Dodge Nitro Concept 2005

[B]Dodge Introduces Nitro Concept Vehicle[/B]

[I]Chicago, Feb 10, 2005 [/I]


[B]Full-Size Attitude in a Mid-Size SUV[/B]

What happens when you bring the Dodge brand’s “Grab Life by the Horns” attitude to the mid-size SUV market? You get the Dodge Nitro concept. Making its debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV concept with a uniquely bold, powerful design statement that would ignite an automotive segment more typically characterized by bland styling.

Once again, the Dodge brand is breaking the rules and exploring yet another bold proportion with the Dodge Nitro concept. The Dodge Nitro concept would be the first mid-size SUV for Dodge, completing the brand’s current lineup, which now consists of passenger cars, minivans, trucks and a full-size SUV. The five-passenger Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking style, performance and utility.

“The Dodge Nitro concept is brimming with character; it evokes emotion through its rugged styling and dominant stance,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “This is more than just another typical mid-size SUV design statement.”

[B]Exterior Styling — Bold and Powerful[/B]

The Dodge Nitro’s bright “Anodized Red” exterior color, confident stance and unique full exterior style not only amplify the vehicle’s persona — they set a tone that is continued throughout.

The face of the vehicle features the signature chrome Dodge crosshair grille flanked by jewel-like rectangular headlamps. The imposing hood carries distinctive character lines that relate directly to the front-end features.

Dodge Nitro’s crisp lines and substantial body size create a brawny character not found in any mid-size SUV on the road today. Eye-catching, 20-inch, cast-aluminum wheels convey a no-nonsense functional statement. Brushed silver vents positioned on each front fender and generously proportioned door handles add to the vehicle’s modern design and contemporary flair.

The rear of the vehicle features an integrated trailer tow hitch, chrome dual exhaust tail pipes and a brushed silver license plate visor.

The roof is garnished with a satin silver and black-trimmed roof rack and crossbars that nest between integrated side rails, completing the functional look of the Dodge Nitro concept.

“Although the Dodge Nitro concept is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle, its expressive form and fullness of surface are similar to that of much larger SUVs,” said Rick Aneiros, Vice President – Jeep® and Truck Design. “The vehicle is not just an exercise in design; its attributes are functional and purposeful.”

[B]Interior Styling — Sleek and Utilitarian[/B]

The Dodge Nitro concept’s spacious interior is both functional and flexible for people and cargo. Upon entry into the vehicle, chrome, silver and red accents have a dynamic presence throughout the interior.

A three-pod, four-gauge instrument cluster with electroluminescent lighting, featuring white gauges with red pointers, is accented by silver bands, giving the interior a sense of technical precision. Most stunning is the vehicle’s satin silver center console, which houses a DVD-based navigation radio with a seven-inch fixed LED screen. Control buttons, shifter knob, door handles, gauges, speakers and assist handles are also satin silver. The attention to detail continues on to the driver pedals, which are made of brushed aluminum with black rubber anti-slip inserts.

The seats, which have a rich, polished appearance, are black leather with rugged bright red inserts. Black netting placed in the center of the head rests gives the vehicle a built-for-fun appeal. Assist handles are located in the back of the front driver and passenger seats to enable easy entry and exit. Front passenger and rear seats fold flat, allowing for ample cargo capacity.

The rear cargo floor is made of rugged-textured vinyl and is easy to clean. With the rear hatch open, the cargo floor slides rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. Modular storage bins and a first-aid kit are located in the rear quarters of the vehicle.

[B]Performance — Functional and Fun[/B]

The Dodge Nitro concept is not only great to look at, it’s fun to drive. The Dodge Nitro concept’s estimated performance figures include a top speed of 108 mph, standing 1/4 mile at 16.9 seconds, and can go from 0–60 mph in 9.6 seconds.

The Dodge Nitro concept incorporates existing Chrysler Group components, including the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine, which generates 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. torque (319 N•m) @ 4000 rpm, the 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission and independent SLA front and five-link rear suspension system. The vehicle has full-time four-wheel drive and weighs in at 4,115 pounds (1867 kg).

Dodge Nitro Concept #2

Dodge Nitro Concept #3

Ha, just another SUV in the world. It looks better than most tho, ill give it that. Im kind of mad that they used the name nitro on on a V6 SUV with 210hp that doesnt even have n2o injection.

Dodge Nitro Concept #4

Forgive me if I'm wrong but.....doesn't this look like an exact version of a Durango cut short? :confused:

Dodge Nitro Concept #5

[QUOTE=spi-ti-tout]Forgive me if I'm wrong but.....doesn't this look like an exact version of a Durango cut short? :confused:[/QUOTE]

No, it looks better than the Durango could ever hope to. This is what the Durango SHOULD look like.

Dodge Nitro Concept #6

[QUOTE=Matt]No, it looks better than the Durango could ever hope to. This is what the Durango SHOULD look like.[/QUOTE]
The only reason I don't like the Durango is because of its shape...it's just too high at the back and low in the front. It doesn't make any sense :confused:

But I suppose you're right, this one does look better than the Duran go in many ways. My only resentment is that it's a tad too short. A little longer (not as long as the Durango though) and it would've been perfect. IYO?

To me, it's a Durango/Jeep Liberty mix. BTW, I can't feel my mouth for sht... just got novacained.

oh god blow that thing up. matt, you will never have my forgiveness for what i have just seen :p

Another box car!?

We don't need anymore!
First the Element, then Xb, and now this?

Looks like a Durango that got a swift kick in the arse.

[QUOTE=F1_Master]Another box car!?

We don't need anymore!
First the Element, then Xb, and now this?

Looks like a Durango that got a swift kick in the arse.[/QUOTE]

I suppose you hate the Range Rover, too? Because that's what the proportions of the Nitro remind me of. I think it's very elegant and very masculine looking at the same time. It has simple lines, no fussy bubbles or curves. And even though it has a seemingly low-powered V6, it looks fast and it looks nimble. I love the thing. I hope they produce it.

i like the rangerover but this well i dont really like. I think range rover did a better job with the styling. Maybe they a similar looking body but range rover did a beter job on the small detials.