Dodge Nitro , looks like they will build it ........But will it sell?

[viper spray]

- Dodge Nitro will be the brand's first mid-size SUV, completing the Dodge
brand's current lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles
and full-size SUV
- Dodge Nitro and Caliber concept vehicles demonstrate Dodge's future plan
to attract a new set of buyers to competitive global market segments

ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the California
International Auto Show today, the Chrysler Group confirmed production of the
Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV for the 2007 model year. Nitro will be the first
mid-size SUV for Dodge, completing the brand's current lineup of cars,
minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.
"The Dodge Nitro will strengthen and grow the Dodge brand by allowing us
to attract a new buyer," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Dodge Marketing,
Chrysler Group. "Dodge Nitro will be more than just another typical mid-size
SUV; it will attract customers looking for distinctive style, affordable
performance and utility."
The Dodge Nitro is based on the Dodge Nitro concept vehicle that was
unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show in February, 2005.
The Dodge Nitro concept vehicle, along with the Dodge Caliber concept
vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show in March, 2005, signify the
global expansion of the brand, and embody the bold, powerful and capable
characteristics of Dodge. Both the Dodge Nitro and Dodge Caliber will be
available for markets outside North America.

Dodge Nitro Concept
With a uniquely bold, powerful design statement that will ignite the mid-
size SUV segment, the Dodge Nitro's crisp lines and substantial body size
create a brawny character not found in any other mid-size SUV. The Dodge
Nitro's spacious interior is both functional and flexible for people and
cargo. Chrome, silver and red accents have a dynamic presence throughout the
interior. The five-passenger Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking
a distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility.

Dodge Caliber Concept
A new slant on one of the world's most competitive segments, the Dodge
Caliber concept's powerful design shatters the conventional definition of what
a global compact car should be. As a five-door vehicle that features a rear
hatch, the Dodge Caliber concept combines a sporty, coupe-like profile with
the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.
Dodge Caliber's powertrain will offer many firsts -- it will be the first
Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2), which contributes to a 6 - 8
percent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed
automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will be available for
markets outside North America. The Dodge Caliber also will be Chrysler
Group's first all-wheel drive C-segment vehicle.

Dodge Brand
Armed with these seven all-new vehicles, momentum for the Dodge brand will
continue to build this year and in 2006:
* Dodge Charger -- unleashed, and in dealerships
* Dodge Ram Mega Cab -- the largest cab in the business
* Dodge Ram 1500 -- the first pickup to offer fuel-saving cylinder
deactivation, with an all-new frame (among others) for '06
* Dodge Charger SRT8 -- a Charger on steroids with 425 horsepower
* Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe -- officially "tops off" the Viper lineup and,
of course, offers 500 horsepower
* Dodge Nitro - will ignite the mid-size SUV market
* Dodge Caliber -- a global vehicle that shatters the conventional compact
car market
With a U.S. market share of 6.9 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest
nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the
automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in
the global market.
Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent
market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18
percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market
share. The Dodge brand will arrive in Europe and other volume markets outside
of North America starting in 2006.

[image]http://www.viperalley.com/attach/data/1/572261-nitro_concept_intro.jpg[/image]

[Kansas]

I am digging all but the red shit on the tires. The real question is whether this is the right time to introduce a new SUV. Many are already pronouncing the SUV market dead, with sales plummeting last month:

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosins...A01-336858.htm

Of course this looks to be a mid-size version that may not be as fuel deficient as many current larger SUV's such as my gas-hog Denali XL. When guys like MarkO are mothballing their new Land Cruiser and buying more fuel efficient cars for daily driving, you know the end is near. :thumb:

But I really do like the looks of this one from DC. They are definitely keeping up with some aggressive looking cars and trucks (and ugly Chargers).

[Mark O]

To me, it looks like a Dodge version of one of those silly Scion clown cars. I own 2 Sprinter vans for the business, and for a big box they get pretty good fuel milage (24.9 last fill up). I've often said that if they could put the Sprinter drivetrain in the Durango, they'd really have something to have an edge over the competition.

[McGuireV10]

They're larger than I expected. I thought they were supposed to be one of those car-platform-based SUVs to compete with that Chevy HHR abortion.