While the competing small/midsize pickups grow larger over time, so does the Dakota, retaining its status as the largest midsize on the market, Dodge says. Overall length is up 3.7-inches and it's 2.7-inches wider, with five-inches more space between the rear wheel wells, its proud manufacturer claims. Available only as a Club Cab or Quad Cab, the new Dakota runs on a new, hydroformed frame, unique from the Durango, although it has many of the SUV's styling cues. Standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 rated 210 horses and 235 lb-ft, with two versions of the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 available. The high-output version makes more than 300 pound-feet and more than 250 horsepower. Towing capacity is 7000 pounds, and gross combined vehicle weight is 11,500 pounds. A six-speed Getrag manual is available with V-6 or V-8 engines. The independent front suspension has coil-over shocks, and Dodge claims better ride and handling and the lowest noise/vibration/harshness in its class. The new Dakota goes on sale in October, leaving only one more question: "That thing got a Hemi?" No, but it will package one. We expect a Hemi model to come from Special Vehicle Operations wearing an "SRT" badge in the future.
