The face of the Dodge full-size SUV that we will soon see in Dodge showrooms was unveiled today at the Dallas Auto Show as Dodge introduced the 2007 Dodge Durango. More than that, however, the new Dodge Durango gave us a glimpse of what the Chrysler Group’s first HEV or Hybrid Electric Vehicle would look like.

With a bold new look highlighted by new angles and planar surfaces, the new Durango design is expected to end the several months of lackluster sales performance of the Dodge full-size SUV. Prominent in the new Durango design is a new, chromed crosshair grille adorned by an immense three-dimensional ram’s head emblem. This new grille with a chiseled look is highlighted on the sides by new, rectangular halogen headlamps and surrounded by the elegant features of the new one-piece body-mounted front fascia. On the rear, the Durango retained its clean and functional look, except for the addition of new “afterburner” taillights and a chrome appliqué on the rear liftgate.

To occupy the space underneath the redesigned hood of the 2007 Dodge Durango are three engine options: the standard 3.7-liter V6 (210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque), the E85-compatible FFV 4.7-liter V8 (230 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque), and the best-in-class 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque). With either of the two V8 engine options, the Durango does not only get superior power production but also improved fuel efficiency. The 4.7-liter V8 engine has the capability to run on either E85 fuel, gasoline or a combination of both while the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 features the Multi-displacement System (MDS)—a system that automatically shifts the engine into 4-cylinder mode when less power is required.

But aside from the powertrain features of the 2007 Dodge Durango, the new Durango body will also be the eventual host to the Chrysler Group’s first advanced two-mode hybrid system comes 2008. To be named the Dodge Durango HEV, the vehicle feature the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 matched with two electric motors, which are significantly smaller than the electric motors used on current hybrids, to operate in two different full hybrid modes. With the two-mode hybrid system, fuel efficiency of the Durango is expected to improve by 25 percent.