Dakota gets more power and towing capacity

CHICAGO -- The face-lifted 2008 Dakota carries the freight for Dodge in the shrinking mid-sized pickup segment. Sales of the current Dakota slumped last year, and Dodge was forced to put on big incentives.For 2008, Dodge will give the top-line 4.7-liter V-8 Dakota a big power boost -- from 230 hp to 290 hp. That answers those who thought the current Dakota didn't have enough muscle.For those who felt the Dakota lacked towing capacity, the new one cranks out 320 pounds-feet of torque, a 10 percent increase over the current model. That translates to 7,050 pounds towing capacity.The engine gets a more refined performance from a new setup -- two spark plugs per cylinder and an improved induction system. Frank Klegon, Chrysler group product development chief, claims the V-8 will get better fuel economy than the current Dakota V-8, even with the extra horsepower. The engine also runs on E85.The V-8 can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The 2008 Dakota, scheduled to go on sale in August, also will be offered with a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6.Dodge has restyled the Dakota's front end, including the hood, front fascia and headlamps, which take a cue from the Dodge Nitro SUV.The Dakota will be offered in extended cab and crew cab styles and in six trim levels.You may e-mail Bradford Wernle at bwernle@crain.com