Download Print New 2008 Dodge Dakota: More Power, Bold Styling, Versatility and Capability August 31, 2007 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Retaining its title as the only pickup in its segment to offer a V-8 engine, the new 2008 Dodge Dakota ups the ante with a new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that not only offers 302 horsepower (31 percent increase) and 329 lb.-ft. of torque (13 percent increase), but also better fuel economy and increased refinement. For 2008, the restyled Dodge Dakota is offered in two body styles – Extended Cab and Crew Cab – and six trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX4, Sport and Laramie. “The new 2008 Dodge Dakota was redesigned to broaden its appeal to younger customers with active lifestyles,” said Tom Loveless, Director – Dodge Marketing and Global Communications. “Dodge Dakota will attract 25- to 35-year-old individuals who need a vehicle to meet a variety of needs. Depending on an owners’ lifestyle, the 2008 Dodge Dakota may be equipped for work or play, but every Dakota is equipped with capability and versatility.” The 2008 Dodge Dakota also features new exterior and interior styling, and many best-in-class capabilities, such as best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds, the greatest interior room of any mid-size truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab, and the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot-6-inches in the Extended Cab. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2008 Exterior: Newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, rear spoiler, fenders and headlamps Rear tailgate-mounted spoiler Protective surface on top of cargo box sides Built-in cargo-box utility rails Detonator Yellow and Sunburst Orange exterior colors Interior: Instrument panel, center console and accent finishes Collapsible and removable under-seat cargo management system in Crew Cab Additional storage bin above the glove box Center console incorporates cup holders with modular inserts and pull-out bin for electronics Heated bench seats MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System Powertrain / Chassis: New 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 302 horsepower (225 kW) and 329 lb.-ft. (446 N•m) of torque, E85-compatible; more power and torque with better fuel economy and more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s DESIGN The 2008 Dodge Dakota’s exterior includes a newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, rear spoiler, fenders and headlamps. The front end has been designed to improve aerodynamics and features better fit and gap management. The hood surface was designed to signify power and further amplify the drop-fendered, signature look for Dodge trucks. With these styling enhancements, the “face” of the 2008 Dodge Dakota is better aligned with the Dodge truck lineup. Like Dodge Nitro, headlamps are rectangular units to achieve a contemporary appearance, but also to maximize the surface area for better forward lighting. Reflectors are deep-set behind each lens to create a serious demeanor. All-new fascias integrate with the restyled grille and incorporate fog lamps. The 2008 Dodge Dakota’s tailgate includes a new spoiler that helps smooth air flow over the rear of the truck to improve fuel economy, and the top surface of the cargo box has a new protective surface. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota’s interior is designed to provide an ergonomically friendly cockpit with improved comfort, utility and thoughtful storage amenities to complement a variety of lifestyles. It includes a new instrument panel, center console and accent finishes, and several new interior storage features. ENGINEERING The 2008 Dodge Dakota’s new 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, segment-leading power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter High Output engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI®), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 302 horsepower (225 kW), a 31 percent increase; and 329 lb.-ft. (446 N•m) of torque, a 13 percent increase. The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Dakota equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Refinement improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped with Electronic Throttle Control. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota comes standard with a 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control for positive throttle response, and exhaust gas recirculation to help lower emissions. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota’s powerplants are backed up by a choice of a six-speed manual transmission, standard on all V-6-equipped 2008 Dodge Dakota models except Laramie; a four-speed automatic with overdrive available with Dakota’s V-6 engine; and a five-speed automatic available on V-8-equipped models. For more capability when traction is at a premium, the new 2008 Dodge Dakota may be equipped with a transfer case featuring two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive with locked high and low ranges, or an available transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive as well as selections for locked high and low ranges. The 2007 Dodge Dakota is also the only pickup in its segment to offer full-time four-wheel drive. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota features a ladder-type frame, with hydroformed main rails fully boxed for strength and rigidity. All 2008 Dodge Dakotas feature independent front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers. The result is identical ride height for two- and four-wheel-drive models, which contributes to smooth ride and handling characteristics. The 2008 Dodge Dakota continues to offer the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot-6-inches in the Extended Cab. Built-in utility rails make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable. The 2008 Dodge Dakota’s dual-position tailgate may be secured in a mid-position, which provides support for extra-wide or -long cargo laid on top of wheel wells and extending beyond the end of the bed. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota also has the highest tow ratings in the mid-size pickup market, with towing ability of up to 7,050 pounds. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS New Styling Dakota features new exterior and interior styling for 2008 that bear signature Dodge styling cues while creating a new persona for Dakota Offered in two body styles and six trim levels, Dakota’s exterior includes newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, fenders and headlamps. Dakota also has a new rear spoiler, cargo box top protection and utility rail system Interior features include a new instrument panel, center console and accent finishes, and several new interior storage choices Dakota continues to add features and content to support lifestyle activities by upgrading its TRX (new fender flares and headlamps) and Sport groups (unique seats and chrome textures) Improved Performance New 4.7L V-8 engine with 302 horsepower (31 percent increase) and 329 lb-ft. of torque (13 percent increase, with better fuel economy and increased refinement The only V-8 in its class Capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Dakota equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Best-in-class towing capability up to 7,050 pounds Standard 3.7L Magnum V-6 engine with 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque Lifestyle-Enabling Versatility Dakota continues to offer best-in-class room (30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab), and class-exclusive Full Swing rear access doors (open nearly 170 degrees) on the Extended Cab New under-seat storage system in the Dakota Crew Cab – a first for Dodge Dakota – includes a unique, collapsible and removable cargo management system that enables gear to be organized and taken anywhere Additional storage options are provided throughout the interior including: storage bin above the glove box all-new center console incorporating cup holders with modular inserts with a pull-out bin specifically designed to hold electronics such as an MP3 player (which may be plugged into Dakota’s audio systems) or cell phone (UConnect® Hands-free Communication System available) Built-in utility rails make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable, and the dual-position tailgate can be secured in a mid-position, which provides support for extra-wide or –long cargo Largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot-6-inches in the Extended Cab MODEL LINEUP 2008 Dodge Dakota ST Standard Features 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine with six-speed manual transmission 3.21 rear axle ratio Transfer case (four-wheel-drive models) Front disc and rear drum brakes with rear-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Tinted rear windows Four-pin trailer towing connection Halogen manual headlamps Dual-position tailgate Black painted rear bumper 16-inch styled steel wheels P245/70R16 on/off-road tires Chrome grille Air conditioning Interior map lamps Power accessory delay Sliding sun visor AM/FM stereo with single CD player and four speakers Cloth bucket seats Optional Equipment Four-speed automatic transmission Two-speed transfer case (four-wheel-drive models) Dual rear seats Safety Group (four-wheel ABS, side air bags) 2008 Dodge Dakota SXT Standard Features In addition to standard features on the Dodge Dakota ST, the Dakota SXT adds/replaces the following: 16-inch aluminum wheels SXT decals Tilt-steering wheel with cruise control Power windows, locks and mirrors Floor mats Floor console Dual rear seats Rear exterior cargo lamps Optional Equipment In addition to optional features on the Dodge Dakota ST, the Dakota SXT adds/replaces the following: Bucket seats with YES Essentials® seat fabric, power and heat Full Swing opening rear doors on Extended Cab Utility Group (Trailer Tow Package [Class IV receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, 7-pin to 4-pin adaptor], 3.92 rear axle ratio, cargo utility rails, bedliner) Convenience Group (sliding rear window with defrost, Full Swing rear doors on Extended Cab, SIRIUS Satellite Radio) · Safety Group 2008 Dodge Dakota SLT Standard Features In addition to standard features on the Dodge Dakota SXT, the Dakota SLT adds/replaces the following: Fog lamps Body-color rear bumper Utility rails Anti-spin differential Sliding rear window with defrost SIRIUS Satellite Radio Full Swing rear doors on Extended Cab Power seats Security alarm Sentry Key® engine immobilizer YES Essentials® seat fabric Overhead console with compass, temperature, trip computer Rear-seat collapsible and removable storage (Crew Cab models) Optional Equipment In addition to optional features on the Dodge Dakota SXT, the Dakota SLT adds/replaces the following: Four-speed automatic transmission with 3.7-liter V-6 engine 4.7-liter V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission Heated seats Bench seats MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System Liner under cargo rails 3.92 rear axle ratio Navigation radio Chromed tubular side steps 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels Trailer Tow Package Sound Group (premium audio system, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player and MP3 capability, remote audio controls, remote start) Safety Group 2008 Dodge Dakota TRX/TRX4 Standard Features In addition to standard features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota TRX/TRX4 adds/replaces the following: Molded-in-color fender flares and bodyside moldings Accent grille Tow hooks Unique 16-inch wheels P265/70R17 OWL Rugged Trail tires Unique cloth bucket seats TRX decals Black headlamp bezels with accent rings 3.55 rear axle ratio Optional Equipment In addition to optional features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota TRX/TRX4 adds/replaces the following: Four-speed automatic transmission with 3.7-liter V-6 engine 4.7-liter V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission Skid plates (TRX4) 3.92 axle ratio (TRX4) Heated seats Navigation radio Rubber slush mats (TRX4) Liner under cargo rails Chromed tubular side steps Trailer Tow Package Sound Box group Sound Group Safety Group 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport Standard Features In addition to standard features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota Sport adds/replaces the following: 3.7-liter V-6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission Body color grille with chrome billets Sport decals 18-inch painted silver wheels P265/70R18 BSW on/off-road tires 3.55 rear axle ratio Unique two-tone embroidered cloth bucket seats with increased side bolsters Leather-wrapped steering wheel Optional Equipment In addition to optional features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota Sport adds/replaces the following: 4.7-liter V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission Heated seats Red interior accents, including cloth inserts and stitching on seats, center console lid and steering wheel Liner under cargo rails Navigation radio 18-inch black-painted wheels Trailer Tow Package Sound Box Group Sound Group Safety Group 2008 Dodge Dakota Laramie Standard Features In addition to standard features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota Laramie adds/replaces the following: 4.7-liter V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission Chrome bodyside moldings Chrome grille and rear bumper Automatic headlamps P265/65R16 tires 3.55 rear axle ratio Liner under cargo rails Leather bucket seats Premium audio system with AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player and MP3 capability Remote audio controls Optional Equipment In addition to optional features on the Dodge Dakota SLT, the Dakota Laramie adds/replaces the following: Heated leather bucket seats Leather bench seats Navigation radio 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels Chromed tubular side steps 3.92 rear axle ratio Trailer Tow Package Sound Box Group Safety Group SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following features: Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) BeltAlert Brake/Park Interlock Child-protection Rear Door Locks Constant Force Retractors (CFR) Crumple Zones Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Energy-absorbing Steering Column Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) Head Restraints Height-adjustable Seat Belts HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver Interior Head-impact Protection Knee Bolsters LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) Low-risk Deployment Front-passenger Air Bag Octagonal Front Frame-rail Tips Remote Keyless Entry Seat Belt Pretensioners Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags Three-point Shoulder Belts Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System UConnect® Hands-free Communication System COLOR AVAILABILITY Sunburst Orange Detonator Yellow Silver Metallic Bright White Brilliant Black Electric Blue Flame Red Inferno Red MANUFACTURING INFORMATION 2008 model year production start: July 2007 Production location: Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich. 4.7-liter V-8 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Plant 1 in Detroit 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine: Indianapolis Foundry in Indianapolis Four-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission I in Indianapolis Five-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission I in Indianapolis Six-speed manual transmission: Sao Bernardo do Campo plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil MARKET POSITION The 2008 redesigned Dodge Dakota provides the optimal combination of bold styling, sporty capability and lifestyle-enabling versatility for young buyers with an active lifestyle – urban and rural. The 2008 Dodge Dakota offers the optimal combination of an all-new exterior and interior and superior ride comfort. With best-in-class torque and towing, the 2008 Dodge Dakota delivers power with the only V-8 in its class. The Dodge Dakota Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer more interior room than all other mid-size pickups. The Dodge Dakota Crew Cab is the only four-door model in its class to offer six-passenger seating. Dakota Extended Cab features Full Swing rear-hinged access doors that open nearly 170 degrees for easy entry and exit. DEMOGRAPHICS Gender: 89 percent male (Extended Cab); 81 percent male (Crew Cab) Age: 25-45 Median Annual Household Income: $56,000 Household: 72 percent married (Extended Cab); 79 percent married (Crew Cab) MARKET ADVANTAGES New 4.7-liter V-8 engine with 302 horsepower (31 percent increase) and 329 lb.-ft. of torque (13 percent increase), with better fuel economy and increased refinement – the only V-8 option available in the segment All-new exterior in Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles New interior features greatest space of any mid-size truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models; 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab The largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot-6-inches in the Extended Cab Best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds Only pickup in segment to offer full-time four-wheel drive New features include built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, under-seat storage system PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY 2007 Model Year Dual position tailgate becomes standard equipment on all models and provides increased functionality for cargo bed hauling New exterior color offerings include Brilliant Black and Electric Blue YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric becomes standard cloth on SLT model and is packaged with ST model seat upgrade Power accessory delay ensures power function, including radio, continues for period of time after vehicle is keyed off 3.7-liter engine upgraded to include Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) capability 4.7-liter engine becomes flexible-fuel capable (E85) Low current, tip start ignition 18-inch chrome clad wheel becomes available on SLT and Laramie models 18-inch black painted aluminum wheels offered as stand-alone option Segment-first remote start becomes stand-alone option on SLT and Laramie models Three-blink lane change feature enables one-touch capability Passenger seat belt reminder 18-inch painted aluminum wheel is packaged with Sport Appearance Group, which is optional on SLT and Laramie models Chrome accent package available on SLT and Laramie models includes chrome tubular side steps, fuel filler door, hood deflector and exhaust tip 2006 Model Year Four New 2006 Offerings: TRX — The TRX equipment package is available on Dakota ST, SLT and Laramie 4x2 models, in both Extended and Crew 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 Extended and Crew 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 Extended or Crew 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 Extended or Crew 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. Optional SoundBox™ from Alpine® (available on Extended Cab only) offers powerful 508-watt sound system and 10-inch subwoofer within styled, translucent “box” positioned between rear seats Premium audio system — 276 watts — optional Alpine® speaker system Audio Auxiliary Jack enables playback of personal audio devices is standard equipment and added to standard audio system Center stack appliqué on SLT models changes from wood finish (Sycamore) to GH metal SIRIUS Satellite Radio digital audio system standard on Laramie models 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 16-inch styled steel wheel replaces 16-inch full-face wheel on ST 2TC CPOS 16-inch cast-aluminum wheel available as option on 2TC CPOS P265/65R17 (17-inch) On/Off Road tire replaces P275/60R17 all-season tire on 4x2 models Rear access doors on Extended Cab configured to open nearly 180-degrees — a first-in-segment application Optional sun roof systems offered on Crew Cab models New exterior color offerings are Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Light Khaki 2005 Model Year Optional 4.7-liter High Output V-8 engine brings 260 horsepower Six-speed manual transmission Quieter air induction system Coil-over-shock-absorber independent front suspension Stronger, more durable hydro-formed frame 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 Chrome-clad 17-inch wheels — optional on SLT and Laramie Restyled body Rear access doors on Extended Cab Automatic headlamps standard equipment on Laramie Roll-formed ultra-high-strength steel windshield header Ditch weld seam (where the roof meets the aperture) provides a finished appearance without a molding Freshened interior Cloth and leather bucket seats available with carbon fiber heating elements Rear-door map pockets in Extended Cab and Crew Cab rear-door trim panels Optional integral six-disc CD changer capable of playing MP3 discs (Sales Code RAQ) Powerful audio system — 276 watts — optional Infinity® speaker system Optional Satellite Digital Audio radio system Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol intra-vehicle communications network Multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags with weight-based 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, Extended Cab and Crew Cab (shoulder belt in center rear seating position of Crew Cab) Head restraints in rear outboard seating positions that comply with proposed regulation Taller front head restraints that comply with proposed regulation Optional integrated remote keyless entry transmitter and ignition key Optional long-range remote keyless entry transmitter 2004 Model Year 3.7-liter V-6 engine replaces 3.9-liter V-6 engine New 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission available Front bucket seats become standard on Crew Cab Stampede Package continues on Sport Regular and Extended Cab 4x2 models 2003 Model Year Mid-model year intro Stampede New 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission with 4.7-liter engine provides a second overdrive ratio — optional on Sport, Sport Plus, SLT and SLT Plus models 2.5-liter engine is discontinued Four-wheel disc brakes with rear-wheel Anti-lock (RWAL) Brake System (ABS) are standard on four-wheel-drive models and two-wheel-drive models 16-inch x 7-inch cast-aluminum wheels are standard on all models except R/T Four-gauge cluster standard on base and SXT models Next-generation controller (4.7-liter engine only) New six-disc in-dash CD changer radio is optional LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) added Interior upper head impact protection — Front driver and passenger; meets 2003 federal standard Onboard refueling vapor recovery system added to all Extended Cab models Natural vacuum leak detection pump added (4.7-liter engine only) 2002 Model Year New SXT model with Regular and Extended Cab bodies Sport Plus and SLT Plus models replace corresponding décor packages, mid-year Fixed GVWR ratings provide increased payloads on most models Larger – P235/75R15 tires – standard on two-wheel drive Crew Cab Rear-Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake system includes Electronic Brake Apportioning (EBA) for increased rear brake lining life Door structure revised for dynamic side-impact protection Brake-shift interlock (automatic transmission only) 2001 Model Year NV233HD and NV244HD electrically shifted four-wheel drive transfer cases Sentry Key® engine immobilizer added to optional security alarm All-new interior — instrument panel, instrument cluster, floor consoles and trim panels 2000 Model Year Crew Cab (November 1999 introduction) Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum® V-8 engine Multi-speed 45RFE automatic transmission Rack-and-pinion steering on four-wheel-drive models Early compliance with 2003 model-year head impact safety standard Child seat tether anchors in cab back panel 1999 Model Year NV1500 five-speed manual transmission used with 2.5-liter I-4 engine 1998 Model Year R/T Group with 5.9-liter Magnum® V-8 engine (250 hp and 345 lb.-ft. torque) (April 1998 introduction) Next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags (running change)(a) Passenger air bag on/off switch (running change)(b) 1997 Model Year All-new body and chassis Passenger air bag 1994 Model Year Driver air bag 1993 Model Year Four-wheel anti-lock brakes available 1991 Model Year Extended Cab available with four-wheel drive 1990 Model Year V-8 engine introduced Extended Cab body introduced (two-wheel drive and 6.5-ft. box only) 1987 Model Year Four-wheel-drive model initial introduction 1986 Model Year Rear-wheel-drive model initial introduction spring 1986 as a 1987 model (a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children. (b) Important, always remove key. Rearward-facing child seats can be used in the front seat only with the passenger air bag turned off.