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2009 Dodge Dakota: Mid-size pickup offers several best-in-class capabilities
 The 2009 Dodge Dakota is perfect for people who want their vehicle to meet a wide variety of needs. SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
Designed for customers with active lifestyles, the 2009 Dodge Dakota offers a lot to individuals who need a vehicle to meet a variety of needs. Depending on an owner’s lifestyle, the 2009 Dodge Dakota may be equipped for work or play, but every Dakota is capable and versatile. The 2009 Dodge Dakota features distinctive exterior and interior styling, and many best-in-class capabilities, such as the only available V-8 engine in its class, best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds, the greatest interior room of any mid-size truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab, and the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot 6-inches in the Extended Cab. For 2009, the Dodge Dakota is offered in two body styles – Extended Cab and Crew Cab. Four trim levels are offered: ST, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas only), TRX4 and Laramie. MSRP is $22,560 to $31,630. DESIGN The 2009 Dodge Dakota’s exterior includes a boldly styled hood, grille, front fascia, fenders and headlamps. The hood surface was designed to signify power and further amplify the drop-fendered, signature look for Dodge trucks. The front end was designed to improve aerodynamics and features better fit and gap management. Fascias integrate with the grille and incorporate available fog lamps. The 2009 Dodge Dakota’s tailgate includes a spoiler (available with bedliner option) that helps smooth air flow over the rear of the truck to improve fuel economy, and the top surface of the cargo box has a protective surface. Headlamps are rectangular to achieve a contemporary appearance, but also to maximize the surface area for better forward lighting. Reflectors are deep-set behind each lens to create a serious demeanor. The 2009 Dodge Dakota’s interior is designed to provide an ergonomically friendly cockpit with improved comfort, utility and thoughtful storage amenities to complement a variety of lifestyles. It includes a center console with modular inserts, and several interior storage features including the innovative Crate ’N Go storage system that includes unique, collapsible and removable containers. ENGINEERING The 2009 Dodge Dakota comes standard with a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power steering pump. Exhaust gas recirculation helps lower emissions. The available 4.7-liter V-8 offers improved fuel economy, power and torque than previous 4.7-liter engines, while at the same time delivering increased refinement. The 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 302 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of torque. The 4.7-liter V-8 is remarkably refined as a result of a quiet and efficient induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and low accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. The 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped with Electronic Throttle Control. The 4.7-liter powerplant is E85 compatible, earning the Flexible-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their 2009 Dodge Dakota on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two. The 2009 Dodge Dakota’s 3.7-liter V-6 is backed up by a six-speed manual transmission, standard on the Dakota ST; a four-speed automatic with overdrive is standard on the Big Horn/Lone Star, TRX4, and Laramie models; and a five-speed automatic is standard on V-8-equipped models. The 2009 Dodge Dakota features a ladder-type frame, with hydroformed main rails fully boxed for strength and rigidity. All 2009 Dodge Dakotas feature an independent front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers. The result is identical ride height for two- and four-wheel-drive models, which contributes to smooth ride and handling characteristics. The 2009 Dodge Dakota also has the highest tow ratings in the mid-size pickup market, with towing ability of up to 7,050 pounds. Twenty-five safety and security features are standard on the 2009 Dodge Dakota.
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