New 2006 Dodge Dakota TRX, TRX4 Off-Road, R/T and Night Runner Models Pack V-8 Power, Added Capability and Performance

The all-new Dodge Dakota jump-started the mid-size pickup scene last year and continues to stand alone as the largest, strongest and most capable mid-size pickup truck on the market. With best-in-class torque and towing, the 2006 Dodge Dakota delivers full-size pickup styling and power with the only V-8 in its class. Make that two V-8s.

All-new from the ground up in 2005, the Dodge Dakota expands its 2006 lineup with four new high-performance models: Dodge Dakota TRX and TRX4 Off-Road, Dodge Dakota R/T and Dodge Dakota Night Runner. The four different factory-developed models combine Dodge Dakota's class-leading capability with an array of features-from added off-road hardware to street-tuned body styles-that take the Dodge Dakota to the next level in the high-performance truck market.

"With bold styling and a variety of versatile body and powertrain options, the 2006 Dodge Dakota is the leader in the mid-size pickup segment with several best-in-class claims and an array of unique model offerings," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President-Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The new TRX, TRX4 Off-Road, R/T and Night Runner models effectively expand the Dodge Dakota lineup to further meet a variety of customers' needs. Once again, the Dodge Dakota defines the mid-size pickup segment."

The 2006 Dodge Dakota also features a new optional sun roof, available on the Quad Cab™, Club Cab®  Full-Swing rear doors that open nearly 180 degrees, and a new variable line pressure four-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy in the 3.7-liter V-6 engine. In addition, an array of new stereo options for 2006 are available, such as an audio auxiliary jack that enables playback of personal audio devices, a powerful 508-watt SoundBox, and a six-speaker Alpine sound system with six-disc CD player.

Dodge Dakota Trx/Trx4 Off-Road
The new Dodge Dakota TRX (4x2) and TRX4 Off-Road (4x4) models further advance Dodge Dakota's off-road capability. Offered in ST, SLT and Laramie trim, Club Cab or Quad Cab body styles, the Dodge Dakota TRX and TRX4 Off-Road model feature all-new unique 16-inch aluminum wheels, painted monotube shocks, tow hooks, aggressive off-road tires and cargo box decals. The Dodge Dakota TRX4 Off-Road is equipped with additional features such as a four-wheel-drive transfer case, a one-inch increased ride height, anti-spin differential, axle ratio upgrade, skid plates, heavy-duty cooling system and a 750-amp battery.

Dodge Dakota R/T
With the 260-horsepower 4.7-liter High Output V-8 as standard equipment, the new 2006 Dodge Dakota R/T further amplifies the High Output V-8's prodigious power and performance. The Dodge Dakota R/T model is available in Club Cab or Quad Cab body styles and features a unique sport appearance package in Inferno Red, Brilliant Black or Solar Yellow that includes a hood scoop, chrome exhaust tips, R/T cluster, headrest badging, cargo box decal and 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Dodge Dakota Night Runner
The all-new 2006 Dodge Dakota Night Runner stands out with an intimidating blacked-out color theme. Offered in black, with a unique black chrome grille, Black 17-inch chrome wheels, embroidered "Night Runner" badges on the headrests and a black center stack, the Dodge Dakota Night Runner is available on the SLT trim in Club or Quad Cab body styles.

Strong and Powerful
The 2006 Dodge Dakota takes its place at the head of the mid-size truck class with a hyrdroformed, fully boxed frame, coupled with coil-over shock absorbers, and an independent front suspension that provides precise ride and handling dynamics. Dodge Dakota achieves a best-in-class tow rating of 7,150 lbs. and a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 11,700 lbs.

"The 2006 Dodge Dakota clearly represents a major pillar of the Dodge truck lineup," said Jackson. "As with the Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI®, Dodge Ram SRT10, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the new Dodge Ram Mega Cab, the 2006 Dodge Dakota dominates its segment with torque and capability. Longer and wider than the mid-size competition, the Dodge Dakota offers best-in-class overall interior space and comfort."

The Only V-8s In Its Class
With two V-8 offerings, the 2006 Dodge Dakota dominates the mid-size segment in torque and towing. The 4.7-liter V-8 Magnum is rated at 230 horsepower (172 kW) and 290 lb.-ft. of torque (319 Nom), while the 4.7-liter High Output Magnum V-8 provides even more performance with 260 horsepower (190 kW) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque (420 Nom).

A powerful 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 rated at 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. of torque (319 Nom) is a segment-exclusive standard feature on the 2006 Dodge Dakota.

Class-Leading Comfort And Capability
Both Dodge Dakota Club Cab and Dakota Quad Cab models offer spacious and comfortable interiors with 55.3 cu. ft. of interior volume in Dakota Club Cab and 55.8 cu. ft. of interior volume in Dakota Quad Cab. The driver's seat track on both Quad Cab and Club Cab models have 8.7 inches of travel to improve comfort. The Dakota Club Cab front passenger seat has an ample 7.5 inches of travel.

The Dodge Dakota Club Cab is the standard cab offering of the Dodge Dakota. With forward-facing rear seats and standard rear-hinged Full-Swing access doors that open nearly 180 degrees for easy entry and exit, the Dakota Club Cab's rear seats provide seating for two adults. For added versatility, folding rear seat cushions provide 30.0 cu. ft. of storage behind the front seats.

The Dodge Dakota Quad Cab offers the most overall interior space in its class with available six-passenger seating. With rear seats folded, 37.1 cu. ft. of storage space is available behind the Dakota Quad Cab's front seat.

Dodge Dakota's capability advantage continues with more room between the wheel wells (45.2 inches) than the competition, and Dakota maintains its bed wall height of 17.6 inches for easy loading. Dodge Dakota Club Cab features a six-foot, six-inch bed and the Dakota Quad Cab features a five-foot, four-inch bed.

Refined
From its chiseled and muscular exterior to its clean and functional interior design, the 2006 Dodge Dakota leads the mid-size pickup segment in refinement. Coil-over shock absorber front suspension and rack and pinion steering deliver precise and controlled ride and handling characteristics, while clean aerodynamics and advanced sound-deadening techniques combine to deliver the best refinement levels in its class.

"The Dodge Dakota's hydroformed and fully boxed frame delivers refined ride and handling, and strength to carry heavy loads," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President-Body-on-Frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. "We recognize that the Dodge Dakota is used for family transportation, for the daily commute, and certainly to tow and haul. Aerodynamics, hydroforming frame rails and superior craftsmanship make Dodge Dakota an extremely accomplished all-around truck."

Five-Star Safety Rating
The Dodge Dakota Club Cab received a Five-Star safety rating in front- and side-impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-tion (NHTSA). The Dodge Dakota is among ten consecutive new Chrysler Group vehicles to receive a Five-Star frontal crash-test rating.

The 2006 Dodge Dakota features an advanced multi-stage air bag system that includes front air bags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front air bag. Other safety features available on the new Dodge Dakota include supplemental side curtain air bags, which cover both rows of seats on Club and Quad Cabs. Rear seat positions in the Dodge Dakota feature three-point shoulder belts, including a center position on the Quad Cab.

Dodge Dakota ST
The 2006 Dodge Dakota ST comes standard with the 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 rated at 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Standard features on the 2006 Dodge Dakota include180-degree opening rear access doors (Club Cab only), tinted rear windows, air conditioning, map lamps, rear dome light, AM/FM stereo radio with single CD player and four speakers, sun visors, front disc/rear drum brakes with rear-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), 16-inch styled steel wheels, and an electric-shift part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case.

Optional equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine, a 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission, sliding rear window, cloth heated bucket seats with six-way power driver's seat, 500-watt SoundBox audio system, UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ wireless technology, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, supplemental side-curtain air bags, skid Plate Group and Trailer Tow Group.

Dodge Dakota SLT
In Addition to the standard equipment offered on the Dodge Dakota ST, the 2006 Dodge Dakota SLT includes the 3.7-liter Magnum V-6, chrome bumpers, fog lamps, dual power mirrors, power windows, locks and keyless entry, 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, and cloth bucket seats with full-floor console.

Optional features on the 2006 Dodge Dakota SLT include the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 and 4.7-liter High Output Magnum V-8 engines, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, full-time electric-shift transfer case (four-wheel drive only), leather seats, six-way power driver's seat, premium AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 capability, Alpine six-speaker system with 288-watt amplifier, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls, and Sport Appearance Package.

Dodge Dakota Laramie
The 2006 Dodge Dakota Laramie is the ultimate premium mid-size pickup truck. In addition to features offered on other Dodge Dakota models, the Dodge Dakota Laramie comes standard with automatic transmission, automatic headlamps, leather bucket seats with six-way power driver's seat, premium AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 capability, Alpine six-speaker system with 288-watt amplifier, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls, auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror, UConnect Hands-Free Communications System with Bluetooth wireless technology, security alarm, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer, and Overhead Convenience Group.

The 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 and 4.7-liter High Output Magnum V-8 engines are available with the 2006 Dodge Dakota Laramie.

Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Light Khaki will be offered as new colors on the 2006 Dodge Dakota.

The 2006 Dodge Dakota is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich.