Press Kit: 2009 Dodge Journey Launch

Auburn Hills, Mich. January 31, 2008 - With two engine options, an available six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick, standard Electronic Stabilty Program (ESP), traction control, four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and available all-wheel drive (AWD), Dodge Journey delivers fuel economy, performance and safety, all at a tremendous value.

Dodge Journey features two different engine/transaxle combinations designed to meet the needs of the diverse mid-size crossover buyer. These include a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick. AWD is available on Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models. Four-wheel disc ABS and electronic roll mitigation are standard on all models.

Front-wheel-drive Dodge Journey also features a four-wheel independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Front and rear suspension crossmembers are isolated to the body to create a quiet ride, free of road noise, vibration and harshness.

Fuel-efficient Powertrain Options Deliver Driving Excitement, Low Fuel Costs
Dodge Journey SE’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is coupled with a standard four-speed automatic transaxle. It features dual variable valve timing, intake manifold flow control valves, acoustic cylinder head covers, dual counter-rotating balance shafts and an acoustic oil pan. This engine produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) of torque. Dodge Journey SE’s 2.4-liter World Engine provides an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, as well as solid, quiet performance.

Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower (175 kW) and 232 lb.-ft. (315 N•m) of torque coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. SXT models feature a touring suspension, and R/T models feature a performance suspension. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine on front-wheel-drive models delivers an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. The combination of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with the six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as quiet operation.

Six-speed Transaxle Provides Quick Acceleration, Quiet Ride
The 2009 Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models feature a standard six-speed automatic transaxle, which provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of a numerically higher first-gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn’t change as much with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

AWD Works When Needed, Providing Enhanced Handling, All-weather-driving Peace of Mind
Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models also offer AWD capability. Journey’s all-wheel-drive system works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. AWD also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off.

When traveling faster than 25 mph, Dodge Journey’s all-wheel-drive system sends torque to the rear wheels when cornering with the throttle open to make the car turn more easily, which makes the handling more neutral. This is more readily accomplished with Journey’s Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) than with viscous-coupling or gerotor systems that require some degree of front-to-rear slip before torque is transferred to the rear wheels. At speeds greater than 53 mph, the control strategy provides minimal torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions to provide better fuel economy.

Journey also features standard ESP and traction control, which help the driver maintain vehicle stability and control in a variety of road surface and weather conditions. Journey’s available AWD electronic control module interfaces with the ESP and Traction Control systems, allowing the ESP system to use the ECC to help gain control of the vehicle, reducing the amount of torque that the ECC transmits to the rear wheels.