Nitro confirmed for production and Down Under debut

The bold new look of Dodge has another champion -- the Dodge Nitro. Indeed, it's now no longer a concept and Chrysler execs have confirmed production of the mid-size SUV for the US 2007 model year. For local buyers, this means that along with the Mazda 3-sized Dodge Caliber, the Nitro will spearhead the Dodge brand when it debuts the brand Down Under in the third quarter of 2006.

The Nitro is based on the Dodge Nitro concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show in February, 2005.

"The Dodge brand will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2006, which is earlier than originally expected," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia. "And with products like Dodge Nitro and Caliber offering stand-out-from-the-crowd style and bringing a unique passion to the market, we are very excited to secure the vehicles."

With a US market share of 6.9 per cent, 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, however, much of the volume was truck-based. The maker's top-selling RAM full-size pick-up has a small but enthusiast following Down Under although it is not officially imported by the US maker.

The full-time 4WD Nitro concept incorporates existing Chrysler Group components including the 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 engine rated at 157kW/319Nm. It features a four-speed automatic transmission and independent front and five-link rear suspension. It's likely the production car will follow the concept's lead and perhaps also offer a diesel powertrain Down Under.

The Dodge Caliber Concept "shatters the conventional definition of what a global compact car should be," according to the car maker. A five-door, the Caliber (also pictured) will be the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).