Swift Jeep Chrysler Dodge

• Drivers encouraged to drop their tops – convertible tops that is – as temperatures rise
• Chrysler Sebring Convertible is the first convertible to offer three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top
  

As temperatures heat up across the country, many Americans are working to get their “soft” bodies back in shape. Between lunges, crunches and sit-ups, the Chrysler brand discovered consumers want to firm up more than just their legs, arms and stomachs this summer. They also want to firm up their tops – their convertible tops that is. In fact, a recent Chrysler brand survey revealed 62 percent of Americans want hard convertible tops¹.

While a majority of consumers prefer “hard” bodies and hard convertible tops, the survey also revealed a softer side of America. Here’s the hard truth about the softer side:

• Get the Ice Cream Scoop: More Americans prefer the soft serve version of the perfect summer treat – ice cream – compared to the hard, hand-packed option (50 percent to 43 percent).
• Paperback Preference: Nearly seven out of 10 consumers (69 percent) would rather have a soft, paperback book over a hard cover novel when they’re reading at the beach or on a summer road trip.
• Soft Rock Soothes: The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Lynyrd Skynyrd and other classic soft rock artists were identified by Americans for making some of the best convertible driving songs.
• Raise the “Soft Top” Roof: Even with the hard top option, one in three Americans (33 percent) still prefer soft convertible tops. With a top for everyone, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is the first convertible to offer three automatically latching top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel retractable hard top.

“No matter where you live, there's just something special about driving a convertible. It's exhilarating - windows down, hair blowing in the wind,” said David Rooney, Director – Chrysler Marketing & Global Communications. “Regardless of whether you prefer the hard or soft top option on the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible, this summer is the perfect time to have fun cruising around town in the open air.”

No matter if you are a first time convertible driver, planning to buy a new convertible or thinking about renting one, all convertible drivers and passengers should be familiar with a few universal driving tips that apply to all convertibles:

• Lock Your Valuables: Don’t leave important documents or valuables in plain site when parking any vehicle; if you’re in a convertible and parking with the top down, put valuable items in a locking glove box to keep them safe.
• Sing, Sing, Sing: Top-down fun and good music go hand in hand … but think about what you’re blasting since everyone around you can hear your music choices.
• Protect Your Pet: Allow pets time to adjust to the convertible ride if they’re not used to riding with the top down; help acclimate your canine companions by taking them on short trips, at low speeds and eventually work your way up to cruising full speed once your pet has had time to adjust.
• Hair Raising Experience: Driving with the top down can add extra volume to your usual hair style. Take a quick peak in the mirror after arriving at your destination to make sure the extra volume is enhancing – not detracting – from your appearance.
• Soak Up the Sun: Top down driving is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you plan on being in the sun for an extended period of time. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends wearing sunscreen every day if you plan on being in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

For additional information about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, visit www.chrysler.com/sebringconvertible/.

About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before — three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to be in the winners circle when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.

• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy 
• Refreshed exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep® character with signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and attention to rich details and craftsmanship 
• Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with all-new SIRIUS Backseat TV™ 
• Even more innovative, premium amenities are available, including MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-leveling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats

 - The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee features an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a 30 percent increase in horsepower, a 10 percent increase in torque and improved fuel economy compared with the engine it replaces. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a refreshed interior and exterior design and a host of innovative premium amenities, including one not found on other full-size sport-utility vehicles (SUV) on the road today — SIRIUS Backseat TV™. The vehicle will arrive at Jeep dealerships starting this fall.

“With a choice of five engines, three four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for full-size SUVs just as it did when it debuted in 1992,” said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. “Now available with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee just made road trips or short trips with kids even more enjoyable.”

Only Full-Size SUV with Five Engine Offerings
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle with a choice of five engine offerings: 

• Award-winning 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine – Now available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 
• 3.7-liter V-6 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 
• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 
• 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine – Available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland 
• 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower (227kW), a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb.-ft. of torque (453 N•m), a 10 percent increase over the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.

First to Offer All-new SIRIUS Backseat TV
The Chrysler Group will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup, including the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children’s TV featuring many of the most well-known kids’ programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” and Cartoon Network’s “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.”

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

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