The standard Dakota engine is a 2.5 liter 4- cylinder rated at 120 bhp. The next setup is the wheezy old 175-bhp 3.9 liter V-6 that is adequate to the task, but one hopes the zingy new 210-bhp sohc 3.7 liter V-6 that’s found in the new Ram lands under Dakota hoods soon. The 3.9 liter is the base engine in Quad Cab and all 4wd models. Both engines are available with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. A 4.7 liter sohc V-8 with aluminum heads is the most modern engine in the Dakota lineup. It is the only engine that can be teamed with Dodge’s electronic automatic transmission with dual- ratio 2nd gear that improves acceleration. The 230 bhp 4.7 liter can also be had with a 5-speed manual transmission. The top engine is the 5.9 liter V-8, which can be ordered in Quad Cab models or as part of the R/T package. The R/T version is rated at 250bhp thanks to a rumbly free flow exhaust. The 5.9 liter comes only with a 4 speed automatic transmission.
Other R/T items include foglamps, wheel flares, a limited slip differential, 255/55R-17 tires, and front and rear anti- roll bars. The R/T unique suspension tuning results in a 1- in.-lower ride height. The muscle truck option is available on 2wd Club Cab or regular cab models. On the safety front, Dakotas with automatic transmissions have a new brake-shift interlock. The door structure has been revised for better side-impact protection, and the standard rear anti-lock brake system includes electronic brakes apportioning.
And the dodge dakota 2012?