Cool look for explosive Nitro

The Dodge Nitro is virtually Chrysler's best performing product in the country. For the first two months of this year, the mid-sized SUV has sold in larger numbers than it did during the first two months of 2008 -- and that's not unremarkable in the current climate.

To keep interest in the Nitro buoyant, Dodge has unleashed a limited edition model based on the SX level of trim and priced the same ($39,990 for the 3.7-litre V6 variant with four-speed automatic or $43,990 for the 2.8-litre diesel variant with five-speed automatic). Named the Dodge Nitro SX-R, the special edition model has been upholstered in dark monotone leather with French-seam stitching by local trimmers, Blackman and Sons.

Additionally, the Nitro SX-R -- which will be restricted to a production run of 100 vehicles only -- comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured guards, exclusive badging, a numbered interior plaque and the MyGIG infotainment system.

MyGIG bundles satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3-compatible CD/DVD audio and USB interface. There's also a facility for electronic music files to be saved to a 20-gig hard disk and played back through the audio system if desired.

Chrysler has not revealed the colour selection available for the Nitro SX-R, merely stating that interested buyers can check with their local Dodge dealer for that information.