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Dodge confirms it will add Nitro ute to lineup for '07 model year



Dodge confirmed on Wednesday what had been an open secret -- that it will add the Nitro SUV to its lineup for the 2007 model year.

The five-seat Nitro will take its underpinnings from the Jeep Liberty, but stretch the wheelbase and overall length to add more rear seat and cargo room.

Styling will be close to that seen on the Nitro concept vehicle unveiled at last February's Chicago auto show. The concept vehicle is 4 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider than a Jeep Liberty, with a wheelbase stretched 4 inches.

The concept was powered by a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

While the Nitro will be engineered for off-road use, its extended length will place limits in areas such as approach and departure angles for extremely steep hills and slopes