I'm curious to see how much of a difference people will actually see. I had the 3.7 in an 03' jeep liberty and eyeballing the two, there doesnt seem to be a huge size difference. That little 3.7 was pretty torquey and really held its own while passing and really held its own off road. Yes, i know...this is an 07', its a dodge....but i really think that the 3.7 should be quite sufficent in its own. Not to mention, looking at a sticker of a loaded SLT checking in at a fairly hefty $28,000+, is that extra motor going to be worth it? You still get a lot of the comforts/options on the SLT as the R/T (although the R/T does look slightly nicer)
The Nitro still seems pretty freakin sweet

Just some thoughts

Wait for the R/T, much better engine than the outdated 3.7L! The new 4.0L is a stroked 3.5L engine which is proven. It has way more usable power too.

3.7L 210@5200rpm & 235tq@4000rpm Off idle Torque 185tq@1200rpm

4.0L 260hp@6000rpm & 265tq@4200rpm Off idle Torque 225tq@1200rpm


Now compare the 3.7L engine power at the same rpm as the 4.0L

3.7L 175hp@6000rpm & 230tq@4200rpm Off idle Torque 185tq@1200rpm

You can see by the time you hit 1200rpm the 4.0L is making 50tq more to push this Nitro, then by 6000rpm it's a good 85hp ahead for passing let alone keeping a good amount of power more threw out the entire power band.

I'm waiting for the R/T, I've already priced it with the my Company discount. $24k which is a steal. Maybe not as good as a DCX but still nice.

I couldnt agree more... Thats the reason we are waiting for the R/Ts... Besides it looks so much better with the 20 inch wheels..

I currently have a Dakota with a 4.7 V-8.
My previous truck was a Dakota with the 3.7 V-6.

Neither of these engine will ever on there very best day on premium fuel in nuetral ever turn anywhere near 4500 RPM.
6000 is a wish of someones.

Good workhorse engines, reliable, but very underpowered by todays standard. My wifes 3.5 litre Altima makes way more
power than my 4.7 V-8

Chrysler needs desperately as does GM and Ford to kick it up a notch on the power plants they offer.

Love the Nitro but will wait until the hit the ground and get some reviews before I part with my money.

My two cents.

Also remember that the 4.0L has a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed. The acceleration will not even be close between the two.

Is this 4.0L a remake of the 4.0L straight 6of the 98-2004 era used on Cherokees/Grand Cherokees or is the new version a V6? I really liked the 4.0 in my 98 Cherokee ran pretty smooth, easy to replace common use items, (Spark Plugs, Wires, Rotor, Cap etc...)

BTW I think I got lost on the way to the Durango Forum, 2003 Durango SLT 4X4

The 3.7L engine on the Nitro is more sluggish compared to the Liberty. I have both cars. The Liberty is more peppier and easier to throw around, but noisier. The Nitro is quiet, a little softer on the suspension (probably due to weight and size), and accelaration is poor.

The 4.0L is really abored-out version of Chrysler's SOHC 3.5L V-6. This is the same 4.0L that's being put on the '07 Pacificas.

Ok first off I have to reply to flyin fossil... comparing the power output from a dodge truck and nissan ****box is dumb as can be. That being said The comparison between the 3.7 and 4.0 should be looked at not only in power but build quaility. sure the 4.0 is powerful but will it last is the good question. the 3.7 is built with a bedplate and specs that rival a race engine. only time will tell if the 4.0 will last as long in the nitro as a 3.7 would.

Guys....I'd wait until the '08 Nitros come out..People at the factory are hearing rumors of a hemi being offered and also 2 inches being added to the engine bay.

someone say hemi Nitro?
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=117421
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2006/1103/dodge.nitro.sema.500.jpg

I think that would great but I think it was just a concept at SEMA and isn't going to be put into production - although it would be and amazing addition to an already sweet SUV. Has anyone else heard differently? I'm all for it if it happens and would love to try one out.

ORIGINAL: Monstrddg

someone say hemi Nitro?
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=117421
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2006/1103/dodge.nitro.sema.500.jpg

Oh God...I swear I just started drooling :D

I think I know what my next vehicle will be ;)

here's another article about it: http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/sema/exclusive-2006-sema-preview-yeah-this-dodge-nitros-got-a-hemi-210783.php but that's about all I've seen. I should have asked about it when I was at the autoshow, but they probably wouldn't know anything about it. The only specs I've found are: "The modified 5.7-liter V8 [HEMI] will be paired with a Tremec five-speed, Brembo brakes and 22-inch Alcoa wheels." Awesome

I don't know about your 4.7, probably an auto no doubt.

My 01 4.7 Dak, with HO cams, ($112 shipped), manual tranny, yadda, yadda etc., is one torquey, running engine, even after 119,000 miles.

ORIGINAL: thefamilyguy209

Ok first off I have to reply to flyin fossil... comparing the power output from a dodge truck and nissan ****box is dumb as can be. That being said The comparison between the 3.7 and 4.0 should be looked at not only in power but build quaility. sure the 4.0 is powerful but will it last is the good question. the 3.7 is built with a bedplate and specs that rival a race engine. only time will tell if the 4.0 will last as long in the nitro as a 3.7 would.

If the 4.0L is anything like the 3.5L SOHC which it is based off of. I can tell you from my own experience that it will last very well. This is a very reliable engine series (except the 2.7L DOHC but that has different heads and is too small to justify creating anyways).

The 4.0L is anything but slow in the Nitro, Car and Driver got 6.9 secs on the 0-60 run. http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroadtests/12165/2007-dodge-nitro-rt.html

I luv the 3.7's im personally let down by nitro i test drove one when i bought my dakota. And wasn't very impressed.

I test drove a Nitro the other day. Here is what I found. I drove a RWD Nitro R/T. It had heated leather seats and tow package. I looked at that solid rear axle, and, with the RWD version, realized there are no dreaded CV joints like all FWD vehicles have. Have you ever ripped a rubber CV joint boot on a pothole with only 40,000 miles on your toyota and spent $2,000.00 on the repair bill? I know, I have. So all of my vehicles have RWD, or, if 4WD, they have solid axles front and rear. (that would be jeep wrangler)

So, i see a vehicle with the combination of RWD with traction control, stability control, 4 wheel anti lock disc brakes, tire pressure monitor, all kind of air bags, and a really neat fold flat front passenger seat with a rear cargo floor that pulls out! Perfect for those 8 foot 2X4s i needed after work.....

Then, I saw that 5 speed automatic tranny with the exterior tranny cooler, heavy duty engine cooling (with the tow package), even enough room to slip a couple extra fans in front of the a/c compressor next summer to keep that a/c ice cold! (and keep the condensor cool so the freon stays INSIDE where it belongs)

I was sold. There is no going to any other dealer looking for this combination of features. You can only find it here.

Then i drove the thing. I liked the taut RWD handling. The ride was actually great - this has a 108" wheelbase. Those 20" wheels look nice too, with that black outside color. This works for me.