Press Kit: 2006 Dodge Dakota, What's New for '06

2006 Models

• Dodge Dakota ST (4x2, 4x4, Club Cab®, Quad Cab™)
• Dodge Dakota SLT (4x2, 4x4, Club Cab, Quad Cab)
• Dodge Dakota Laramie (4x2, 4x4, Club Cab, Quad Cab)

Four New 2006 Offerings

TRX-The TRX equipment package is available on Dakota ST, SLT and Laramie 4x2 models, in both Club and Quad Cab configurations. TRX equipped vehicles include unique five-spoke/five-lug 16-inch aluminum wheels and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires; tow hooks; limited-slip differential; and TRX decal on cargo box.

TRX4 Off-Road-The TRX4 off-road equipment package (available mid-2006 MY) is available on Dakota SLT and Laramie 4x4 models, in both Club and Quad Cab configurations. TRX4 equipped vehicles include painted shocks; unique, five-spoke/five-lug 16-inch aluminum wheels and aggressive BF Goodrich off-road tires; increased ride height of one inch; limited-slip differential; heavy-duty service package; skid plates; tow hooks; specific TRX4 Off-Road cargo box decal; and slush mats.

R/T-The Limited Edition R/T model is based on the Dakota SLT equipped with the "2TD" customer preferred option (CPOS) package and is available in Club or Quad Cab configurations. Dakota R/T content includes 4.7-liter High Output (HO) engine; 17-inch five-spoke/five-lug chrome-clad aluminum wheels; hood scoop; sport appearance package (in Red Flame or Black only); body color grille surround; chrome exhaust tip; cargo box decals; R/T headrest; R/T instrument cluster graphic; and Satin Silver center stack/door remotes.

Night Runner-The Limited Edition Night Runner model is based on the Dakota SLT and is available in Club or Quad Cab configurations. The Night Runner model is equipped with black chrome grille surround; fascia insert and 17-inch Black Chrome wheels; sport appearance package; cargo box decal; Night Runner headrests with logo stitching; Night Runner instrument cluster graphic; and black center stack/door remotes.

Interior Systems

• Optional SoundBox™ from Alpine® (available on Club Cab only) offers powerful 508-watt sound system and 10-inch subwoofer within styled, translucent "box" positioned between rear seats (new for 2006)
• Premium audio system-276 watts-optional Alpine speaker system (new for 2006)
• Audio Auxiliary Jack enables playback of personal audio devices is standard equipment and added to standard audio system (new for 2006)
• Standard AM/FM stereo radio with CD player; optional integral six-disc CD changer capable of playing MP3 discs
• Cloth and leather bucket seats available with carbon fiber heating elements (Dakota is the only midsize pickup with cloth heated seats)
• Center stack appliqué on SLT models changes from wood finish (Sycamore) to GH metal (new for 2006)
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio(a) digital audio system standard on Laramie models (new for 2006)
• Optional UConnect™ hands-free communication system
• Superior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance
• Both Club and Quad Cabs lead the segment with roomiest interior

Powertrain

• Best-in-class power (Dakota only vehicle in its class to offer V-8 power), torque and towing capability
• Standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine and optional 4.7-liter V-8 engine
• Optional 4.7-liter High Output V-8 engine delivers 260 horsepower, 310 lb.-ft. of torque
• Standard six-speed manual transmission
• Optional four-speed (V-6) and five-speed (V-8) automatic transmissions
• Variable Line Pressure (VLP) feature added to four-speed automatic transmission (mated with 3.7-liter V-6 engine), resulting in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts (new for 2006, late availability)
• Two four-wheel-drive transfer cases offered (part-time, full-time)-only midsize pickup to offer optional full-time four-wheel drive transfer case
• TOW/HAUL transmission shift mode to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy while minimizing engine noise during trailer towing or heavy-load hauling
• Starter override feature-prevents starter operation if the engine is running, and automatically disengages the starter when the engine reaches operating speed to prevent excessive starter overrun

Chassis

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating-6,010 lbs. (2726 kg)-all models
• Outstanding brake system stopping distance, fade resistance and pedal feel with new disc/drum brake system that weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kg) less than four-wheel disc brakes of comparable performance
• Rear- or available four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Coil-over-shock spring front suspension (standard on Club and Quad Cabs) with stiffer/stronger hydro- formed frame and fully boxed side rails contributes to car-like ride and handling characteristics
• Power rack and pinion steering system (standard on Club and Quad Cabs) contributes to car-like ride and handling characteristics
• 16-inch styled steel wheel replaces 16-inch full-face wheel on ST 2TC CPOS (new for 2006)
• 16-inch cast-aluminum wheel available as option on 2TC CPOS (new for 2006)
• P265/65R17 (17-inch) On/Off Road tire replaces P275/60R17 all-season tire on 4x2 models (new for 2006)

Body

• Rear access doors on Club Cab configured to open nearly 180-degrees-a first-in-segment application (new for 2006)
• Automatic headlamps-standard on Laramie
• Optional sun roof systems offered on Quad Cab models (new for 2006)
• New exterior color offerings are Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Light Khaki (new for 2006)

Safety and Security

• Club Cab delivers five-star front and side crash performance
• Fully boxed frame with patented hydroformed octagonal front rail tip delivers outstanding frontal crash energy absorption
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags with Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlling front passenger air bag deployment
• Available side-curtain air bags for front and rear seats
• Shoulder belts in all rear seating positions, Club Cab and Quad Cab (shoulder belt in center rear seating position of Quad Cab)
• Head restraints in rear outboard seating positions
• Security alarm