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- Jeep expands Wrangler lineup
- A Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with twice as much cargo space; room for family, friends and gear
- Rubicon capability and Unlimited versatility for $28,825
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 27, 2004 -Jeep® Wrangler, the heart and soul of the Jeep brand, dominates the small sport utility segment. Jeep, the "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" brand, plans to conquer even more territory with the introduction of its all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.
Jeep announced pricing today for the all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. For $28,825, Jeep delivers extreme, rugged off-road Rubicon capability in Wrangler’s new long wheelbase Unlimited model, which is 15 inches longer than the standard Jeep Wrangler with twice as much cargo volume.
"Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon aggressively expands the Wrangler lineup, delivering customers extreme off-road capability in a package that provides improved comfort and convenience," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Jeep Marketing. "By marrying Wrangler Rubicon’s capability with Wrangler Unlimited’s versatility, Jeep attracts a broad range of customers who want to tackle the toughest off-road trails, and have the ability to bring along family, friends and cargo."
The 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon’s off-road system includes front and rear Dana model 44 axles with "air-actuated" Tru-Lok™ locking front and rear differentials, a Rock-Trac™ 4:1 low-range transfer case, four-wheel disc brakes and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" tires, which provide an extra one-half inch of ground clearance versus the standard Jeep Wrangler Unlimited model.
"Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon’s unique factory off-road system is another chapter in the Wrangler value story," Bell said. "Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon offers extreme off-road capability at approximately half the price of modifying the vehicle with aftermarket hardware. Combine that with Jeep engineering, testing on the world’s most demanding trails, Jeep’s 7-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and significantly more space, and it’s clear the all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon delivers the ultimate combination of capability, versatility and value."
More Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Features
In addition to extended length and increased cargo volume, the all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon offers improved on-road comfort due to improved shock tuning and a 103-inch wheelbase, which is 10 inches longer than the original Wrangler.
A new dash pad, hood pad and thick rear carpet padding in the cargo area contribute to a 30 percent quieter ride in Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models.
An innovative new Sunrider™ soft top, with a "sun roof" in addition to the full top-down option, is offered on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. The Sunrider top includes larger deep-tinted windows, providing second-row passengers better visibility.
Inside, access to the second row is improved with tip-and-slide front seats on both driver and passenger sides. Other interior highlights include an additional power outlet on the dash and an optional security group that includes an electrochromatic rearview mirror with temperature/compass display, map lights and Sentry® Key.
Best-In-Class Towing; Durable Power
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models boast best-in-segment towing capability of 3,500 lbs., which is 1,500 lbs. more than the standard Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is powered by the 190-horsepower 4.0-liter Power Tech™ I-6 engine, available with a four-speed automatic transmission or new, standard six-speed manual transmission.
Jeep Brand
Jeep brand sales have increased five percent year-over-year in 2004 (through August), with four new models set to launch this year. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is now available in Jeep dealer showrooms. The all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Liberty Diesel models launch this fall.
Jeep Wrangler sales have increased 24 percent year-to-date, while Wrangler Rubicon sales are up more than 30 percent over 2003.
Jeep Trail Rated®
Jeep Trail Rated® communicates the legendary Jeep capability that is designed into every Jeep 4x4. The Jeep Trail Rated badge indicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording. As the brand’s lineup expands, Jeep-branded vehicles will continue to be what they have always been: the most capable.
2005 Jeep Wrangler Pricing
For reference, following are prices for 2005 Jeep Wrangler models, including the all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. All prices include $610 for destination.
Jeep Wrangler SE $18,510
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited $24,355
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon $27,825
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon $28,825
09/29/04 Permalink
- Most capable pickup truck ever created available for $36,660
- Extreme off-road capability backed by full factory warranty at fraction of aftermarket cost
- Geared for severe off-road work conditions
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 27, 2004 -
A comprehensive list of extreme off-road features that, until now, have never been packaged together on a production pickup truck. Legendary HEMI® power. And Dodge’s 7-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
Dodge announced pricing today for the latest addition to its leading Dodge Ram truck lineup: the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon. Reborn as the most capable off-road pickup truck ever created, the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is available for $36,660.
"Dodge Ram Power Wagon is a perfect example of delivering ultimate capability at a head-turning price," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing. "An off-road enthusiast would have to pay nearly $10,000 in the aftermarket for similar off-road capability. With the all-new 2005 Ram Power Wagon, Dodge delivers the world’s most capable off-road pickup truck for just $6,335 more than a standard 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4, and backs it with Dodge’s 7-year/70,000-mile factory warranty."
With class-exclusive electric-locking front and rear differentials, a class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar, a custom-built Warn® 12,000 lb. power winch, Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shock absorbers, BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A 33-inch tires, 17-inch forged aluminum wheels, and enhanced underbody protection, the legendary Dodge Ram Power Wagon returns to the Dodge lineup after a 25-year absence.
"The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon builds on the heritage of the original Dodge 4x4 icon, so it’s certain to attract customers looking for a truck to master the most severe off-road work conditions," said Jackson. "Dodge Ram Power Wagon will be widely used by hunters, farmers and campers looking for a vehicle to suit their extreme recreational needs, in a variety of farming and commercial applications, and by all-or-nothing customers who simply want the biggest, baddest, most capable truck ever built."
Dodge Ram Power Wagon Features
Based on the Dodge Ram 2500, the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is available in either regular cab long box or Quad Cab short box body styles. The 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is standard, and mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual (late availability) transmission.
Exterior cues that distinguish the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon from the standard Ram 2500 4x4 include unique Power Wagon badging on doors and tailgate, a black upper front fascia with chrome bumper, custom matte-finish wheel flares, a towering stance (80.6 inches), 17x8-inch forged aluminum wheels, the custom built Warn 12,000 lb. power winch, and available three-inch heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails from Mopar®.
The Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab interior features four conventional, front-hinged doors and a large, comfortable cab. Rear seats feature an optional 60/40 split to accommodate passengers and cargo.
The regular cab model of the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon offers just as much flexibility, with the largest cab in the segment. Other interior features include air conditioning, cruise control, Sirius® Satellie Radio, a DVD-based navigation system and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system.
Dodge Truck Leadership
The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the latest addition to the Dodge truck lineup, which continues to haul the most leadership claims:
· Dodge Ram 1500 with legendary HEMI power is the most powerful mass production light-duty pickup on the market
· Dodge Ram SRT-10 is the Guinness Book of World Records’ fastest production pickup
· Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab is the fastest, most powerful four-door pickup in the market
· Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Turbo Diesel is the strongest pickup on the market with 610 lb.-ft. of class-dominating torque
· And now, Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the most capable off-road production pickup, geared for severe off-road work conditions
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Pricing
For reference, following are prices for 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 models, including the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon. All prices include $850 for destination.
Manual Automatic
Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4 regular cab $30,325 $31,495
Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab $32,790 $33,960
Dodge Ram Power Wagon regular cab $36,660* $37,830
Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab $39,125* $40,295
*The six-speed manual transmission will be available in early 2005 on the Dodge Ram Power Wagon.
09/29/04 Permalink
09/22/04: Jeep® Brand Honors "Everyday Heroes" with New Vehicle Purchase Assistance and Charitable Donations
- Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service and Military Members now all Eligible for $500 Cash Allowance on All Jeep® Vehicles
- $200,000 in Donations for Everyday Hero Charities
- Everyday Hero Advisory Council Helps Brand Expand Incentive Program
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 22, 2004 -The Jeep® brand is saying thank you to police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel across the United States with more than $200, 000 in charitable donations and a new vehicle purchase assistance program.
The new program, called Everyday Heroes, is an extension of the Jeep brand’s long-standing Military Incentive Program. It is the first incentive of its kind for the automotive industry, the $500 cash allowance (above any other existing incentives) on the purchase or lease of a new Jeep vehicle from an authorized Jeep dealership in the United States.
Both programs recognize the important service these individuals perform every day to provide safety and security and to improve the quality of life in cities and towns across America explains Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler and Jeep, Chrysler Group. "Our goal is to provide the heroes who work so hard on our nation’s behalf with access to rugged, dependable vehicles and give them the same sense of security and reliability they give us. We applaud their efforts; it is an honor for us to be able to recognize what they do"
In addition to the incentive program, the DaimlerChrysler Fund announced major donations to several affiliated charities in support of Everyday Heroes Program. The donations, totaling $200,000, include funding for: the National Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund; the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs; the National Firefighters Burn Foundation; creation of a safe driving program and a safety-at-accident-scene training program for volunteer firefighters and members of the nation's emergency medical service to be administered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Fisher House, which provides housing to family members visiting injured or ill military service personnel.
The Jeep brand also created a new Advisory Board made up of military, police, fire and EMS association representatives, uniformed services advocates and former public officials to help develop the scope and nature of the Military Incentive and Everyday Heroes programs. The Board has guided the Jeep brand to the appropriate organizations and associations to ensure broad participation, representation and consideration. The Board also helps direct the DaimlerChrysler Fund to appropriate service related charities.
Gary Briese, Executive Director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs said, “I am grateful to see one of the leading automotive manufacturers, one whose vehicles have a proud history of service to the nation, find a way to thank and show appreciation to this country’s first responders. In our case, the Jeep brand has also made possible a public service program that will help us raise awareness of the need for safe driving, safety at accident scenes and seatbelt use, all critical issues for our members in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service all across the country."
The Jeep brand promotes the Everyday Heroes program with a print advertising and direct mail campaign that details the guidelines of the offer to members of the fire, law enforcement and EMS communities. Jeep brand representatives will also make appearances at key industry gatherings to bring the program directly to the memberships.
Only in a Jeep®
Freedom, adventure, mastery, authenticity and the capability to go anywhere are the hallmarks of the Jeep brand worldwide. It's a reputation earned during more than six decades of SUV leadership. Jeep brand sales are up five percent year-over-year in 2004 (through August), with four new models being introduced this year. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is now available in dealerships, while the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Liberty Diesel launch this fall. Jeep Trail Rated communicates the legendary Jeep capability that is designed into every Jeep 4x4. As the brand's lineup expands, Jeep branded vehicles will continue to be what they have always been -- the most capable.
Chrysler Fund
Immediately after the tragedies of September 11, 2001 the Chrysler Foundation made a 10m contribution to Scholarship America, the fund created by former President Bill Clinton and Senator Robert Dole, to support the educational needs of all of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedies. They also donated vehicles to departments around the country who because of immediate loss or the need to respond to the growing security threats, were in dire need of rugged, durable performance vehicles.
09/22/04 Permalink
- New "Seatbelt Sessions" tips booklet gives parents the tools to maximize time spent in the family vehicle
- Celebrate Family Day on September 27
- Communications tips and safety resources available online at www.ChryslerGroupFamilyDay.com
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 22, 2004 -Families today are feeling the pressure on their time spent together. Seventy percent of parents said that most of the time spent with their children outside of the house is on the road, according to a recent study conducted by Chrysler Group, the long-standing leader and inventor of the ultimate family vehicle - the minivan - and Harris Interactive®, a worldwide market research and consulting firm. In support of Family Day and to help parents capitalize on time spent in the vehicle, Chrysler Group created "Seatbelt Sessions," communications tips for families on the go.
The study also revealed that families spend an average of 1.3 hours in their vehicle everyday. The "Seatbelt Sessions" tips booklet coaches parents that are busy driving between work, appointments and extracurricular activities, how to maximize this time to bond with their children and teach safe driving habits. Tips offered include:
· Use drive time to ask questions of children, tell them how proud you are of them, ask for advice and show that they value their children’s opinions
· Be a good listener and allow kids to use time in the vehicle to vent and blow off steam - talk about what happened to them during the day and discuss the challenges they have to deal with
· Since teens learn by example; teach driving safety and help them gain driving experience and maturity before they hit the road
"A vast number of parents and their children today are dramatically overcommitted with work, school, social and other organized or structured activities," said Christine MacKenzie, Vice President of Corporate Research at Chrysler Group. "Having a quiet chat on the way to school or soccer practice can make a world of difference. We designed our minivans to be 16 percent quieter than previous models so families don’t have to compete to communicate."
Family Day was created by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University to promote parental engagement as a simple, effective way raise healthier children. Family Day takes place on every fourth Monday in September -- the 27th in 2004. Parents can download copy of the tips booklet and learn more about Family Day online at www.ChryslerGroupFamilyDay.com
Chrysler Group Minivans
Chrysler Group introduced the minivan in 1983. Since then it has sold more than 10 million minivans in 72 countries, introduced 50 minivan-first features and earned more than 150 awards industry-wide. The new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans are more than 16 percent quieter than previous models and offer another minivan-first -- the new Stow 'n GoTM seating and storage system with fold-in-the-floor second-and third row seats. The seating configuration goes from seven seats to two in less than 30 seconds, and when the seats are in the upright position, 12 cubic feet of storage space becomes available.
09/22/04 Permalink
2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster - Exclusive First Drive - Motor Trend"The recipe for a good time on California's outrageously scenic Highway 1 is straightforward:
1. Begin with one mega stylish, close-coupled sporty coupe. Whack off the top.
2. Amp up the engine compartment with a Mercedes-Benz sourced, handbuilt, 330-horse supercharged V-6.
3. Add a stiffer suspension, aggressive rolling stock, mondo brakes, and a functional rear wing.
4. Apply sunscreen, grab ice chest. Add cool passenger and CDs
5. Blend."
09/15/04 Permalink
Chrysler Group is growing its six-speed manual transmission offerings beyond specialty vehicles such as Chrysler Crossfire and Dodge Viper, to now include its Jeep® sport-utility and Dodge truck vehicles.
“A six-speed manual transmission will now be standard equipment improving performance and driving pleasure in Jeep vehicles and Dodge Trucks where manual transmissions are offered,” said Bob Lee, Vice President – Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group.
For 2005, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler will feature the NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission, replacing two five-speed manual transmissions previously used in these applications--the NV1500 and NV3550—reducing cost and complexity. This new transmission is a member of the six-speed NSG 370 family, similar to the one used in the Chrysler Crossfire—the first six-speed for the Chrysler Brand. The NSG six-speed manual transmission provides a 4.46:1 First-gear ratio, versus the 3.85:1 and 4.04:1 ratios of the five-speed transmissions it replaces, for improved launch and traction.
“Because Jeep vehicles are designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions, the NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission has a unique gear case and direct-shift system specifically designed for the Jeep application,” said Frank Frederick, Director – Manual and Rear-Wheel-Drive Transmissions and Driveline Engineering, Chrysler Group.
The NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission provides optimal shift quality, improved quietness and high quality. A new dual-ratio transmission shift-tower system allows packaging of the six-speed shift pattern within the existing Jeep vehicles, and it is tuned for optimized shift quality. For smooth operation the First and Second gears have triple-cone synchronization, the Third and Fourth gears feature double-cone and the Fifth and Sixth gears single-cone synchronization. Hard-finished gears allow for quiet operation. A multi-rail, steel-construction shift system delivers high strength and precision. The two-piece aluminum case with integrated clutch housing assures powertrain stiffness and light weight. The new First-gear ratio combined with six-speed step spread allows optimization of axle ratios for fuel economy and performance.
Joining Chrysler Group’s six-speed manual transmission family is the Getrag 238 six-speed manual featured as standard equipment on the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. Replacing the NV3500 five-speed manual transmission, this six-speed offers smooth shifting with triple-cone synchronizers in First and Second gears, and double-cone Third and Fourth gear synchronizers. Noise, vibration and harshness are minimized with hard-finished gears. Shift rails are supported with ball bearings and Teflon bushings to provide precise shift feel. Six speeds provide optimized ratios to enhance performance and the fun-to-drive factor. Torque capacity and efficiency are optimized through the use of an intermediate plate, speed gears supported by needle bearings and clean-sealed ball bearings on shafts. A two-piece, die-cast aluminum housing reduces weight while providing optimum stiffness.
“We are now able to offer our Dodge Truck buyers who prefer the 5.7L HEMI® a six-speed manual transmission in addition to our Cummins Turbo Diesel customers,” said Frederick.
Six-speed manual transmission performance will be available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, in addition to the High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, on 2005 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups. The G56 six-speed manual transmission replaces the NV4500 five-speed and NV5600 six-speed manual transmissions. This new six-speed transmission features a dual-trunnion shift tower which provides a compact shift pattern with optimal mechanical advantage for shifting. Double-cone synchronizers in First through Fourth and Reverse gears provide high-capacity and long-term durability. A two-piece, die-cast aluminum case with an integral clutch housing provides optimal stiffness and minimizes noise, vibration and harshness. A multi-rail, all-steel shift system provides precise shift feel. The 6.29:1 First-gear ratio provides better launch performance for an improved experience under heavily loaded and trailer tow conditions. There are also power take off access covers on both sides of the transmission.
Chrysler Group will continue to offer a six-speed manual transmission on both Dodge Viper and Chrysler Crossfire. This Dodge Viper TREMEC T-56 transmission is synchronized in all gears, with electronic 1-4 skip shift and Reverse lockout mechanisms. The Chrysler Crossfire NSG 370 six-speed provides precise shifts with optimized gear ratios and steps between gears.
09/08/04 Permalink