The Chrysler Group continues to bombard the U.S. market with new or refreshed products, the latest being the revised 2011 Dodge Journey which has been given a mid-life facelift with a redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V6 engine, a completely new interior and some subtle exterior tweaks.
T
he big news here, of course, is the Journey's newly crafted interior with higher-quality materials which puts the outgoing model's cabin to shame (not that it was hard..). Just about everything you see on the dashboard is new, including the sporty looking instrument panel with a standard electronic vehicle information center featuring a full-color display backlit.
The makeover is completed with a new multi-functioning three-spoke steering wheel, larger front storage bin with side nets, newly designed seats and controls, as well as an available Uconnect Touch media center with a touch-screen display. Dodge said the mid-size crossover offers six new interior color and trim options.
On the outside, the cosmetic changes are far less prominent and are limited to the new front fascia sporting the brand's signature "split crosshair" honeycomb grille, restyled fog lamp bezels, available 19-inch wheels, a less angular rear fascia and LED tail-lamps. In addition, the V6 models get a more aggressive lower fascia with a honeycomb grille.
Underneath the hood, the Journey receives the Chrysler Group's new 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine delivering 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The firm's engineers also made changes to the 2011 Journey's suspension geometry and steering system, and added different tires to improve ride and handling. The company claims it also reduced noise, vibration and harshness by installing new, premium sound-deadening treatments and insulation throughout the vehicle.
The revised Dodge Journey, which is built in at Chrysler Group LLC's Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010 and will be available with five- or seven-seat versions.
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