POWER, STYLE, CAPABILITY : 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS IT ALL

Its combination of power, capability, roominess and style has made Dodge Dakota the most logical choice for more and more compact pickup buyers each year. In 1998, Dodge made a statement with the Dakota R/T, a performance-tuned 250 horsepower street machine. The 1999 model year promises greater availability the Dakota R/T and -- as always -- the widest variety of best-in-class features that make Dakota a truly unique entry in the compact class.

"As we have done with all of our trucks, we start with a great idea and then expand to provide greater choice for our customers," said Dodge General Manager Jim Julow. "The formula we used for Ram was tailored to fit Dakota. We began in 1997 with a redesigned version that provided more power, capability and interior room than all other compact pickups. In 1998, we added a performance version with the R/T. For 1999, we offer even more choices and greater availability."

Performance continues to be the category that sets Dakota apart from its compact competitors. The only compact pickup with a V-8 engine now has two Magnum V-8 choices for the full model year, the 230 horsepower, 5.2-liter version and the 250 horsepower, 5.9-liter option available only on the R/T. The most popular Dakota engine is the 3.9-liter Magnum V-6, which delivers 175 horsepower and 225 lb. ft. of torque. To meet the growing list of entry-level compact pickup buyers, Dodge will continue to offer the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the class, the 120 horsepower, 2.5-liter Magnum I-4.

"The engine options range from strong entry-level performance with the four-cylinder up to pavement rippling performance with the Magnum 5.9-liter in the R/T," Julow said. "Our strategy is to offer a Dakota that meets everyone's unique driving needs, whether it's straight-line performance or towing and hauling. By providing four engine choices, we provide much wider buyer appeal."

Dakota not only leads in performance, but in capability and room. Its 6,700-lb. maximum towing capacity and 2,000-lb. maximum payload far exceed any other compact pickup, while rivaling some full-size pickups. The larger cab in both the regular and club cab versions provides more driver comfort, better passenger-carrying capability and additional secure storage for everything from golf clubs to tools.

While this kind of capability in other vehicles might come at a sacrifice in maneuverability and handling, such is not the case with Dakota. Its solid frame structure, optimum steering and suspension geometry, plus larger wheels and tires allow the chassis to respond to tuning and makes Dakota best-in-class in ride-and-handling.

"It's Dakota's nimble ride and handling that gives it a personality to go along with its work ethic," Julow said. "Our engineers spent an inordinate amount of time making sure the customer that never works his or her Dakota gets as much enjoyment out of it as those who use it specifically for towing and hauling."

For 1999, Dakota has several new standard or optional enhancements, including a new 15"x7" base steel wheel, replacing the 15"x6" base wheel, two levels of overhead consoles, an optional express-down driver's-side window and optional steering wheel-mounted radio controls.

Rubber-Burning Power From The R/T

All of Dakota's performance and handling attributes are pushed to the extreme with the Dakota R/T, the only true compact sport truck in the industry. The R/T begins with a 250 horsepower, 345 lb.-ft. of torque, 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine. This is further enhanced with a performance-tuned dual inlet stainless steel exhaust system. It sports front and rear stabilizer bars to control handling, with the rear bar beefed up to 21 millimeters to minimize body roll during cornering. In addition, a limited-slip differential improves traction and helps gain a quicker start.

The Dakota R/T's oversized 17-inch wheels and tires give this sport truck an even more solid footprint, which improves handling. The suspension is lowered by one inch to provide a sleeker look and feel. In true sport truck fashion, Dakota R/T is only offered in two-wheel drive configuration.

Approximately 2,000 Dakota R/Ts were produced in the 1998 model year. Production will be increased to about 5,000 units for 1999.

"We're really pleased to be able to produce a vehicle like the Dakota R/T," Julow said. "It's not only a great vehicle for the sport truck customer who, in the past, has been forced to highly modify their compact pickup, but it's a fun product for the people who designed and built it. That's what this Company is all about."