Dodge Hits ‘98 Running With New Intrepid, Durango

Fri., Feb. 13, 1998

The Intrepid enters its second generation with a stem-to-stern makeover, including a dramatic new roofline to distinguish it from its made-over cousin, the Chrysler Concorde, and a new set of powertrain options.

Speaking of power, the Viper RT/10 gets power windows and the 450-hp V-10 engine out of the GTS coupe. Hardcore-types can delete the air conditioning and hardtop roof.

There’s a new brace on the bellhousing in the 150-hp Neon R/T coupe to make it seriously quieter at high revs; the Avenger sports new 16-inch wheels and the Stratus ES sedan now boasts as standard equipment the 150-hp inline four.

The Caravan minivan gets a 14-hp boost, thanks to better breathing capabilities.

Trucks and SUVs

The big news here is the all-new Durango, the SUV that splits the difference between compact and full-size. With room for eight, three engine offerings (from a 175-hp V-6 to a 250-hp V-8) and the bold looks Dodge trucks are known for, Durango hopes to carve out a chunk of the Ford Explorer market.

Full-size Dodge Ram trucks get an innovative fourth-door option on the new Quad Cab models. There are new passenger-side airbags, a restyled instrument panel and a larger fuel tank on short-wheelbase models. Also, the 5.9-liter V-8 now gets 250-hp when ordered with the Sport Package.

There’s a new sport package - called the R/T - for the Dakota, as well. It gets the 250-hp V-8, natch.

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