Dakota, the largest compact pickup truck sold in America, sported a fresh face and much more power when it rolled into the spotlight at the Chicago Auto Show. A revised crosshatch grille borrows heavily from the newly introduced Dodge Nitro midsize SUV, while the optional enhanced V8 is unique to Dakota.

Though a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 remains standard, Dakota's optional 4.7-liter V8 boasts a jump to 290 horsepower, a gain of 60. Torque increases as well, up ten percent to 320 pound-feet. A previously offered 260-horse "high-output" V8 has been dropped. Dodge claims that despite the bump in power, the updated V8 uses less fuel and is now E85 compatible.

Also new are a revised instrument panel, an under-rear-seat cargo compartment, and a host of updated audio systems with plug-in MP3 compatibility. The 2008 Dakota is due in showrooms this August.

2008 Dodge Dakota
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