First Interior Photos of 2011 Dodge Durango SUV

About a month ago, Dodge released pictures and initial details on its all-new 2011 Durango SUV model. Now that we have had some time to digest the crossover's exterior, the automaker has dropped the first photos of the 7-seater model's interior.

Being that the new Durango is heavily based on the 2011 Grand Cherokee, it comes to no surprise that -for the most part- the cockpit design is almost identical to that of Jeep's flagship model.

There are changes to the color schemes and trim, new steering wheel hub and instrument panel gauge designs, while certain switchgear such as the rotatable knob for the headlamps are unique to the Durango.

However, the most important difference is that unlike the Jeep's five-passenger arrangement, the Durango offers room for seven people in three rows of seats

Dodge says that it has used high quality materials that are refined and soft to the touch throughout the interior.

The new Durango will go on sale in the United States before the end of the year with customers having the option between the Chrysler Group's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI engine a Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode.

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Jeep Launches Mopar Accessories for New Grand Cherokee

The Chrysler Group's Mopar division has released a host of accessories for the recently launched 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Buyers can upgrade and customize Jeep's flagship SUV model with heaps of parts and accessories ranging from a mobile TV and WiFi tech that turns the vehicle into a wireless hot spot, to tubular side steps and a camper trailer. For the complete list of available parts and pricing, follow the jump for Mopar's detailed press release.

Mopar Press Release

Exterior

Wheels: Mopar offers five accessory wheels in a variety of sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches. "Rugged" style aluminum wheels are available in polished silver and painted black and are treated in a durable clear-coat finish. Wheels meet strict strength, corrosion and balance standards and requirements. A stamped-steel wheel for the snow-tire market will also be available. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): Starting at $90

Chromed Parts: A variety of chromed parts give the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee a unique, customized appearance. Parts include side-mirror covers, exhaust tips, and fog-lamp bezels for the front bumper. MSRP for side-mirror covers: $89, part number 82212218. MSRP for exhaust tips: $77.30, part number 82212400. MSRP for fog bezels: $81.40, part number 82212341.

Molded Splash Guards: Deluxe and flexible front and rear splash guards are molded to the Jeep Grand Cherokee's contours for a custom fit and provide excellent lower body protection. MSRP for front splash guards: $35.10, part number 82210219AB. MSRP for rear splash guards: $35.10, part number 82212020AB

Skid Plates: Available for fuel tank, transfer case and engine, Mopar skid plates are made of heavy-gauge steel and painted with a high-quality black finish in order to provide protection to vital components when traveling off-road. MSRP for fuel tank skid plate: $264, part number 82211999. MSRP for front-axle skid plate: $92.75, part number 82211995. MSRP for transfer-case skid plate: $92.75, part number 82211994

Sport-utility Bars: Mount to original-equipment side rails in order to allow other rooftop carriers to be installed with ease. Lockable bars are made of aluminum and help protect against corrosion, while T-slots allow for quick carrier installation. MSRP: $244, part number 82212072AB

Roof Cargo Basket, Soft-side Roof Cargo Carrier and Bike and Ski Carriers: Mount to sport-utility bars on vehicle roof and allow for two-tier loading. MSRP: starting at $121

Trailer Hitch and Trailer Wiring: A variety of towing products are available. MSRP for trailer hitch: $233, part number 82212180. MSRP for seven-way round wiring connector: $67, part number 82212196AB

Tubular Side Steps: Constructed of light-weight, anodized aluminum and available in black or chrome, tubular side steps provide wide skid-resistant stepping surfaces for easy entry and exit. MSRP for chrome: $516, part number 82212129. MSRP for black: $309, part number 82212130

Vehicle Covers: A front-end cover protects the vehicle from bugs, dirt and road debris and is made of black vinyl with 22-oz. polyester backing. MSRP: $195, part number 82212083. A full-vehicle cover is made of premium, heavy-weight material that is washable and water resistant. Cover helps protect finish from ultraviolet rays, dirt and other airborn pollutants. MSRP: $212, part number 82212084

Wheel-lock Kit: Kit protects against wheel and tire theft and includes four chrome-plated locking nuts, and one exclusive Mopar key. MSRP: $45.35, part number 82210879

Interior and Electronics

Bright Pedal Kit: Made from aircraft-quality polished stainless steel with chemical-resistant rubber, bright pedal covers are designed specifically for production pedals and are easy to install. MSRP: $55.65, part number 82212055

Dog Bed: Bed is 31 inches by 36 inches and made of a 2-inch thick tan and grey textured material. The zippered cover removes for easy washing. MSRP: $72, part number 82210316

Door-sill Guards: Brushed stainless-steel guards protect interior sills from scratches and feature the Jeep Grand Cherokee logo on front sills. Front sills are also available in stainless steel with an illuminated Jeep logo. MSRP for stainless: $89, part number 82212118. MSRP for illuminated: $169, part number 82212120

Engine Block and Battery Heater Kits: Heaters plug into standard 110-volt outlet and ensure fast starts and quick warm-ups. MSRP: starts at $37

Katzkin Leather Seat Covers: Premium leather seating packages in a variety of colors and trims. Fully customizable as to color, leather, logos and stitching. MSRP starts at $1,199

FLO TV: Chrysler Group LLC, through Mopar, is the first automaker in the U.S. to offer live, mobile TV. Content includes programming from ABC, ABC Entertainment, ABC Family, ABC News, Adult Swim Mobile, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBS News, CNBC, CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, Disney Channel Original Movies, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN 2, FOX, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, Fuel TV, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, NBC2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports, Nickelodeon, Playhouse Disney, SOAPNET and Speed. MSRP: $509 plus installation, part number 82212162AB

iPod Interface Kit: Play iPod music files directly through the vehicle's audio system by plugging the iPod into the custom cable and controlling the music selection with the iPod's control wheel. iPod interface cable to be used only with Mopar Uconnect phone kits with iPod integration. MSRP: $87.15 plus installation, part number 82211853

ParkSense® Rear-park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) integrated into the instrument cluster. MSRP: $359 plus install, part number 82212158

Portable Navigation System: Mopar offers a variety of competitively priced, easy-to-use navigation systems that provide precise guidance to destinations through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology. MSRP: starting at $179

Rear-seat Video, DVD: Mopar 10-inch DVD player is integrated into the headliner and is controlled by infrared remote (not available with dual-pane roof). Audio may be accessed through the vehicle's sound system and/or through two wireless headphones. An auxiliary input is provided for a video camera, CD, MP3 and video games. MSRP: $1,105 plus installation, part number 82212362.

Uconnect Phone: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between occupants' compatible mobile phone and the vehicle's onboard receiver. MSRP: $407 plus installation, part number 82211755AB

Uconnect Web: Turns your vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing every passenger to harness the power and entertainment value of online accessibility. MSRP: $499 plus installation, part number 8221856AB, service sold separately.

Mopar-first Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
-Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
- Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
- Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
- FLO TV: first to offer live, mobile television in the United States
-WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
-WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

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Paris Preshow: Jeep Announces Fresh Euro Lineup, Two New Oil Burners

Jeep will debut an updated European lineup in Paris this year, and for the first time in a while it may actually appeal to Western European consumers. The 2011 Grand Cherokee, revised 2011 Wrangler, and the rest of the off-road crew are appearing to showcase two new forms of diesel power.

Naturally, Jeep won't be bringing anything new models to the Parisian table, but the diesel engines are here in order to help entice European buyers into giving the American Commando brand a closer look.

After all, the Grand Cherokee - which now rides on a Quadra-Lift air suspension setup like other hoity-toity SUVs - has a good bit of Benzo DNA in it and looks great. No word yet on what kind of diesel engine is getting under that hood, but it should help the new GC give them Euro boys some competition.

The larger of the previously-mentioned new forms of propulsion is a 2.8 liter turbodiesel V6 debuting in the 2011 Cherokee (I wish; it's the Liberty in Amurrica) and 2011 Wrangler; it features Chrysler's first stab at start/stop tech if equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2.8 TD makes 200 horsepower and 410 Nm or 460 Nm ( lb ft) of torque with the 6-speed stick and 5-speed auto, respectively, while improving efficiency by 13% and cutting emissions by 14% (15% in the Cherokee 4X4).

According to Jeep, the new combined fuel economy figures are 7.7 lt/100km or 30.6mpg US for the manual Cherokee (7.8 lt/100km with the auto box), 7.1 lt/100km or 33.1mpg US for the manual Wrangler (Auto: 8.1 lt/100km) and 7.4 lt/100km or 31.8mpg US for the manual Wrangler Unlimited (Auto: 8.3 lt/100km).

A 163-horsepower / 320 Nm 2.2-liter TD engine with a 6-speed will make its appearance in the Patriot/Compass siblings in place of the old 2.0-liter. It'll help the not-so-cute utes tow up to 2000 kg, consume 6.6 lt/100 km or 35.6 mpg US combined, and emit 172 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

For full specs on the 2011 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, go ahead and check out our previous posts. Regarding the 2011 Cherokee, stay right here. For Europe, there will be a special "Jet" edition appearing in Paris.

On the outside it will get bright trim (lower fascia, side molding, roof runners, and above the license plate), chrome mirrors, black headlight housings, and tinted windows; inside, "accent stitching" is optional. The Cherokee Jet will be available in Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry and comes with a...(sigh)..."Jet" badge on the fenders.

Jeep President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley says, "The Jeep brand's legendary heritage has made it one of the most recognized brands in the world. [It] continues to evolve with new vehicles, designs, powertrains and technology. We are proud to bring the newest Jeep innovations to Paris, including the Company's first application of Stop/Start technology that helps improve Jeep Wrangler's fuel economy by up to 13 percent, as well as the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, designed and built to answer the needs of customers here in Europe and around the world."

By Phil Alex