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Will a new Dodge Dakota come out of Toledo?

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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
For years, there have been rumors of a new Dakota. Now, Automotive News claims that we’re going to see one —based on the Jeep Gladiator—but reader Danny Katzenstein, who spotted a possible Dakota mule this week, thinks it won’t be a Gladiator clone. For one thing, the pickup he spotted—“looked like a Gladiator, but at closer inspection, was a loosely assembled old Dakota with an ‘M’ (manufacturers) plate”—appeared to have an independent suspension.

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Dodge Dakota in the prime of its life​

The new pickup, dubbed Ram Dakota, is likely to be made on the Gladiator line, regardless, and have similar powertrain options. One can speculate it would share a frame as well, but would have a different suspension and much lighter chassis, since it wouldn’t need extra strength for crazy Jeep situations.

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A Dakota based on the Gladiator would likely have hefty towing capabilities, a true departure from the pre-FCA “lifestyle vehicle” plans (which led us to the rendering above).

peugeot pickups

For regions outside the United States, chances are FCA will adopt the new Peugeot pickup, being created with a Chinese partner, which is 5.08 meters long and has an optional 4x4 setup. The new Peugeot pickup (named Peugeot Pick Up) has a 2.5 liter diesel good for 115 hp and 280 Nm of torque with a standard five-speed gearbox; the basic model has rear drive, and the 4x4 has a low gear. The main target for this pickup is emerging nations, including Africa. The Dakota would likely compete in regions where the Peugeot is not sold anyway.
 

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