. Don’t care about the dealer. IRS would be wonderful but that may be asking for to much. Finally while I am at it lets just get rid of the strut suspension. Come to think of it why not just bring back the Cherokee or the XJ with the new four liter and bigger brakes. Maybe stretch them 4 inches or more depending on the model
I'm not going to pronounce the Nitro with the 3.7 engine "underpowered" until I've driven one. According to everything which I've read, they've done quite a bit of "tweaking" on this engine which will hopefully give it more power than the version currently offered in the Jeep Liberty.
As to the red-insert seats, I was thinking that those were only in the "concept" version of the SRT. Either way, I'm sure that "normal-looking" leather seats would be an option.
I don't think the actual vehicle launch occurs til early november, but you will see them in the dealerships before that.
The cabin is also very quiet with very little road and wind noise and the ride is well damped seems almost a bit too soft yet it corners with only a little lean. The factory tires don't hold the road very well but I guess the R/Ts 20" should be a lot better. The driver's seat was a manual one with no hight or angle adjustment and this was my main issue with this model. Pretty good back support though and I guess power leather seats should be even better. Good ergonomics for a long trip with easy but precise (if a bit slow) stearing, great cruise control as a stalk on the column (Toyota style) that works precisely. There is quite a bit of brake dive but they work well with good pedal feel.
The cabin seemed a little tight side to side as all the window sills are a bit high on the side and the center storage box is quite high. It worked well for me though as I was able to rest either of my elbows and hold the steering wheel while driving. I could see all around pretty well although the headrests seem a bit too tall and angle forward too much. Rear seat room is good enough for 2 adults but the driveshaft tunnel and non-removable or foldable cup holders in the middle don't leave any legroom for a 3rd adult in the middle. The reclining seats are a good feature but the backs start to stick into your back when reclined all the way.
The rear cargo area is a good sized one albeit not very tall because of the high floor. It didn't have the "Load'n Go" slide out load tray but if it's truly as strong as advertised it would be a great feature to have! I've wrestled long heavy items into the backs of SUVs enough times to appreciate this feature. Also the rear tailgate doesn't lift up very high. I'm 6'1" and got my head bumped the first time. Should be easy to fix with a few inches of lift and bigger tires. :P Nice flat loading floor with the added utility of the folding front passanger seat. Should be standard on all SUVs.
Overall, I thought it was a good looking, well balanced vehicle with good power. A well executed design. If the gas milage is as advertised and you don't need 7 pass. seating the R/T should be a buy. :shades:
Talk Back Tuesday: Dodge's Nitro and Aggressive Style (Karl on Cars)
I could not believe how bad these seats were. They were like sitting on old worn out office chairs. I check out a lot of new cars whenever I get a chance and was just shocked how a car company can expect to sell a new car with garbage seats like this. The back was lousy as well.
Nearby was the new Sebring sedan... are they kidding??? What an eyesore of funky trim overload. I wouldn't even bother getting in that thing. The back seat looks like it's on the floor. And people wonder why US car sales are plummeting.