New Dodge Durango Heat gets the R/T’s Goods Sans the V8 Engine

Dodge doubled its new Durango offerings at the Chicago Auto Show with the launch of the Heat performance package that joins the R/T model. The two trim levels share most of their exterior and interior appointments as well as suspension tweaks, but whereas the R/T gets a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the Heat is fitted with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivering 295 ponies and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque for an improved fuel efficiency of 16/23 mpg for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 mpg for the all-wheel-drive version.

From there on, the Durango Heat features the same color-matched bodykit and dual chrome exhaust tips on the outside and decorative trim inside as the R/T. The Heat will come equipped with a Uconnect Voice Command and 506-watt Alpine audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer, as standard

The five-passenger Heat also shares R/T’s more aggressive suspension tuning, performance steering, unique 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, a 20-mm lower ride height, and tuned exhaust system.

The Durango Heat has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $30,295 (excluding destination charges), which represents a $5,170 saving over the V8-powered R/T.

VIDEO: Dodge Touts AWD with New Snowpocalypse Commercial

The latest snow falls across the U.S. have prompted a flurry of commercials from automakers touting the advantages of all-wheel drive models. This one comes from Dodge and shows the new Durango, Charger and Journey, all of which are available with AWD. Nevertheless, we'd say that while power sent to four wheels instead of two does help in certain situations, one should never, ever underestimate the importance of a good set of all season or better yet, winter tires.

First Interior Photos of 2011 Dodge Durango SUV

About a month ago, Dodge released pictures and initial details on its all-new 2011 Durango SUV model. Now that we have had some time to digest the crossover's exterior, the automaker has dropped the first photos of the 7-seater model's interior.

Being that the new Durango is heavily based on the 2011 Grand Cherokee, it comes to no surprise that -for the most part- the cockpit design is almost identical to that of Jeep's flagship model.

There are changes to the color schemes and trim, new steering wheel hub and instrument panel gauge designs, while certain switchgear such as the rotatable knob for the headlamps are unique to the Durango.

However, the most important difference is that unlike the Jeep's five-passenger arrangement, the Durango offers room for seven people in three rows of seats

Dodge says that it has used high quality materials that are refined and soft to the touch throughout the interior.

The new Durango will go on sale in the United States before the end of the year with customers having the option between the Chrysler Group's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI engine a Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode.

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VIDEO: 2011 Dodge Durango heads to Virginia Beach

Dodge came out this weekend -so it's still happening- and got involved with the common folks at a half-marathon in Virginia Beach. Officially, the event is called the "Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon presented by SunTrust", but really it was just a nice chance to show off the new Durango (fully revealed here) in action as the pace car/truck/crossover.

If the Durango is the face of things to come from Dodge, the brand might finally be competing with the big boys. Now, if the Journey could get a decent refresh (or a second-generation), Dodge will have a few crossovers to entice family buyers. Tack onto that the refreshed Charger and the upcoming Fiat-based Avenger replacement and we've got a Dodge lineup that could really bring in some customers.

There's a storm brewing between the Explorer and the Durango, and now that both have been detailed and released, what do you think? Check out the vids below for some dealer input and to watch the Durango representing itself out on the road.

By Phil Alex

BREAKING: 2011 Dodge Durango 7-Seater SUV Fully Revealed

[Updated] There have been no shortage of spy shots, teaser photos and even trademark sketches to be had showing the 2011 Durango SUV, but today Dodge finally came out with full blown pictures and initial specs on its brand-new 7-seater crossover that's scheduled to arrive in U.S. showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010 competing against the likes of Ford's new Explorer.

Even though it makes use of an older name, the 2011 Durango is all-new inside and out. Under the fresh sheetmetal you'll find the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's unibody structure and the same engine options including a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI engine with the Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode.

Both powerplants are available with all-wheel drive with Dodge claiming a towing capability of 7,400 lbs with the optional V8 HEMI and 6,200 lbs with the standard V6.

Aside from a brief glimpse of the instrument panel and the steering wheel with the brand's new logo, Dodge has not offered us any other photos of the interior, which can accommodate seven passengers in three rows of seats in a 2+3+2 layout. However, the company does state in the press release that "Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch" throughout the cabin and that there are 22 different seating configurations offering "plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear."

Dodge said that standard features across the range will include front seat-mounted side air bags, side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new active head restraints, and an Electronic Stability Control system.

Available safety and security technologies will include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n' Go.

The new Durango will be manufactured at the company's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. Further details and photos are to be released at a later date.