Transmissions:
Four transmission choices exist for the Dakota
Lineup:
-
Five-speed manual overdrive.
-
42RE Four-speed automatic overdrive.
-
45 RFE Multi-speed automatic overdrive.
-
46RE Four-speed automatic overdrive.
Overview:
Dodge won't be altering the exterior styling of their Dakota compact
pickup lineup, but all models will benefit from an interior freshening
featuring many new customer conveniences.
There
are four engines and four transmission choices for the Dakota, not
to mention two transfer cases for 4x4 models -- a part-time and
a full-time version. 4x2 drive set-ups are also available.
Cab
choices include: Regular Cab, Club Cab and Quad Cab. The latter
sports the longest bed in the segment at 5'3", and is capable
of seating up to six passengers. Longer cargo boxes may be ordered
for regular cab models.
The
diverse Dakota offers Best-In-Class power and capability. Varying
trim levels make it possible to tailor Dakotas to suit their specific
needs -- There's even a performance version in the Dakota R/T that
is driven by the 5.9 liter Magnum® V-8 mated to a four-speed
manual gearbox. A myriad of after market goodies are offered to
further modify and personalize the roomy and comfortable Dakota.
Exterior
Design:
The Dakota's popular exterior design that resembles a stylized version
of its full-size sibling (but with more balanced proportioning)
-- the Ram, will remain status quo for 2001.
Interior
Design:
Inside styling of all Dakotas will receive a freshening treatment,
with the addition of creature comfort and upgraded safety features
and changes to virtually everything the driver sees or touches,
including a rotary dial for the new electronic transfer case.
Powertrain:
Engine choices for Dakota range from a 2.5 liter, 120 horsepower
four-banger to a 5.9 liter, 250 horse motor that also generates
a whopping 345 pound feet of torque. If that's not enough, a Hemi
crate motor may be ordered from Mopar.
