2012 Dodge Durango Revealed on Twitter

Ahh... the joys of the Internet. Automotive producers make huge efforts to keep their new models secret until they are released, with the actions including multiple security protocols, tons of camouflage for pre-production test vehicles and the list could probably go on for a few pages. But all it takes for an unreleased model to be exposed to our naked eyes is one employee and a mobile phone with a photo camera. Let’s not forget an Internet connection.

But let’s get to the action: The SUV you see in the adjacent image (which was released on Twitter) is no other than the 2012 Dodge Durango, a vehicle that could also be called Magnum. This is the first spy shot of the uncovered vehicle, with the car’s look being pretty controversial.

The 2012 Dodge Magnum will be underpinned by the new Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform, also borrowing the latter’ engines. This means that when the car is launched, we can expect it to come with a powerplant range that will include the Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 and the 5.7 liter Hemi V8.

The first unit uses double overhead camshafts (DOHC), a high pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block (the angle between the cylinders is 60 degrees), developing 280 hp and 353 Nm of torque. The Hemi V8 produces 360 hp and 520 Nm of torque, with both powerplants featuring variable valve timing technology (VVT). On the Cherokee, the V6 comes with an intelligent five speed automatic, while the V8 is mated to a 545RFE multi-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2012 Dodge Magnum is expected to make its way to the showroom floors early next year.