Chrysler Group has unveiled the new 2008 Dodge Dakota mid-size truck, featuring new exterior and interior styling, and many best-in-class capabilities. The new 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter High Output engine, and delivers 290 horsepower, a 25 percent increase; and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10 percent increase. The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota comes standard with a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control for positive throttle response, and exhaust gas recirculation to help lower emissions. A first-for-the-segment remote starter for more convenience is standard on both the 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter engines in the 2008 Dodge Dakota. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota's powerplants are backed up by a choice of a six-speed manual transmission, standard on all V-6 equipped 2008 Dodge Dakota models except Laramie; a four-speed automatic with overdrive available with Dakota's V-6 engine; and a five-speed automatic available on V-8-equipped models. For 2008, the Dodge Dakota will again be offered in two body styles-Extended Cab and Crew Cab-and six trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX4, Sport and Laramie. The 2008 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab's available Full Swing rear access doors open nearly 170 degrees to an interior with seating for five. With rear seats folded, up to 30 cubic feet of storage space is available. Separately, the 2008 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab offers best-in-class room, with 37.1 cubic feet, seating for up to six and a new under-seat storage system. The 2008 Dodge Dakota continues to offer the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot-6-inches in the Extended Cab. Built-in utility rails make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable. The 2008 Dodge Dakota's dual-position tailgate may be secured in a mid-position, which provides support for extra-wide or -long cargo laid on top of wheel wells and extending beyond the end of the bed. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota also continues to offer the highest tow ratings in the mid-size pickup market, with towing ability of up to 7,050 pounds. Dodge Dakota’s safety features include octagonal front frame rail tips that collapse rearward in an impact, an anti-lock brake system standard on rear wheels and available on all four wheels, standard advance multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, and available supplemental side-curtain air bags. Rear head restraints on Crew Cab models, which are designed for the driver's rearward visibility, have a foam-padded structure for increased protection.