http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...rticleId=107108
Dodge was noncommittal about the production prospects of the Dodge Nitro concept when it first appeared at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, but nobody was fooled. It looked ready for production and our latest spy pictures prove that the 2007 Dodge Nitro is headed for showrooms.
The pictures clearly show that little has changed on the Jeep Liberty-based Nitro from its concept. There's none of the extensive chrome trim that adorned the flashy concept, but it does look as though it will keep a fairly aggressive set of wheels and tires.
The Nitro's looks are also said to be derived in part from the quirky Dodge M80 pickup concept which appeared at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. The M80 ended up bombing with consumer focus groups, who much preferred an SUV version of the vehicle, branded the M81. Hence, the Dodge Nitro, which, in terms of its face, actually looks a bit like the M80, if you can see beyond the latter's Herbie-esque rounded headlamps.
As mentioned earlier, the underpinnings of the Nitro come straight from a familiar source — the Jeep Liberty. The Nitro's wheelbase is 4 inches longer while the overall length is barely an inch longer. While it's expected to lack some of the Liberty's off-road capabilities, the Nitro will still be a genuine 4x4. Low-range gearing might be left off the spec sheet, but expect a fairly capable all-weather SUV.
The absence of a Jeep-style rear-mounted spare tire gives Dodge the opportunity to maximize the 2007 Nitro's cargo space, and the concept featured a rear storage area with a capacity of 32 cubic feet. No word yet on whether it will feature the handy sliding cargo shelf shown on the concept.
Look for the production Nitro to go on sale around this time next year.