THE "RIGHT SIZE" DODGE DURANGO OFFERS MORE CHOICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR 1999

One of the biggest success stories in the entire industry for 1998 gets even better for 1999 with greater choice and availability. The 1999 Dodge Durango is now offered in a two-wheel drive version, with engine choices expanded to include the popular 3.9-liter V-6 engine, also available in the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram pickups.

Moreover, to meet soaring demand for this "right size" sport-utility vehicle, Durango production at Chrysler's Newark, Del., assembly plant will increase to nearly 200,000 units for the 1999 model year.

"Last year was a great one for Durango and 1999 promises to be even better," said Dodge General Manager Jim Julow. "By expanding production and increasing the options for our customers, the Durango will have even greater appeal."

Durango set a new standard in the truck-based sport-utility market by combining compact SUV handling and comfort with full-size SUV power and passenger-carrying capability. Durango is the largest, most powerful and most capable SUV in its class, yet borrows many of the agile handling characteristics from its compact pickup sibling, the Dodge Dakota. Durango is also the only compact SUV with eight-passenger carrying capability.

"We have carved out a unique territory, there's no doubt about it," said Bernard Robertson, Vice President - Engineering Technologies and General Manager - Truck Operations. "We aimed to build a vehicle that exceeded the capability of its compact competitors, yet didn't compromise the driving experience."

Best-in-Class Power

Like all Dodge Trucks, Durango is the most powerful in its class. It also offers the widest choice of engines. The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 is the biggest in the compact SUV segment, producing 245 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.2-liter Magnum V-8 is the most popular Durango engine, offering 230 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. torque. For 1999, the addition of the 3.9-liter Magnum V-6 (175 horsepower, 225 lb.-ft. torque) gives customers value that exceeds their performance expectations. All three engines are mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission as standard.

In addition to the four-wheel drive version that was offered in 1998, Durango is now available in a two-wheel drive configuration for 1999.

"The two-wheel drive Durango extends our reach both geographically and economically," Julow said. "Some of our customers - in southwestern states, for example - need the towing, long-hauling and passenger-carrying capability of Durango, but won't be faced with many situations that require four-wheel drive. And the more economical two-wheel drive version will attract buyers who thought they would never be able to get this much vehicle within their budget."

There are several interior enhancements on the 1999 Durango, such as a unique seating configuration on the five-and six-passenger versions that increases leg room for rear seat occupants by two inches. Other features include optional remote audio controls on the steering wheel, customer programmability for the rolling door locks and horn and heated mirrors.

Two exterior colors - Patriot Blue and Bright Platinum Metallic Ð and one interior color - Agate - are added for 1999. Dark Chestnut is discontinued as an exterior color.

Capability is a Dodge hallmark and Durango lives up to its siblings in that area. The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 delivers a segment-best 7,300 lbs. maximum tow rating when equipped with an optional Class IV hitch, more than many other full-size SUVs. Maximum payload is more than 1,800 pounds in an interior package that boasts 88 cubic feet of volume with the seats folded down. A unique floor pan depression creates an additional storage compartment behind the rear axle for concealing gear, while a second, larger, compartment replaces the footwell when the optional third-row package is not ordered.

Durango's interior space efficiency means comfortable seating for eight without creating a vehicle that is too big and hard to manage. A widened Dakota chassis allows interior room to be increased while providing a place to store a larger gas tank and put the full size spare tire underneath the vehicle. Durango's roof is raised nearly two inches from the second seat rearward to increase passenger head room. The roof change is hidden beneath the roof rack to provide a consistent visual line from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

The rear seats serve as both a comfortable area for passengers and - when repositioned - as a flat load floor. The uniquely designed second row of seats fold and tumble forward, providing easy third-row access for passengers or improved storage capability. The optional third row folds in conjunction with the second row to form a flat surface from the liftgate to the front row seats.