Dodge SRT-4: Gear-Grabbing Acceleration

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 12 -- Mopar(R), Chrysler Group's parts and accessories brand, is launching a complete line of performance upgrades designed to make the Dodge SRT-4, already the quickest production car in America under $20,000, even quicker.

When Chrysler Group's Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) engineers were given the challenge to make this Dodge's factory tuner car even quicker, they didn't yield at yellow, nor did they stop at red; they saw green and gassed it. Upgrades include "go-faster" items such as a turbo upgrade, new manifolds and transaxle enhancements. PVO engineers have been working behind the scenes to develop Mopar Performance parts that will be available this summer at local Dodge dealers.

"Whether you're involved with the street scene or the racing crowd, Mopar has the right parts and accessories for your Chrysler, Jeep(R) or Dodge vehicle," said Chris Cortez, Chrysler Group, Senior Vice President - Global Service and Parts. "Our customers want to go faster and personalize their vehicles. We want them to look at Mopar first."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), $182 billion was generated in aftermarket retail sales in 2002. Of that, nearly $27 billion was from performance parts and accessories. Additional research on the "tuner" (compact performance market) shows that it generated $2.5 billion in retail sales in 2002, and the vast majority was spent by consumers 16 to 27 years old.

"It's important to build relationships with this group of consumers now, as they enter the vehicle purchasing cycle of their lives," added Cortez. "The compact tuner performance segment is truly a phenomenon, and we have to be part of this culture."

  Can You Handle The Adrenaline Rush?

  Mopar Performance Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade Kit

Mopar Performance is launching a whiplash-inducing Stage 1 turbo upgrade kit. This kit pushes the power and performance of the Dodge SRT-4's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The kit consists of four fuel injectors, which produce a 10-percent greater flow-rate than stock injectors, and one Mopar Performance powertrain control module (PCM). It's calibrated for increased wide-open throttle and part-throttle boost, more aggressive exhaust note during deceleration, improved turbo response, enhanced first-gear boost schedule for a higher-performance launch and a boost hold feature during wide-open throttle shifts.

"The only thing better than horsepower is more horsepower," said Kevin Miller, Senior Manager - Mopar Brand Excitement and Motorsports. "We're excited to be able to bring the Stage I turbo upgrade kit to market in June 2003 for just $399."

Mopar Performance Turbo Blow-Off Valve

Next in the arsenal of performance parts offerings for the Dodge SRT-4 is the Mopar Performance turbo blow-off valve. The blow-off valve is designed to prevent both premature boost leakage and compressor surge. This blow off valve is a must-have accessory that enhances the sound of the turbo hard at work. The Mopar Performance turbo blow-off valve will be available for purchase next month.

Mopar Performance Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)

Mopar's limited-slip differential is another must-have component in making the SRT-4 even quicker. The Quaife, Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) differential will be available exclusively from Mopar. The unique design offers maximum torque, improves handling and steering and puts the power where it is most needed. The system powers both drive wheels under nearly all conditions. It senses which wheel has better grip and biases the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and continuously, and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel. Mopar's LSD will be available for purchase later this month.

Mopar Performance Short-Throw Shifter

The Mopar Performance short-throw shifter is a direct, bolt-on, self- contained unit. It offers a dramatic improvement in shifting performance due in large part to reduced shifter travel, or "shifter throw." Shift throw refers directly to actual physical travel of the shifter stick, affecting the time it takes to shift from one gear to another. In performance driving scenarios, the additional seconds -- or fractions of a second -- a factory stock shifter takes to go from one gear to another may result in slower lap times. The Mopar short-throw shifter gives the racer a competitive advantage. The Mopar Performance short-throw shifter will be available for purchase later this month.

Mopar Performance Colored Valve Covers

In July, Mopar will offer colored versions of the production Dodge SRT-4 valve covers. The valve covers will be available in red, blue, yellow, black and silver.

Mopar Performance Ceramic-Coated Intake Manifold

Mopar will offer a ceramic-coated version of the production SRT-4 aluminum intake manifold. This intake manifold will be finished in a highly polished silver, and will be available for purchase next month.

Mopar Performance Gauges and Pods

Mopar Performance has developed a full line of gauges to fit the needs of the street performance enthusiast. These gauges will be available only through Mopar and feature an aluminum bezel and four different face styles. The styles include silver with the SRT logo, silver with the Mopar logo, carbon fiber with the Mopar logo and white with the Mopar logo. The types of gauges that will be available are boost, nitrous, voltmeter, exhaust gas temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, air-fuel ratio, water temperature, a two-inch tachometer and a five-inch tachometer. Mopar will also offer single or dual gauge pods that mount on the driver's-side "A" pillar to house gauge combinations. These gauges and gauge pods are available for purchase this month.

Pricing for all Mopar Performance parts can be obtained by visiting www.mopar.com . Mopar Performance parts can be purchased from authorized Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers.

Mopar Performance parts are designed and tested by Chrysler Group PVO engineers for Chrysler Group products. No aftermarket company can make this claim. All of the testing is done in-house, one of the many reasons Mopar Performance parts are the preferred parts for serious street enthusiasts and competitive racers.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com .