2011 Dodge Durango Reaches Dealerships

The moment some of Chrysler's customers have been waiting for has arrived. Following the introduction of the 2011 Dodge Durango back in September last year, Chrysler announced today that 200 units of the model were handed to the representatives of some 150 dealerships, in a major driveaway event which took place at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit.

With prices starting at $29,195, the Durango, based on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform, will be offered with a choice of two engines, Chrysler's favorites in recent models: the 3.6l Pentastar V6 and the 5.7l Hemi V8. Both units use variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel-drive.

“Early dealer feedback has been great as faithful current owners are excited to rediscover the Durango. The original right-sized three-row SUV is reborn for 2011 with a striking design and a performance-tuned suspension,” Chrysler said in a statement.

The new Durango is perhaps one of the safest models in years, coming packed with no less than 45 safety systems. They include airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n' Go.

Most of the car and its features have however been inspired by the new Grand Cherokee, including the interior. It remains to be seen whether this will make customers see the car as a slightly revised and rebadged Jeep model.

Production of the model started in the last month of 2010 at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.