Swift Jeep Chrysler Dodge

• Dodge revives Super Bee nameplate with limited-edition 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8
• New "TorRed" paint scheme to appear on limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, joining Go ManGo! and Top Banana editions

A pair of names familiar to many automotive enthusiasts are again part of the Dodge performance lineup with the return of the Super Bee nameplate for the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 and the "TorRed" exterior color for the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.

"The Dodge Charger embodies modern American muscle, and at the same time, carries on a great performance heritage," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "It was only natural to give a nod to that heritage with the re-introduction of a famous Dodge performance nameplate and a high-impact heritage paint name."

Bee All It Can Be
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the "Charger on steroids" from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It features "Detonator Yellow" exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8's powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower — 25 percent more than the 5.7-liter HEMI.
 
Other SRT enhancements include functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, race-inspired interior appointments and benchmark braking. All together, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is capable of 0-60 mph in the low 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet.

The legendary Super Bee nameplate made its debut in 1968 within the Dodge Coronet line.  As the newest member of Dodge's "Scat Pack" performance group, the '68 Super Bee originally carried an MSRP of just over $3,000. It was offered as a Dodge Charger only in its last model year, 1971. Restored examples fetch between $80,000 – $100,000 today.

The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the latest edition of the ultimate American muscle sedan, and will be available in dealerships this fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Three’s the Charm
Following the limited-production run of Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! and Top Banana, the third heritage color, TorRed, will be offered in limited numbers on the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in 2006.

In addition to the special exterior paint colors, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model will be distinguishable by a black honeycomb grille, black "Daytona" and "HEMI" decals, signature heritage R/T badging and a black rear decklid spoiler.

Equipped with a specially-tuned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Charger Daytona R/T model provides 350 hp (261 Kw) and 390 lb.-ft. (525 N•m) of torque — 10 more horses than the previous 5.7-liter HEMI — for even more power in this modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car.  The HEMI engine's Multiple Displacement System (MDS) provides up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, giving Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they desire with fuel economy they will appreciate.

The interior of the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T will feature performance front seats with suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests. Body-color accent stitching will appear on the front and rear seats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Matching body-colored center stack bezel, a "Daytona Limited Edition" display on the electronic cluster and a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel will complete the unique Dodge Charger Daytona R/T interior. 

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and Anti-lock-braking System (ABS). The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model also will feature dual-zone automatic temperature controls, heated power front seats, automatic headlamps and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in TorRed paint will be on display at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit during press days, beginning Jan. 8. Production will begin this spring at the Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of approximately seven percent, Dodge is Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2005, Dodge sold more than 1.1 million vehicles. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent U.S. market share and maintains a 31percent share of the highly competitive truck market. In 2006, Dodge will enter key European volume segments.

• Chrysler Group is the first to introduce the next generation in stain-repelling technology
• YES Essentials® material helps eliminate stains, odors and static

Go ahead and rub it in — ketchup, coffee and your favorite flavor of milkshake, because the newest upholstery technology from Chrysler Group and Milliken & Company gives consumers peace of mind when the inevitable happens. The YES Essentials® advanced seating upholstery offers Chrysler Group customers three key benefits: repelling stains, controlling odor and reducing static electricity.

The Chrysler Group is proving that high performance isn’t limited to only under the hood. In 2006, the Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Caliber and Jeep® Wrangler will be among the first Chrysler Group vehicles to offer YES Essentials fabrics in the seats, with no additional treatment needed to repel stains and odors now or at any time in the future.

The key is dual-action technology that repels and releases spills that would stain other auto fabrics. This technology also allows the upholstery surface to dry quickly. Liquid spills such as soda and accidents from transporting pets can be blotted dry. If tougher stains such as coffee, red juice, lipstick or even permanent marker penetrate the surface, an over-the-counter soapy wipe or soap-and-water mixture can be used for clean up.  It doesn’t matter what gets on the fabric, how severe the stain is or how long it has been left unattended before being discovered — consumers will be able to remove the spillage without a special-order cleanser or a trip to the car wash. The new material used in Chrysler Group vehicles will give consumers confidence of having a stain-free interior.

The upholstery also controls bacteria-based odors inside the vehicle. The silver-based antimicrobial technology inhibits the growth of mold, mildew and germs that can cause odors, including spilled milk, carsickness or water from a day at the beach or a snowy ski trip.

In addition, YES Essentials seating fabric reduces static electricity generated when entering or exiting the vehicle — a first for improving comfort of drivers and occupants.

The fabric technology is designed to withstand endless cleanings — even repeatedly in the same location — and will not rub off or change the texture or comfort of the seats or surfaces during ownership of the vehicle.

YES Essentials technology will be used on several 2007 model Chrysler Group products in 2006.

• 2006 Best Minivan for Women awarded to Chrysler Town & Country
• 2006 Best Compact Sport Utility for Women awarded to Jeep Wrangler
• "Autos Mujeres al Volante" Awards to be presented during the 2006 North American International Auto Show

"Autos Mujeres al Volante" magazine (Women Behind the Wheel), the Latin market’s No. 1 automotive magazine for U.S. Hispanic women, announced the selection of the Chrysler Town & Country and the Jeep® Wrangler as the 2006 Women's Car of the Year in the categories of "Best Minivan for Women" and "Best Compact Sport Utility for Women." The awards were presented during the 2006 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 10, 2006, in Detroit.

We're thrilled to be recognized by "Autos Mujeres al Volante" magazine," said Jeff Bell, Vice President — Chrysler and Jeep. "It is a great honor for the corporation to receive accolades for design and engineering in the overall safety, styling, affordability and performance of our vehicles."

The 2006 Chrysler Town & Country minivan offers the epitome of stately flexibility and innovation without compromises in style, safety or security. With groundbreaking innovations like the Stow 'n Go™ seating and storage system (first introduced in 2005), safety and security features like a minivan-first inflatable knee blocker and luxurious convenience innovations like remote power-sliding doors and power liftgate, the 2006 Chrysler Town & Country continues to garner accolades.

The 2006 Jeep Wrangler is the heart and soul of the Jeep brand. No vehicle illustrates the legendary Jeep 4x4 capability better than the Wrangler, offering open-air fun and freedom with award-winning off-road capability to young buyers, seasoned off-road enthusiasts and those who are young at heart. All Jeep Wranglers wear the Jeep Trail Rated® badge, indicating 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.

"The Mujeres al Volante awards are becoming a staple in the automotive industry, and we are pleased to award the 2006 Jeep Wrangler and 2006 Chrysler Town & Country for the impressive vehicles that they are,” said Ileana Muniz, editor-in-chief of "Autos Mujeres al Volante." “Our audience depends on us to honor the new models that best demonstrate overall superiority, significance and value, and both of these selected vehicles stood out in each of those categories for their outstanding engineering, impressive capability, fuel economy, price and lastly, safety, the number one concern of all women, especially mothers.

Autos Mujeres al Volante Awards
When selecting the award winners, the readers of " Autos Mujeres al Volante" magazine consider what today’s U.S. Hispanic women look for in a vehicle. After many hours of testing each vehicle for the required above qualities, additionally, the editors of "Autos Mujeres al Volante" with their readers come to a decision on what vehicles will be awarded based on safety, impressive styling, affordability, interior room and the overall mechanics of the vehicle.

• Breakthrough Jeep® vehicle conquers all-new territory
• Jeep Compass’ modern, urban design appeals to new Jeep buyers
• Interior features utility, flexibility and loads of cool innovations
• Value abounds with outstanding fuel economy and long list of standard safety features

The "300" of SUVs Comes Loaded with Performance, Premium Amenities and Fuel-saving MDS Technology

• Elegant Chrysler Design — Signature Chrysler chromed grille, winged badge and sculpted hood; available 20-inch chromed wheels and eye-catching chromed accents
• Unmatched Capability and Performance — 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine features best-in-class 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
• Fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) — HEMI V-8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand
• Spacious and Agile — Combines seating for up to eight adults and class-leading cargo volume with the refinement, drivability and efficiency of smaller full-size SUVs
• Premium Convenience and Safety Amenities — Available power rear lift gate, remote start, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ParkSense™ and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system

• Dodge Caliber’s bold styling and crossover design with innovative features and affordable power allow owners to be active, do more and stand out
• Caliber’s flexible two-box design provides ultimate interior utility
• With its signature Dodge brand styling, Caliber is designed for global appeal
• Caliber will spearhead Dodge brand’s global expansion with gas and diesel powertrains and left- and right-hand drive availability

• Dodge revives Super Bee nameplate with limited-edition 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8
• New "TorRed" paint scheme to appear on limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, joining Go ManGo! and Top Banana editions

A pair of names familiar to many automotive enthusiasts are again part of the Dodge performance lineup with the return of the Super Bee nameplate for the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 and the “TorRed” exterior color for the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.

"The Dodge Charger embodies modern American muscle, and at the same time, carries on a great performance heritage,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “It was only natural to give a nod to that heritage with the re-introduction of a famous Dodge performance nameplate and a high-impact heritage paint name.”

Bee All It Can Be
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the “Charger on steroids” from Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It features "Detonator Yellow" exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8’s powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower — 25 percent more than the 5.7-liter HEMI.
 
Other SRT enhancements include functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, race-inspired interior appointments and benchmark braking. All together, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is capable of 0-60 mph in the low 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet.

The legendary Super Bee nameplate made its debut in 1968 within the Dodge Coronet line.  As the newest member of Dodge’s “Scat Pack” performance group, the ’68 Super Bee originally carried an MSRP of just over $3,000. It was offered as a Dodge Charger only in its last model year, 1971. Restored examples fetch between $80,000 – $100,000 today.

The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the latest edition of the ultimate American muscle sedan, and will be available in dealerships this fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Three’s the Charm
Following the limited-production run of Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! and Top Banana, the third heritage color, TorRed, will be offered in limited numbers on the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in 2006.

In addition to the special exterior paint colors, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model will be distinguishable by a black honeycomb grille, black “Daytona” and “HEMI” decals, signature heritage R/T badging and a black rear decklid spoiler.

Equipped with a specially-tuned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Charger Daytona R/T model provides 350 hp (261 Kw) and 390 lb.-ft. (525 N•m) of torque — 10 more horses than the previous 5.7-liter HEMI — for even more power in this modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car.  The HEMI engine’s Multiple Displacement System (MDS) provides up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, giving Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they desire with fuel economy they will appreciate.

The interior of the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T will feature performance front seats with suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests. Body-color accent stitching will appear on the front and rear seats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Matching body-colored center stack bezel, a "Daytona Limited Edition" display on the electronic cluster and a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel will complete the unique Dodge Charger Daytona R/T interior. 

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and Anti-lock-braking System (ABS). The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model also will feature dual-zone automatic temperature controls, heated power front seats, automatic headlamps and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in TorRed paint will be on display at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit during press days, beginning Jan. 8. Production will begin this spring at the Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of approximately seven percent, Dodge is Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2005, Dodge sold more than 1.1 million vehicles. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent U.S. market share and maintains a 31percent share of the highly competitive truck market. In 2006, Dodge will enter key European volume segments.

65 Years Later, Jeep® Continues to Offer More Legendary Capability

• More Off-road Capability – Increased ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, enhanced Dana front and rear solid axles, available next-generation Command-Trac® and Rock-Trac™ transfer cases, new electric axle lockers, and electronic-disconnecting front sway bar
• More On-road Refinement – All-new 100 percent stiffer frame in bending, 2-inch longer wheelbase, 3.5-inch wider track, lower spring rates, advanced shock tuning, increased jounce and rebound travel
• More Interior Space and Comfort – 4.6 inches more hip and 5.1 inches more shoulder room combined with additional 2 inches in couple, 1 inch in rear-seat leg room and 2 inches behind rear seat
• More Open-air Options – Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations; new three-piece modular hardtop and innovative Sunrider™ soft top
• More Power and Torque – New 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque
• More Safety – Electronic Stability Program (ESP), electronic roll mitigation, dual-stage air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and Occupant Classification System (OCS)
• ore Convenience – Available power windows and door locks, full-screen navigation system, 368-watt Alpine® stereo with MP3 capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Elegance and comfort meets stable, smooth driving performance 

Like the great Imperials of Chrysler’s storied past, the 2006 Imperial concept vehicle is designed as Chrysler’s flagship, a luxury sedan that is elegant, provocative, aspirational, yet attainable.

For inspiration, the designers looked not only to the classic Imperials of the 1930s and 1950s but also to Chrysler’s long tradition of creative concept cars, from the earlier Chrysler d’Elegance and Falcon to the more recent Chrysler Chronos and Firepower. This rich heritage is expressed in the crisp line that parallels the sill, then arches up over the rear wheel and flows to the rear of the car, signaling that this is a powerful rear-drive automobile.

A similarly-shaped line rises up over the front wheel and flows rearward, falling slightly as in moves into the doors. To fully realize the subtleties of the chaste body surfaces, every area was lovingly hand-sculpted in the hallowed tradition of the custom coachbuilt LeBaron bodies of the classic era.

“The Imperial’s exterior artfully blends a stately nobility, hand craftsmanship, and modern dynamic sculpture and proportion,” says Mike Nicholas, principal exterior designer.

To realize the proportions the designers sought, the Imperial, mounted on a 123-inch wheelbase, is 17 inches longer and six inches higher than a 300 sedan. The roof was pulled rearward to enlarge the cabin as well as to create the luxury of length in side view. Most importantly, passengers sit nearly seven inches higher. Combined with the higher hood and deck and the large 22-inch aluminum wheels, this gives the Imperial the noble stance the designers envisioned.

V-shaped in plan view, the front end is dominated by a central upright radiator grille which imparts a stately eminence previously unobtainable in all but the most expensive of imported motorcars. Composed of narrow chiseled linear elements of brushed and polished aluminum, the grille is capped by a bright header emblazoned with the Chrysler wings. A polished molding, extending from the grille header to the base of the windshield, bisects the raised hood plane.

Nested beneath browed cavities, the polished aluminum parabolic pods housing the projector-beam headlights reprise the individual free-standing headlamps of the Imperials of both the early thirties and the early sixties. At the rear, the individual circular taillights with floating outer rings combine modern LED lighting with a look evocative of the signature “gun sight” taillights of previous Imperials. Separate slender LED lamp units provide for park, turn and back-up lamp functions.

Complementing the hood, the raised deck lid is also V-shaped and accented by signature silver wings that unfold across its surface.  Body ornamentation is confined to the upper bumper bars, side view mirrors, side window reveals, and the handsomely-sculpted door handles.   
     
Hinged at the A and C-pillars, the wide doors can be flung open a la French doors for a dignified entry, revealing the absence of the customary B-pillar and permitting a dramatic realization of the entire interior. Attention to detail and materials is unsurpassed. In studied contrast to the monochromatic Imperial Bronze exterior, the high-contrast four-passenger cabin is smartly two-toned in rich Bay Brown and buttery Birch Creme, inviting the viewer into a world of supple leather and soft suede complemented by California burl wood and metallic-like accents rendered in a lustrous warm bronze.  

The interior is characterized by the interplay of harmonious, expressively curving shapes in which the fuller forms of the instrument panel, door armrest and map pocket elements appear to “float” above sculpted recessed cavities. Even the seats seem to float above the floor. Their elliptically-curved bronze-and-burl side shields echo similar elements recessed into the full-length floor console.  
 
 “We wanted everything inside to be nested, fitted and hand-crafted,” says Nick Malachowski, principal interior designer, “with every component subtly reinforcing the hand-sculpted look of the exterior.”

This is a driver’s car, with a minimum of distracting gadgetry. A simple touch pad with intuitive controls, mounted close-by on the suspended center console armrest, permits the driver to adjust settings for radio, climate and navigation functions. The driver air bag/horn pad is fixed, allowing the radio and cruise-control switches to remain settled in the same position regardless of the turning steering wheel. Boldly bisecting the uncluttered floating wood-and-bronze instrument panel are two large circular pods encircling sculpted gauges rendered in satin with polished aluminum bezels. Reminiscent of earlier Imperials, the exquisitely-detailed gauge faces are deliberately designed to satisfy the soul as well as inform the mind.

Since the windshield glass is carried up onto the mid-point of the roof, front seat occupants enjoy a comprehensive view of the passing scene. All glass has a distinctive bronze tint to harmonize with the car’s color palette. Rear passengers can recline their individual seats while watching different movies, thanks to the console-mounted dual-view entertainment screen and wireless headsets. The rear seat headsets store in the package tray at the touch of a button when not needed.

Finally, there is the luxury of expressive illumination inspired by the artistry and elegance found in modern interior architecture. LED lighting, placed behind the “floating” elements of the instrument panel and doors, is used to enhance the sculptural elements of the interior. LED lights also provide indirect cove lighting for the headliner, which in addition offers the choice of electroluminescently-lit fabric or directed-beam spotlights located in the overhead console. 

Drawing on the rich heritage of its memorable predecessors and endowed with modern dynamic proportions, this newest Imperial, crafted with a nobility of stance and purpose, is the finest expression of the Chrysler marque.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for December 2005 of 189,449 units, a decrease of 5 percent and inline with the overall industry.   In December 2004, 199,280 units were sold.  Total year Chrysler Group sales rose 5 percent to achieve the highest total since 2000, posting sales of 2,304,833 units, compared to 2004 sales of 2,206,024 units.  All figures are adjusted for selling days unless otherwise indicated.

“Our 5 percent total year increase was led by the exciting new products we launched in 2004 and 2005,” said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President – Sales.  “We plan to continue that momentum into 2006 with strong, new, fuel-efficient product offerings beginning with the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.”

December Highlights

Jeep® brand sales for the month increased 41 percent to 53,218 units compared to December 2004 sales of 37,730 units.  Each nameplate in the Jeep lineup performed well in December.

The all-new seven-passenger Jeep Commander continues to attract new customers, posting sales of 8,458 units, rising 105 percent over November 2005 sales.

Jeep Liberty set a December sales record with 17,665 units sold, an increase of 38 percent over December 2004 sales of 12,775 units.

The icon of the Jeep brand, Jeep Wrangler, posted sales of 5,363 units, an increase of 17 percent over December 2004 sales of 4,573 units.

Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were strong in December, posting sales of 21,732 units or an increase of 7 percent compared to December 2004.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser posted sales of 10,167 units, an increase of 7 percent compared to December 2004 when 9,491 units were sold.

Total Year Highlights

With the introduction of the all-new Jeep Commander, Dodge Mega Cab and Dodge Charger, Chrysler Group sales rose 5 percent for 2005 to 2,304,833 units.  2004 sales totaled 2,206,024 units.

Chrysler brand sales totaled 649,293 units, an increase of 11 percent over 2004 sales of 588,891 units and setting an all-time Chrysler brand yearly sales total record.  Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have risen 251 percent.

Sales of Jeep brand products increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest yearly total since 2000 to 476,532 units compared to 2004 sales of 427,239 units.

Sales of Chrysler Group minivan products with the exclusive Stow ‘n GoTM  seating and storage system increased 6 percent in 2005 to 407,530 units, and further solidified the company's position as the clear leader in the minivan segment.

The Chrysler 300 continued its strong appeal to consumers and maintained its position as the leader in the luxury full-size car segment by posting record total year sales of 144,068 units, an increase of 28 percent compared to 2004 sales of 112,930 units.

Total year sales of the Chrysler PT Cruiser totaled 133,740 units, an increase of 16 percent over 2004 sales.

The Dodge Magnum reported total yearly sales of 52,487 units, up 34 percent over 2004 sales of 39,217 units, establishing a new sales record for the product.

“Our month-over-month daily selling rate has shown acceleration the past two months, rising 8 percent in November and 10 percent in December, suggesting that the industry is gaining strength going into the new year,” said Dilts.  “We are well positioned for 2006 with 10 new products, many in fuel-efficient categories.  We are excited about the products we are introducing to customers in 2006.”

Chrysler Group finished the month with 597,006 units of inventory, or an 85-day supply.