Chrysler Delivers More Technology to the Masses

August 31, 2007 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  In a year when Chrysler continues its momentum of new vehicle introductions, it is also launching even more new technology. With eight all-new and five refreshed Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles this year, new technologies such as the 4.7-liter engine, 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-diesel, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and the Sky Slider™ full-length open roof reinforce Chrysler’s product leadership.

“New product, and the technology that makes up that new product, is the first step in establishing a firm foothold in the rapidly shifting marketplace,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler. “At Chrysler we have a robust customer focus, offering more fuel-efficient and powerful engines, as well as a variety of industry-exclusive features such as SIRIUS Backseat TV®, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, Sky Slider full-length open roof, Swivel ‘n Go™ seat system and Chill Zone™ cooled beverage holder.”

With a focus on fuel efficiency, performance and refinement, Chrysler brings two new engines to market this year. The new 4.7-liter V-8 is engineered to deliver significantly enhanced customer experience and value, increasing fuel economy while simultaneously improving performance. The new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-diesel engine sets the heavy-duty performance standard with an outstanding combination of horsepower, torque and refinement, while delivering emissions-reducing technology that allows the engine to meet 2010 clean-diesel emission standards.

Chrysler’s renowned 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine now features a new, unique “Fuel Saver Mode” display, included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center. Fuel Saver Mode lets drivers know when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency.

Chrysler is offering a full range of entertainment and communication technology for 2008. The company will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV, providing three channels of TV programming delivered directly to the vehicle. The innovative MyGIG system both expands availability across multiple vehicle lines and comes in a second version. Available on fourteen Chrysler vehicles for 2008, MyGIG is a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system. The MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System features multiple ways to save and play back music, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect® Hands-free Communication and navigation with real time traffic – all with voice recognition and touch screen control. New for 2008, the MyGIG Entertainment System utilizes the entire 20-gigabyte hard drive for music storage and management, with optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio and UConnect Hands-free Communication System. On both MyGIG systems customers will also be able to view their photos and store their favorite music and photos on the unit’s hard drive using Chrysler’s first USB 2.0 port interface. Additionally, a seamless iPod interface is available on many Chrysler vehicles to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge the iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when the UConnect system receives a phone call. With this system, the iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped).

For added customer benefit and customer value, Chrysler is expanding the availability of many stability system features in the 2008 model year. Electronic Stability Program is standard on all Chrysler sport-utility vehicles – a claim no other manufacturer can make. Trailer Sway Control, which reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions, expands beyond Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen to include Dodge Nitro and Ram as well as Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty. Hill Descent Control, allowing a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to apply the brake pedal, is now available on Jeep Commander, Compass Grand Cherokee and Liberty, in addition to Jeep Patriot. Automatically decreasing the vehicle’s present cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane, Adaptive Cruise Control will now be offered on Chrysler 300.

Technologies available on 2008 model year Chrysler vehicles include:

3.0-liter V-6 Common-rail Diesel (CRD)
What it does: An advanced diesel power plant, it produces more torque than most eight-cylinder engines, equal acceleration and the fuel economy of a small six-cylinder gasoline engine. It is designed to be an efficient, smooth-running engine that gives customers improved fuel economy and produces lower carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions without sacrificing performance.
Availability: Jeep Grand Cherokee

4.7-liter V-8
What it does: The new 4.7-liter V-8 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 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 new engine also is capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel.
Availability: Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Dakota, Durango and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-diesel
What it does: The 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque (305 horsepower and 610 lb. ft. of torque for Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs). An electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) precisely matches boost pressure with the engine’s needs. The VGT produces optimum combustion control, reduced emissions and a quiet, lag-free response. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) virtually eliminates particulate matter emissions and an absorber catalyst reduces nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, making Dodge the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emission standards today. In addition to being more powerful and cleaner, this engine is 50-percent quieter than the 5.9-liter version it replaces.
Availability: Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Ram Heavy Duty and Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
What it does: Automatically decreases the vehicle’s preset cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. The system will accelerate to the preset speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane. Adaptive Cruise Control will maintain a specific distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic without having to continuously adjust settings.
Availability: Chrysler 300

Adaptive ESP®
What it does: Setting the new commercial standard, while taking electronic stability programs to the next level, Adaptive ESP features additional sensors that now take into consideration vehicle payload. With an advanced self-learning algorithm, this all-new standard safety system determines the mass and center of gravity of the vehicle based on acceleration, speed, accelerator pedal position and brake pressure, allowing Adaptive ESP to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision in crucial situations.
Availability: Dodge Sprinter

Chill Zone®
What it does: Acts as a cooled-beverage storage bin. Can hold up to four 20 oz. (500 ml) bottles or cans.
Availability: Dodge Caliber and Avenger

Continuously Variable Transmission 2 (CVT2)
What it does: This second-generation CVT has been calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. The optional AutoStick® feature allows for manual selection of six simulated stepped gears.
Availability: Dodge Caliber; Jeep Compass and Patriot

Continuously Variable Transmission 2 with Low Range (CVT2L)
What it does: Offers the same advantages of the CVT2 but with the addition of a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. This provides additional gear multiplication for improved off-road performance.
Availability: Jeep Patriot with Freedom Drive II™

Courtesy Puddle Lamps
What it does: Provides additional ground lighting to help make entry and exit both safer and easier. Mounted in the side-view mirrors, these lamps work in conjunction with the dome light and Remote Keyless Entry system.
Availability: Chrysler 300

Electromagnetically Coupled All-wheel Drive
What it does: Featuring an on-demand electromagnetic coupling, it drives only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive is also used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during spirited driving. The system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces automatically and seamlessly without having to be switched on and off.
Availability: Chrysler Pacifica and Sebring; Dodge Caliber

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
What it does: Standard on all Chrysler sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) – a claim no other manufacturer can make — ESP enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. It provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations such as turns and is especially valuable when driving on slippery surface conditions such as snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESP will apply selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Crossfire, Pacifica, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum, Nitro, Ram 1500 and Sprinter; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler

Fuel Saver Mode Display
What it does: Lets drivers of HEMI-powered vehicles know when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency. Included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center.
Availability: Chrysler Aspen and 300; Dodge Charger, Durango and Magnum; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

Heated and Cooled Cup Holders
What it does: Helps keep beverages cold in the summer and hot in the winter. Using a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) ceramic element attached to the side of the aluminum cup holders, the element can heat to 140 degrees F or to a nearly freezing 35 degrees F.
Availability: Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger

Hill Descent Control
What it does: Allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. This system applies the brakes to each wheel individually when needed to reduce forward motion while negotiating down steep grades.
Availability: Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

Hill Start Assist
What it does: Assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the same level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal. The system will release the brake pedal in proportion to the amount of throttle applied. If the throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal, Hill Start Assist will release brake pressure.
Availability: Dodge Ram; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty

Illuminated Front Cup Holders
What it does: Makes it easier to find the front cup holders while driving at night by illuminating them in blue-green to match the center-stack lighting.
Availability: Chrysler 300; Dodge Caliber, Charger and Magnum

iPod Interface
What it does: Allows an iPod to be plugged into the vehicle’s sound system to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge the iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when the UConnect system receives a phone call. The iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped). The system uses a Universal Customer Interface (UCI) connector located in the glove box. An optional connection cable is available through Mopar.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Charger, Grand Caravan and Magnum; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

Load 'N Go™ Cargo Floor
What it does: Allows the cargo floor to slide 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages; can hold up to 400 pounds. It is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. A compact utility table is an available option.
Availability: Dodge Nitro

MusicGate Power®
What it does: When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing out from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgate parties and picnics. The available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate.
Availability: Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass

MyGIG™ Entertainment System
What it does: The MyGIG Entertainment System is a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system. The 20-gigabyte hard drive is available for music storage and management. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and UConnect Hands-free Communication are optional on this system.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Charger and Magnum; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System
What it does: The MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System combines navigation with real-time traffic, hands-free communication and multiple ways to save and play back music and audio. The system includes an integrated voice dialogue system and touch screen for easy operation. Customers even will be able to view their photos and store their favorite music and photos on the unit’s hard drive using Chrysler’s first USB 2.0 port interface. The display screen is available for viewing videos when the vehicle is in park.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Charger, Dakota, Magnum and Nitro; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler

ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera
What it does: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before backing up. Also aids in lining up a trailer with the vehicle’s towing hitch, when so equipped. The image is automatically displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse.
Availability: Chrysler Aspen, Pacifica and Town & Country; Dodge Durango and Grand Caravan; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

Remote Start
What it does: Starts the vehicle’s engine from up to 300 feet away. If the vehicle is equipped with Automatic Climate Control, it will automatically adjust, providing defrost, heat or air conditioning based on the outside temperature. Control of the Remote Start system is integrated into the vehicle’s Remote Keyless Entry fob.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Charger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum and Nitro; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty

Removable Flashlight
What it does: Mounts in the headliner above the cargo area and snaps out of the bezel. It’s dual-purpose, functioning as the dome light and a removable flashlight.
Availability: Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Caliber and Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass and Patriot

Selec-Trac® II
What it does: A full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. This premium system offers a “4WD Auto” mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When driving in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based upon real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance. For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a “4WD Low” mode. This second speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.
Availability: Jeep Liberty

SIRIUS Backseat TV™
What it does: Chrysler is the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup. 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. The system operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s 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.
Availability: Chrysler 300 and Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger and Magnum; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

Six-speed Front-wheel-drive Automatic Transmission (62TE)
What it does: Lowers engine speed at highway speeds for improved fuel economy, thanks to an added compounder and two clutches. It is based on the four-speed 41TES transmission.
Availability: Chrysler Pacifica, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger and Grand Caravan

Six-speed Rear-wheel-drive Automatic Transmission (68RFE)
What it does: Provides the best of both worlds: improved performance and fuel consumption. The wide-range six-speed gear train provides up to 40-percent greater launch capability in first gear and 10-percent lower engine speed in sixth gear than the four-speed transmission it replaces. The lower sixth gear engine speeds help reduce highway fuel consumption and reduce overall noise levels when coupled with the new 6.7-liter engine.
Availability: Dodge Ram Mega Cab and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Supplemental Signal Mirrors
What it does: This increases the visibility of the turn signal and helps to alert other drivers. Features bright LEDs located within the side mirrors that activate and blink when the turn signal is engaged.
Availability: Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan

Sky Slider™
What it does: Industry-exclusive, full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full-forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch. The roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather-resistant and leak-proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof utilizes anti-pinch software that will prevent the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path.
Availability: Jeep Liberty

Tip Start
What it does: With the introduction of Control Area Network BUS (CAN Bus), vehicle functions can be operated “be wire” or without any mechanical assistance. In many Chrysler vehicles, starting the vehicle is one of the operations that is now computer controlled. The vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) accepts an input from the key turning in the ignition to the “Start” position; a number of functions are set into motion that will start the engine without the operator holding the key in the “Start” position. This is just one of the functions that benefit from CANBus technology.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring, Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum, Nitro, Ram; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Wringer

Trailer Sway Control
What it does: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds, traffic and improper weight distribution on the trailer. The system monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path and the vehicle yaw sensor recognizes sway. Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and applies brake pressure to all four wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The system will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer is under control.
Availability: Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Durango, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty

World Engine
What it does: Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide 150 horsepower, 156 horsepower and 172 horsepower (110 kW, 115 kW and 127 kW, respectively). A turbo version of the 2.4-liter produces 280 horsepower (209 kW) for the Dodge Caliber SRT4. Chrysler engineers met aggressive performance and fuel-economy targets through advanced cylinder-head port and intake-manifold design. Technologies include dual Variable Valve Timing and intake-manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation.
Availability: Chrysler Sebring; Dodge Avenger and Caliber; Jeep Compass and Patriot

YES Essentials® Advanced Seating Upholstery
What it does: Offers three key benefits: repelling stains, controlling odor and reducing static electricity. Dual-action technology repels and releases spills that would stain other auto fabrics. This technology also allows the upholstery surface to dry quickly. In addition, YES Essentials seat fabric reduces static electricity generated when entering or exiting the vehicle – a first for improving the comfort of drivers and occupants.
Availability: Chrysler Aspen, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Heavy Duty Ram and Nitro; Jeep Compass, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler