2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8: Momentum Continues, with a Dose of SRT Performance and 6.1-Liter HEMI® Power

• Ultimate American sedan performance
• Builds on momentum of Chrysler, HEMI and Street and Racing Technology
• SRT performance: 0-60 mph in low-five-second range, 0-100-0 in mid-16-second range

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2005 -

It wasn't long after the debut of the HEMI®-powered Chrysler C300 in 1955 that it became known as the "banker's hot rod." The key characteristics of that car-a powerful HEMI V-8 engine, performance-tuned ride and handling and premium amenities-are also key to the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8. And, there's quite a bit more.

Introduced in 2005, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 was the first Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle to be powered with the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, which offers 85 more horsepower — 25 percent more power — than the 5.7-liter HEMI. But SRT performance is more than just straight-line quickness.

"There's no other premium sedan that delivers the comfort, convenience and performance numbers that the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 delivers," said Jeff Bell, Vice President-Chrysler Marketing, Chrysler Group. "In terms of affordability, no one else even comes close to delivering the Chrysler 300C SRT8's combination of performance and value."

"The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is a complete package for the customer who wants awesome performance in an award-winning sedan loaded with comfort and style," said Dan Knott, Director – Street and Racing Technology. "With its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI engine and Brembo brakes, it's engineered for incredible acceleration and stopping power."

For 2006, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is available in a new Silver Steel exterior color. Also new for 2006 are a standard tire pressure monitoring system, an available Kicker® high-performance audio system and available rear-seat video system.

Powertrain
The Chrysler 300C SRT8's 425-horsepower (317 kW), normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI has the highest output for its size of any naturally aspirated V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 "Street HEMI." Torque is rated at 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m).

Although the Chrysler HEMI was born in the 1950s and entered into legend in the 1960s and '70s, today's version took much of its inspiration from the original-particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency.

When SRT powertrain engineers set out to develop a more powerful HEMI for the Chrysler 300C SRT8, they were mindful of the engine's heritage, which led to adopting traditional HEMI engine cues including an orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

SRT engineers who developed the Chrysler 300C SRT8's engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, and redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for better flow and increased engine speed.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.

Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased the HEMI's peak power output engine speed by nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.

Ride and Handling
The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handling across the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience.

Chassis setup for the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at all-around performance with a number of enhancements, including tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger diameter anti-sway bars. New front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height lowered one-half inch from the Chrysler 300C. In addition, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the Chrysler 300C SRT8's performance handling characteristics.

The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 connects with the road via a new wheel and tire assembly consisting of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires (four-season tires are an available option) with asymmetrical tread. Tire dimensions are a beefy 245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.

Braking
Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8's outstanding acceleration and speed-and the braking system was specially designed to slow and stop the car predictably. At the same time, this system was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for sedans in its class.

All four wheels feature stout performance calipers developed by Brembo-well-known in racing and high-performance circles-equipped with four pistons for even clamping performance. Up front, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 has 360 x 32 mm vented rotors, with 350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.

This braking system contributes to a 60-0 mph performance in approximately 110 feet, and a 0-100-0 mph time in the mid-16-second range.

Interior
Befitting its high-performance character, the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers power-adjustable sport seats up front that are fitted with performance suede inserts (matched in the rear seats) which hold the occupants during spirited driving. Seats are also equipped with heat and memory functions that, when paired with the adjustable pedal cluster, are adjustable for every driver.

Steering wheel, shifter and door pulls are covered with "technical" leather trim for positive grip. Other SRT-only trim includes special finishing on the steering wheel, door pulls, door trim and center stack.

Full instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges ensure that the driver can monitor crucial functions. A tire pressure monitoring display within the instrument panel display is standard for 2006.

Premium amenities within the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 cabin include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer powering a six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Two new-for-2006 options are a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, and a DVD system with center console-mounted flip-up screen.

Also available are SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rearview mirror and the stereo system's speakers for hands-free conversations.

Heating and cooling adjustments are made with an automatic temperature control system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensing. Other standard features of the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 include an electronic vehicle information center with 128 customer-programmable features.

The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 interior is offered in a Light Graystone/Dark Slate color scheme.

Exterior
Street and Racing Technology DNA is evident in the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 exterior styling, in a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's premium character.

Modified front and rear fascias direct air flow through unique ducts that cool the brakes. In addition, a specially designed rear deck spoiler, while refined in appearance, is also functional-increasing rear downforce by 39 percent without increasing drag.

Other unique touches to the Chrysler 300C SRT8's exterior include body-color front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

All-new Dodge Caliber: A New Slant on One of the World's Most Competitive Segments

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

Dodge Caliber is a new slant on the C segment worldwide, combining bold styling with high value and utility. The Caliber will appeal to owners around the world who want Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle, plus high fuel efficiency.

Dodge Caliber will attract up-and-coming owners looking for a car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. Caliber has the versatility and flexibility to accommodate their lifestyles.

"Dodge Caliber is not your typical C-segment car," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The all-new Dodge Caliber combines crossover styling with space-efficient packaging, interior flexibility, innovative features and affordable performance. Caliber allows owners around the globe to be active, do more and stand out — to live life to the fullest, and do so with the most horsepower per Euro under the hood."

Regarding the major volume markets in Western Europe, Hausch added, "There's not a competitor in Europe in the C-segment five-door hatchback market with the same or higher powered engines that can beat the price of Dodge Caliber." The new Caliber is priced approximately 10 percent below equally equipped competitors in key European markets.

Dodge Caliber starts to arrive in markets outside of North America in the second quarter of 2006.

"Pure Dodge" Design
Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. Caliber's sheer surface treatment commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.

"With its bold styling and clever packaging, Caliber is pure Dodge," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "The Dodge Caliber brings emotion to the competitive compact car segment."

There is no mistaking Dodge Caliber. The all-new car has Dodge's imprint stamped into its DNA from the grille to the tailpipe. The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and defines its strong, muscular front view.

Strong, sculpted fender forms, broad shoulders and a distinctive hood give Dodge Caliber its proud, powerful stance. Large, precisely styled headlamps and available fog lamps complement the Dodge grille and create an integrated look that completes Caliber's sporty appearance.

A black graphic design accent, which runs the length of the roof, melds into an integrated rear roof spoiler, creating a coupe-like visual quality from the side view. New and unique glass-to-body proportions give the Dodge Caliber a tough, protective presence, and the forward sweep of the tailgate further emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile.

The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front. The black roof spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), and large modular, crystal-like taillamps that fill Caliber's rear corners, provide distinct focal points of the car's rear view design. Dodge's "do more" philosophy is evident in Caliber's rear liftgate, which provides easy access to the vehicle's spacious interior.

Fun Features and Flexibility
Customer demand for a compact vehicle with a lot of interior flexibility and utility had a big influence on Dodge Caliber's interior, which provides comfortable seating for the driver and up to four passengers, plus room for gear.

"Dodge Caliber's spacious interior also is very versatile," said Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer – Dodge Caliber. "We combined style and comfort with innovative features and clever packaging to create a vehicle that gives new meaning to functionality in the compact car market."

Dodge Caliber is full of clever interior features, including:

• MusicGate Power ^TM : An available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer and two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward and play music to augment outdoor activities
• A dual-purpose, self-recharging removable flashlight is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• Chill Zone ^TM : A cooled beverage storage bin can hold up to four 500 ml (20-oz.) bottles or cans (standard in air conditioning-equipped models)
• A floor console sliding armrest moves forward 76 mm (3 inches) to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a mobile phone or an MP3 player
• Illuminated front cup holder rings glow blue-green to match other center stack lighting
• Front passenger seat folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility (not available on S model)
• 60/40 split rear seats both fold flat and recline (not available on S model)
• A vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
• Optional YES Essentials fabric: an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration (late availability)

World-class Engineering
As a car destined for global markets, the Dodge Caliber features innovative new engines and transaxles to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement, no matter where the road leads.

"Circling the globe for best practices enabled our engineers to develop an entirely new front-wheel-drive platform in the very competitive global compact car segment," said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team. "We targeted things consumers want most and developed a vehicle with an all-new global powertrain that addresses these priorities by providing excellent fuel economy, reliability, performance and value."

Dodge Caliber's powertrain and drive systems offer many Chrysler Group firsts in the C segment. Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT). Caliber also is Chrysler Group's first compact car to offer Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.

A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is available in Europe and other markets outside of North America. It is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection power unit with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The turbo diesel engine positions the Dodge Caliber among the best in its class for power, torque and acceleration.

The Dodge Caliber is also available with three World Engine offerings (1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter). Chrysler Group engineers met aggressive performance and fuel economy targets through advanced cylinder head port and intake manifold design. Technologies in the Chrysler Group World Engine include dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves, both firsts for a Chrysler Group compact car. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.

Dodge Caliber's CVT has been calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available Auto Stick feature that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared with a traditional automatic transaxle.

Built for Global Appeal
Dodge Caliber will be available in nearly 100 countries outside of North America, which led designers and engineers to consider global market demands when developing this all-new compact car.

In addition to its global powertrain, Dodge Caliber meets safety, feature and convenience standards in markets around the world. To ensure its success in global volume markets, Caliber will launch outside of North America with both left- and right-hand-drive models and an available diesel engine. Caliber's manual and automatic transaxle shifters are packaged in the center stack instead of the floor console, which is more common in European and Japanese markets. The Caliber's transaxles also have been upgraded to provide excellent shift quality and shift effort as smooth as any C-segment car on the road today.

Dodge Caliber Production
Production of the Dodge Caliber began in early 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere, Ill., Assembly Plant. The new four-cylinder World Engines for this vehicle are built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) assembly plant in Dundee, Mich.

Dodge Brand
Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States, the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry and is expanding to volume markets outside of North America with the international launch of the Dodge Caliber.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)
The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. By optimizing the three joint venture partners' strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

Chrysler 300C Driving Chrysler Brand Success

Big news from Dodge and Jeep® has overshadowed Chrysler-branded vehicles in recent months, but that's about to change.

U.S. sales of the Chrysler 300C surpassed the 300,000 mark in April 2006, making it the quickest Chrysler brand vehicle to reach the milestone in 25 months. This comes on the heels of another Chrysler brand achievement: global sales of the Chrysler PT Cruiser exceeded 1 million units in March.

In 10 years, Chrysler brand sales in the U.S. have increased 144 percent from 265,897 units in 1995 to 649,293 units, making 2005 the brand's best sales year in company history. Since its introduction in March 2004, the Chrysler 300C has powered the Chrysler brand to new sales heights; first quarter Chrysler brand sales increased 32 percent to 162,888 units compared to first quarter 2004 sales of 123,460 units.

"The Chrysler Group is firing on all cylinders," said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President – Sales, Chrysler Group. "In addition to the growth of the Chrysler brand, the all-new 2006 Dodge Caliber is moving out of dealer showrooms at a brisk pace. The Jeep® family is growing with the recent introduction of the 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. We have a strong product lineup going into the spring and summer selling seasons."

With the introduction of the Chrysler 300C, the Chrysler Group revived the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan after a 15-year hiatus. In addition, the legendary HEMI® engine returned to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years with the debut of the Chrysler 300C. Personifying the image of new American muscle, the Chrysler 300C earned the title of the most most-awarded new car in automotive history in 2005.

However, the Chrysler brand is always looking to improve. Coming later this year, the 2007 Chrysler 300C Long Wheelbase will feature a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the current model, providing more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an additional 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. This extended Chrysler 300 is expected to attract sales from the limousine industry, as well as retail customers.

"The Chrysler brand's forward-thinking vehicle designs continue to resonate well with the public and are some of the most desired in the marketplace," Dilts said. "With a portfolio lineup to accommodate almost every vehicle price segment, the performance, luxury and affordability of Chrysler brand vehicles continues to stand out."