Stellantis Media Site From DaimlerChrysler Canada: All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Ignites the Mid-Size SUV Segment                                                Contact:                                                             Cole                         Quinnell                                                                                                Stuart                         Schorr                                                                                                                                                                                   From DaimlerChrysler Canada: All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Ignites the Mid-Size SUV Segment                                                                                                                                                           October 2, 2006,                                                                                                                      Windsor, Ontario                                                       -                                               Dodge brings its “Grab Life by the Horns” attitude to the mid-size sport-utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro. The five-passenger Nitro features bold, aggressive styling with performance to match. The Dodge Nitro is designed and engineered to ignite a segment characterized by bland, mild-mannered entries. This is the first mid-size SUV for the Dodge brand and complements its lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.“The Dodge Nitro’s styling delivers something extra, that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for – attitude,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels and tires, and a performance suspension.”The Dodge Nitro offers all the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat, first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. Also new is the LOAD ’N GO™ cargo floor, which slides 457 millimetres(18 inches) rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 182 kg (400 pounds). With optional heated leather seats, a DVD-based navigation system, cutting-edge entertainment system options and a long list of standard safety and security features, the Dodge Nitro spices up the mid-size SUV recipe.WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007 New Models     The all-new Dodge Nitro is available in four models: Dodge Nitro SE, Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T, differentiated by powertrain selection, features and optionsExterior    Dodge Nitro is available in seven colours: Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Electric Blue Pearl, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, Stone White, Sunburst Orange Pearl and Light Khaki Metallic     Muscular hood and large crosshair grille     Tough, strong, capable appearance with deep body sections and high beltline     Wheels-to-the-corners stance     Large halogen headlamps     Moulded-in-colour Dark Slate fascias and fender flares – SE and SXT     Body-colour fascias and fender flares – SLT and R/T     Standard chrome grille – SE, SXT and SLT – or body colour with bright billet—R/T     Fascia-mounted fog lamps – SXT, SLT and R/T     Roof-rack side rails     Liftgate with standard wiper and washerInterior    Cargo capacity of 909 litres with rear seat up or 1,846 litres with rear seats folded     Maximum cargo volume of 2,141 litres     LOAD ’N GO slide-out cargo load floor – SLT and R/T     Reversible rear cargo tray – SE and SXT     Six cargo tie-down loops     YES Essentials™ stain-resistant, odour-resistant, anti-static seat fabric – SLT and R/T     Standard AM/FM stereo with single CD radio MP3/WMA auxiliary jack     Optional AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/DVD audio capability MP3/WMA auxiliary jack radio – SXT, SLT and R/T     Optional MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD full-screen navigation radio (late availability) – SXT and R/T     Six-speaker sound system – standard     Infinity™ Premium Audio System with eight speakers plus subwoofer – optional SLT and R/T     Optional rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System (VES™) with folding headsets – SLT and R/T     Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio (late availability) – SLT and R/T     115-volt AC inverter outlet     12-volt auxiliary power outlets (one in the instrument panel and the other in the cargo area)     Optional power sun roof – SXT, SLT and R/T     Optional UConnect™ Hands Free Communication – SLT and R/T     Six-way power driver’s seat – SLT and R/T     Optional heated leather seats – SLT and R/T     Reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat     R/T logo embossed on front seats, accent stitching on R/T front and rear seats     Electronic vehicle-information centre – SLT and R/T     Power windows, locks and mirrors     Remote keyless entry     HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver – standard SXT, SLT and R/T     Automatic-dimming rearview mirror – standard SLT and R/T     Tire Pressure Monitoring — standard SE and SXT     Tire Pressure Monitoring display – standard SLT and R/T     Speed control – optional SE, standard SXT, SLT and R/T     Air conditioning     Illuminated entry     Standard floor matsPowertrain / Chassis     3.7-litre SOHC 12-valve V-6 engine with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – SE, SXT and R/T     4.0-litre SOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with ETC – R/T (late availability)     Rear-wheel drive (SE and SXT) and four-wheel drive (all models)     Standard full-time four-wheel drive with automatic transmission (late availability)     Part-time four-wheel drive     Six-speed manual transmission with 3.7-litre engine V-6 – Standard on SE and SXT     Four-speed automatic transmission with 3.7-litre engine V-6 – Standard on SLT and optional on SE and SXT     Standard five-speed automatic transmission with 4.0-litre V-6 – R/T     Optional remote start – SLT and R/T (late availability)     New short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension     New five-link rear suspension     Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering     16-inch full-face steel wheels – Nitro SE     16-inch aluminium wheels – optional Nitro SE, standard SXT     17-inch cast-aluminium wheels – optional Nitro SXT, standard SLT     20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels – optional SLT, standard R/T     P225/75R16 all-season tires – standard Nitro SE and SXT     P235/65R17 outline white-letter tires – optional Nitro SXT and SLT     P235/65R17 black sidewall tires – optional SXT, standard SLT     P245/50R20, all-season, black sidewall tires – optional SLT, standard R/T     Standard four-wheel disc brakes     74-litre fuel tank     Class III trailer hitch included in Trailer Tow GroupSafety & Security     Advanced multi-stage front air bags     Supplemental side air bags, inflatable curtains with extended up time     BeltAlert     Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)     Automatic locking retractors     Pretensioners and load-limiting retractors for front seat belts     Electronic Stability Program (ESP™), includes Brake Assist     All-speed traction control     Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)     Energy-absorbing steering wheel and steering column     Four-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)     Tire Pressure Monitoring     Structural safety cage     Side-guard door beams, front and rear     Enhanced rear structure and mid-mounted fuel tank     Driver and passenger side power windows with express up/down and auto-reverse – SLT and R/T     Vehicle theft security alarm – optional SLT and R/T     Sentry Key™ Engine ImmobilizerPackages    Smoker’s Group – removable ashtray and cigar lighter     Trailer Tow Group – heavy-duty engine cooling, power-steering cooler, Class III receiver hitch, four-pin connector wiring, full-size spare tire     R/T Group – body-colour sill appliqué, body colour with chrome accent grille, front airdam, R/T badge, two-tone cloth seats with logo     4.0-litre V-6 SOHC engine—20-inch aluminium chrome-clad wheels, 245/50R20 performance tires, performance suspension (late availability)     MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM/CD/MP3 navigation radio, rearview auto-dim mirror with microphone, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect Hands Free Communication     Rear-seat VES gaming system, wireless headphonesDESIGNTrevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group: “Dodge Nitro’s design characteristics are unlike those of any mid-size SUV on the road today, making it attractive to customers seeking bold style, sporty performance and maximum cargo flexibility.”When creating the first Dodge mid-size SUV, Dodge designers wanted to do more than capture the spirit of the Dodge brand; they wanted to ignite the mid-size SUV segment.To achieve a bold appearance unlike anything in Dodge Nitro’s segment, the designers introduced elements and themes that were strong and confident. The result was the unmistakable Nitro with its purposeful, capable and assertive stance. The Nitro comes in four models: SE, SXT, SLT and R/T.Basic to every Dodge vehicle is the bold crosshair grille, which is just one of many design elements that define the cool persona and tough attitude of Dodge Nitro. The grille – body colour on the Dodge Nitro R/T and chrome on the Dodge Nitro SE, SXT and SLT – is emblazoned with a hefty, three-dimensional ram’s head. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, and a clamshell hood with strong character lines completes the front end.The side of the vehicle features a deep body section and high beltline, which add to the confident appearance. Chrome vents positioned on each front fender complement the modern design and flair. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a mid-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle’s forceful expression. Wheels pushed to the corners, with powerful-looking wheel arches, convey Dodge Nitro’s confident stance. Standard on the R/T and optional on the SLT are 20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels.The interior of the five-passenger Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo. The headliner is shrink-wrapped to allow maximum headroom, and there is plenty of legroom for first- and second-row passengers.The Dodge Nitro SLT and R/T receive chrome detail on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, centre console, HVAC controls and door handles. The gear shifter and control buttons are substantial in size and bold by design.The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front-passenger seat, as well as fold-flat second-row seats. Second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort. Standard on the SLT and R/T is the LOAD ’N GO cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. The LOAD ’N GO cargo floor can hold up to 182 kg (400 pounds) and is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. Standard on the SE and SXT is a reversible load floor.ENGINEERINGCraig Love, Vice President – Rear-Wheel Drive Product Team: “The Dodge Nitro redefines the mid-size SUV driving experience, whether customers are looking for sporty performance or dynamic ride and handling, the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro delivers.”Two Powerful Engines4.0-litre SOHC V-6The performance-oriented, 4.0-litre, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is designed to provide the power and torque required to make the Dodge Nitro R/T a leader in the mid-size SUV segment. The engine delivers 190 kW (255 horsepower) @ 6,000 rpm and 361 N•m (265 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4,200 rpm. It is an enhanced version of the 3.5-litre engine used previously in Chrysler Group vehicles. The 4.0-litre SOHC V-6 engine provides more power and torque than the prior 3.5-litre, with emphasis on low- and mid-range operation to meet the needs of the day-to-day driver.The 4.0-litre engine is standard for the R/T model.3.7-litre SOHC V-6The 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 engine provides the Dodge Nitro with a standard engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 157 kW (210 horsepower) @ 5,200 rpm and 319 N•m (235 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Refinements in the valvetrain and combustion chamber enhance low-speed torque while providing smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. Also new on the 3.7-litre engine is an exhaust gas recirculation valve, which helps increase fuel economy.The 3.7-litre V-6 is standard on the SE, SXT and SLT models.All-new Suspension SystemsThe Dodge Nitro features an all-new coil-spring independent front suspension and an all-new five-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The front suspension gives the driver the optimum combination of ride, handling and steering, providing a greater sense of control and precision. The solid five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and track bar, provides higher lateral stiffness for vehicle responsiveness and outstanding handling. Ample suspension wheel travel is provided to maintain consistent ride quality, especially when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.Performance-oriented drivers will want the new performance suspension standard on the R/T and available on the SLT. Here, the emphasis is on responsive, fun-to-drive handling accompanied by a firm ride. This system features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks and bushings and 20-inch tires and wheels for improved cornering and increased traction.The Dodge Nitro SE, SXT and SLT feature a sport suspension that delivers responsive handling with a comfortable ride. This tuning offers a strong balance between ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling. The sport suspension will appeal to a cross section of buyers looking for comfort and solid on-road performance.Effort, feel and response on the Nitro’s rack-and-pinion steering system are tuned for each available suspension and give the driver precise control and positive feedback from the steering force exerted by the tires. The steering-linkage design allows for a tighter turning circle.Choice of Three TransmissionsThree transmissions are offered on the Dodge Nitro: a six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed automatic.The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Dodge Nitro SE and SXT 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 3.7-litre V-6 engine. The transmission provides optimal shift quality and improved quietness. The four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the SE and SXT and standard on the SLT. Line pressure within the transmission is based on demand for improved fuel efficiency. To complete the unique Dodge Nitro R/T powertrain, a five-speed automatic transmission is mated to the 4.0-litre V-6 engine. The five-speed transmission features Electronic Range Select driver-interactive shift control.Part-time and Full-time Four-wheel-drive SystemsThe Dodge Nitro 4x4 features both a part-time and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The 4x4 will launch with a standard part-time four-wheel-drive system; starting in the fourth quarter of 2006, the full-time four-wheel-drive system will become standard on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.Two- and four-wheel-drive modes are electronically controlled by a switch in the centre console, which can be selected at any time with the part-time four-wheel-drive system. The full-time four-wheel-drive system does not have a two-wheel-drive mode and has no console switch.Exceptional Braking CapabilityFour-wheel-disc brakes with ABS are standard on the Dodge Nitro. The vehicle’s larger rotors contribute to excellent stopping and handling capability. All-speed traction control is standard and is engineered to transfer torque from one wheel to another on the same axle when wheel-slip conditions are detected.Also standard on the Dodge Nitro is the ESP, which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe manoeuvres on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, ESP determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments.PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTSThe Dodge Nitro’s bold, powerful, street-smart design will ignite the mid-size SUV segment, which is typically characterized by conservative styling     Dodge Nitro’s design is unlike any mid-size SUV on the road today. Its bold styling and aggressive stance are what make the vehicle stand out in a crowd     Signature Dodge crosshair grille, deep body section, high beltline and strong wheel forms add to the vehicle’s confidence     It has attitudeDodge Nitro is the first mid-size SUV for Dodge – complementing the brand’s lineup of passenger cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV     Being the first mid-size SUV for the brand, the Dodge Nitro personifies the bold, powerful and street-smart attitude of Dodge     The Dodge Nitro continues the brand’s history of creating game-changing products and featuresThe five-passenger Dodge Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility     The interior of the Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo     The Dodge Nitro has innovative cargo-seating flexibility and seats five passengers comfortably. The vehicle offers fold-flat front-passenger and second-row seats. Second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort.     There are two cargo floors – a reversible load floor standard on Dodge Nitro SE and SXT, and a LOAD ’N GO cargo floor standard on the SLT and R/T     The R/T – with the 4.0-litre SOHC V-6 engine, performance suspension and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels and performance tires – redefines the mid-size SUV driving experience     Options include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, a DVD-based navigation system with traffic-data update, rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System (VES), AM/FM/six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 audio with premium speakers and a subwoofer, remote start, UConnect and SIRIUS Satellite RadioExcellent acceleration, braking and handling     All-new performance suspension for improved cornering and increased traction, and all-new independent front and five-link rear suspensions     Standard all-speed traction control     Two V-6 engine offerings:            New 4.0-litre SOHC V-6 delivers 190 kW (255 horsepower) @ 6,000 rpm and 361 N•m (265 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4,200 rpm         3.7-litre SOHC V-6 delivers 157 kW (210 horsepower) @ 5,200 rpm and 319 N•m (235 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4,000 rpm           Standard safety and security features include ABS, ESP, ERM and side-curtain air bagsDodge Nitro is designed to expand the Dodge brand’s presence in international markets     Chrysler Group previously announced that the Dodge brand will expand to Europe and volume markets overseas, and the Dodge Nitro will be part of that expansion     The vehicle will be available in markets outside North America in left- and right-hand drive the first quarter of 2007    The Dodge Nitro’s front fascia, rear fascia, taillamps and headlamps are designed to meet international requirements    For key diesel markets outside North America, the Dodge Nitro will be offered with a diesel engine in 2007MODEL LINEUP2007 Dodge Nitro SEStandard Features     3.7-litre V6 with six-speed manual transmission     Part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case (4x4 models)     Air conditioning     Power door locks/windows/exterior mirrors     115-volt auxiliary and 12-volt front and rear power outlets     Remote keyless entry     Cloth-faced seats     65/35 rear split folding reclining seats     Fold-down front passenger and rear seats     AM/FM stereo radio with CD player, MP3 capability and six-speakers     Tilt steering column     Reversible/removable cargo floor with tray underneath for additional storage     Advanced multistage front air bags     Side-curtain air bags     Child-seat anchor system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren [LATCH])     Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer     Tire-pressure monitoring     Rear-window defroster     Deep-grey front and rear fascias/fender flares/bodyside mouldings     Bright grille     16-inch steel wheels with sport suspension     Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS     ESP with all-speed traction control     All-new independent front/five-link solid rear-axle suspension2007 Dodge Nitro SEOptional Features     Four-speed automatic transmission     Smoker’s Group     Speed control     Deep-tint sunscreen side and rear glass     Full-size spare tire     Trailer Tow Group2007 Dodge Nitro SXTStandard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Dodge Nitro SE, the SXT model includes:     Overhead console with courtesy lamps     HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver     Floor mats     Fog lamps     16-inch cast-aluminium wheels with sport suspension2007 Dodge Nitro SXTOptional Features     Four-speed automatic transmission     Smoker’s Group     AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 with DVD audio     Grey running boards     Full-size spare tire     Sun roof     P235/65R17 all-season performance tires     17-inch cast-aluminium wheels     Trailer Tow Group2007 Dodge Nitro SLTStandard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Dodge Nitro SXT, the SLT model includes:     Four-speed automatic transmission     Full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case (late availability)     Electronic vehicle-information centre     Auto-dimming rearview mirror     LOAD ’N GO slide-out rear cargo floor     Two-tone cloth-faced seats with YES Essentials stain-resistant, odour-resistant, anti-static fabric     Six-way power driver’s seat     Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls     Tire-pressure monitoring     Body colour front and rear fascias/fender flares/bodyside mouldings     Heated power exterior mirrors     17-inch cast-aluminium wheels with sport suspension2007 Dodge Nitro SLTOptional Features     Remote-start system (late availability)     Leather-faced low-back front bucket seats     Smoker’s Group     AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 with DVD audio     MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System includes AM/FM, GPS navigation, DVD/CD/MP3-compatible player, 20GB media hard drive (late availability)     Infinity premium sound system with eight speakers in eight locations plus a subwoofer and 368 watts of power     UConnect Hands Free Communication     Video Entertainment System (VES)     Security Alarm     Grey running boards     Full-size spare tire     Sun roof     P235/65R17 performance tires (late availability)     P245/50R20 all-season performance tires (late availability)     20-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminium wheels with aggressively tuned performance suspension     Trailer Tow Group2007 Dodge Nitro R/T (late availability)Standard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Dodge Nitro SLT, the R/T model includes:     Two-tone Slate Grey cloth-faced seats     R/T logo on front seats     Monochromatic exterior (body colour front and rear fascias/fender flares/bodyside mouldings, sill, airdam, and grille with bright billets)     20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels with aggressively tuned performance suspension2007 Dodge Nitro R/T (late availability)Optional Features     Remote-start system     Cloth-faced low-back front bucket seats with Red inserts     Leather-faced low-back front bucket seats     Smoker’s Group     AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 with DVD audio     MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System includes AM/FM, GPS navigation, DVD/CD/MP3-capable player, 20GB media hard drive     Infinity premium sound system with eight speakers in eight locations plus a subwoofer and 368 watts of power    UConnect Hands Free Communication     Video Entertainment System (VES)     Security alarm     Full-size spare tire     Sun roof     Trailer Tow Group2007 DODGE NITRO SAFETY AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT     Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags     Advanced ABS     All-speed traction-control system     BeltAlert     Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)     Child-protection rear door locks     Load-limiting seat-belt retractors     Brake Assist     Energy-absorbing steering wheel and column     Electronic Stability Program (ESP)     Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)     Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)     Four-wheel disc brakes     Head restraints in all outboard seating positions     Height-adjustable front seat belts     Knee bolsters     Occupant Classification System (OCS)     Remote keyless entry     Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer     Seat-belt pretensioners     Supplemental side-curtain air bags in first and second rows     Three-point belts in all seating positions     Tire-pressure monitor warning signal and tire-pressure display     UConnect Hands Free CommunicationCOLOUR AVAILABILITY     Black     Bright Silver Metallic     Electric Blue Pearl     Inferno Red Crystal Pearl     Light Khaki Metallic (except R/T)     Stone White     Sunburst Orange PearlMANUFACTURING INFORMATION     2007 model year production start: August 2006     Production location: Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio     3.7-litre SOHC V-6 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit, Mich.     4.0-litre SOHC V-6 engine: Kenosha Engine in Kenosha, Wis.     Six-speed manual transmission (NSG 370): Stuttgart Transmission Plant in Stuttgart, Germany     Four-speed automatic transmission (42RLE): Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.     Five-speed automatic transmission (W5A580): Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Ind.