Over-Achieving Sport Truck Gets Even Better; Introducing the 1998 Dodge Dakota R/T
7 January 1998
Over-Achieving Sport Truck Gets Even Better; Introducing the 1998 Dodge Dakota R/T
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7 -- The compact sport truck known
for over-delivering on performance, power and personality now offers an
all-new handling and performance package with the introduction of the 1998
Dodge Dakota R/T. The vehicle goes on sale this spring.
The 1998 Dodge Dakota, already best-in-class with its 5.2-liter Magnum V-8
engine, sets the performance bar even higher with the R/T's 250-horsepower
5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine. Wearing new oversized 17-inch wheels and P255/55
R17 tires, the Dakota R/T has a thicker rear stabilizer bar, lowered
suspension, and limited-slip rear differential. And in true street vehicle
fashion, R/T will only be offered in a 4X2 configuration.
The result is a truck enthusiast's dream: aggressive looks combined with
nimble ride, precise handling, stable cornering and an exceptionally
responsive power train.
"The key words here are 'enhanced performance,'" said Bernard Robertson,
Vice President - Engine Technologies and General Manager of Truck Operations.
"We took our already-proven 1997 Dodge Dakota and further pushed it to the
limits with the R/T. The result is a truck that offers an even more
exhilarating experience and still over-delivers on style, capability and
comfort."
Dodge Dakota, the only compact truck with a V-8, now offers a choice of
two V-8 engine sizes with the addition of Dakota R/T's 5.9-liter engine. The
250 horsepower and 345 lb-ft. of torque is maximized with a performance-tuned
dual inlet stainless steel exhaust system. The heavy-duty electronic four-
speed automatic transmission (46RE) is standard with the 5.9 V-8.
The 1998 Dakota R/T has front and rear stabilizer bars to control
handling, but the rear bar is a beefier 19 mm to minimize body roll in turns
during cornering. Dakota R/T adds a limited-slip differential for improved
traction and quicker starts.
Oversized 17-inch wheels and tires give the sport truck even more of a
solid, stable footprint, which further enhances handling. The suspension,
which was built with a focus on road handling as opposed to load hauling, is
lowered to give the R/T a sleek, road-hugging look and feel.
"With our 1997 Dakota, we were proud of the fact that we were able to
combine car-like handling capabilities with the functional attributes of a
truck," said Robertson. "Without sacrificing the benefits of our 1997 Dakota,
we made the 1998 Dodge Dakota R/T even more responsive."
Dakota R/T's distinctive sport truck styling statement is underscored with
a unique exterior package which includes front and rear color-keyed bumpers
and flared fenders to accommodate the vehicle's larger wheels and tires.
Dakota R/T is available in two body styles: 4X2 Regular Cab or Club Cab; and
four colors: Flame Red, Black, Intense Blue, and Deep Amethyst.
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Information:
Assembly Plant: Dodge City (Warren, Michigan)
Introduction Date: Spring, 1998
EPA Vehicle Class: Regular and Club Cab Compact Pickup
Specifications:
Engine: 5.9 liter Magnum V-8
250 horsepower
345 ft. lbs. of torque
Drivetrain: Electronic 4-speed automatic
transmission (46RE) with Limited slip
differential
Body: Two-door regular cab
Two-door club cab
All steel body-on-frame
Suspension:
- Front Upper & lower "A" arms
Coil springs
Gas charged shock absorbers
15 mm stabilizer bar
Suspension:
- Rear Live axle
4-leaf longitudinal springs
Gas-charged shock absorbers
19 mm stabilizer bar
Steering:
- Type Power rack & pinion
- Overall ratio 14.8:1
- Turning diameter 36 ft. - regular cab
41.2 ft. - club cab
Brakes: Four-wheel ABS
Front Disc
Rear Drum
Dimensions (Inches):
- Club cab - Wheelbase 131 inches
- Overall length 215.1 inches
- Overall width 71.5 inches
- Overall height 65.7 inches
- Box 6.5 feet
- Front track 61.5 inches
- Rear track 62.5 inches
- Wheels 17 x 9 inch Cast Aluminum
- Tires 255/55 R17
Dimensions (inches) :
- Regular cab - Wheelbase 112 inches
- Overall length 195.8 inches
- Overall width 71.5 inches
- Overall height 65.7 inches
- Box 6.5 feet
- Front track 61.5 inches
- Rear track 62.5 inches
- Wheels 17 x 9 inch Cast Aluminum
- Tires P255/55 R17
Color:
- Exterior Black
Flame Red
Intense Blue
Deep Amethyst
SOURCE Chrysler Corporation
