-- The specialty SEMA vehicles were conceived and designed by the Mopar
Underground design team
-- The SEMA Show, the annual showcase of technology, trends and products
representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry,
will be held Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007
-- The Mopar booth (#42427) is located in the lower South Hall of the Las
Vegas Convention Center
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler will debut eight
ultra-customized Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles at the Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, the annual showcase of
technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive
parts and accessories industry. The SEMA show will be held Oct. 30 -- Nov.
2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Chrysler's 'tricked, tuned and customized' Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge
vehicles were conceived and designed for SEMA by the Mopar Underground
design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their
time to the SEMA project vehicles.
'Designed for Customization' Philosophy Drives the Mopar Underground
Design Team
A contemporary perspective on the design principle, 'form follows
function,' might state that the 'form must also be flexible to allow for
adaptation.' For the auto industry, that means producing vehicles for
consumers that not only allow for customization but strongly encourage it.
Case in point, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler was named one of the most
accessory-friendly vehicles by SEMA members. According to a Foresight
Research report conducted last year [commissioned by SEMA's Research and
Information Center], more than 1,700 full-size truck owners revealed that
50 percent had spent or planned to spend $500 or more on accessories - with
a high of 63 percent for Dodge Ram owners (most likely to accessorize). And
20 percent of that group said they bought their trucks at a particular
dealership because of the availability of accessories.
Overseen by Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design,
Chrysler LLC, the Mopar Underground design team has been putting that
contemporary perspective on the design principle to action by customizing
production vehicles. Since its creation in 2002, the Mopar Underground
design team has created vehicle concepts meant to develop performance
parts, accessories and customization as well as new vehicle concepts. In
fact, the first-generation SRT4 was born from this team's style initiative.
"Our diverse team which changes frequently has been developing SEMA
concepts for more than five years. It's the usual 'enthusiast' suspects
from our union shops [plastic, paint, metal and wood], Product Design
Office, SRT and Mopar Performance Parts and engineering," said Gilles.
"Every year, we push the boundaries of conventional thinking --
customizing with no limits to creative expression and freedom, just the
power to imagine. We want to build customized concept vehicles for SEMA
that flex the potential in our platforms, show that Chrysler, Jeep and
Dodge vehicles are indeed designed for customization and keep the Mopar
spirit and passion alive," said Gilles.
After the SEMA show, the customized Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge SEMA
vehicles will be displayed at events throughout 2008 including Easter Jeep
Safari, the Miami Auto Show and more.
Jeep Wrangler JT
Built from the military version of the all new Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep
Wrangler JT showcases just how flexible this new platform can be. Revealed
at the 2007 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab [Utah], it dominated the steep
climbs and descents on the slopes of the Hell's Revenge trail. Its 4x4
capability was established as it negotiated the slick hot tubs and
waterfalls -- at times, almost completely vertical to the ground.
Beginning with the new 116-in. wheelbase platform for the Wrangler
Unlimited, the design team managed to create a very nimble, trail-savvy
Jeep with a 5-ft. pickup bed and an easy-to-handle removable hardtop.
Off-road enhancements include:
-- 3-in. suspension lift provided by Superlift
-- 35-in. BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires
-- Rear bumper and tire carrier from Mopar
-- Front bumper from Mopar
-- Warn 9500ti winch
The Jeep Wrangler Ultimate with 392 HEMI(R) from Mopar
The name says it all.
The Jeep Wrangler Ultimate with 392 HEMI from Mopar is a concept
vehicle that answers the question "how far can you go with the new Jeep
Wrangler?" Beginning with the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon(R),
the design team set out to create the best of the best -- combining high
style and materials with the best off-road machine ever offered by Jeep.
The suspension is enhanced with a 3-in. lift to clear the massive
35-in. BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted on custom, polished Alcoa
Forged 18-in. wheels. The exterior is chromed out courtesy of Mopar:
-- fuel filler door
-- taillamp guards
-- tubular side steps
-- exterior mirrors
-- tow hooks
-- door handles
-- hood hinges
-- fascia overlays
To complete the look, the exterior is coated in a wildly experimental
'Liquid Charcoal Pearl Coat' paint.
The Wrangler Ultimate's real story is its interior. Taking cues from
rugged adventure sports bags and accessories, the team created a high style
and detailed interior compartment that is as tough and beautiful as the
exterior. Seating surfaces are clad in durable orange mesh fabric and dark
slate gray Nappa/Province leather -- bound with a heavy black-leather
baseball stitch. Instrument panel details are treated to a stunning Argent
Pearl/Satin Silver paint combination, reinforcing the machine character for
which Jeep is known. The interior is also home to the exclusive MyGIG(TM)
Multimedia Infotainment System. There are also DVD screens for passengers
in the front and rear.
To provide authentic performance on the trail, the team also dropped in
a 392 HEMI crate motor.
Jeep Wrangler All-access
The interior of the Jeep Wrangler All-access has been upgraded with
premium materials and paint. To give it "trail and off-road" credibility,
the designers vamped it up with Mopar performance parts including Rubicon
Express 4-in. suspension lift, front and rear bumper with tire carrier,
rock rails, cold air intake and Warn 9500ti winch. American Expedition
Vehicles supplied its new Pintler sheels.
Painted "Surf Blue," the Wrangler All-access also features 35-in. BFG
Mud Terrain tires. In 2008, the Wrangler All-access will be seen at Easter
Jeep Safari [Moab, Utah] and Camp Jeep(R).
Dodge Ram BFT
"Built for towing," the Dodge Ram BFT is also one "big fast truck."
Designed to be the "ultimate" workhorse, the vehicle will appeal to the
hardcore truck buyer. And there's one thing the heavy-duty trucker can
never get enough of: a bigger box.
The design team placed a standard cab on a 160-in. Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
wheelbase frame so the 9.4-ft chopper fits snuggly in the 10-ft. box. The
team also accommodated the dually setup with a 6-in. suspension lift kit
from Superlift and Alcoa's 22.5-in. 10-lug semi wheels. The BFT also
features full-length polished bed and step rails.
The Ram BFT has a Banks-enhanced 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine
that is mated to an automatic transmission.
In the end, the Ram BFT provides "maximum" hauling and towing power.
And isn't dependability, durability and capability what Ram life is all
about?
Dodge Avenger Tuner -- Stormtrooper
The Dodge Avenger Tuner -- Stormtrooper is a sophisticated sedan
designed to appeal to an adult tuner with an appreciation for technical
superiority, exhilarating performance and unbridled luxury and style. The
technical, yet organic nature of the Stormtrooper costumes from Star Wars
inspired its execution. The Avenger Stormtrooper represents the holistic
fusion of technology, racing, comfort and performance.
Smooth power is unleashed by the digitally-tuned 4.0-liter V-6 engine
-- that packs the punch of a velvet hammer. It features an all-wheel-drive
powertrain and six-speed automatic gearbox with AutoStick steering wheel
paddle shifters and KW custom coil-over suspension that is tuned for
ride-height and damping. Its custom exhaust is from Borla. The large 20 x 9
custom Alcoa Forged rims come with die-sub custom graphics and Michelin
245/35R20 Pilot Sport PS2 tires. It also features a StopTech six-piston
front and four- piston rear big-brake package, Xenon HID projector head
lamps, Umnitza Predator halo lighting and Challenger fuel filler cap.
Exterior custom modifications on the Avenger Stormtrooper include:
-- black-out high-beam parabola package
-- tinted head lamp and taillamp package
-- tinted PPG blue-magic glass
-- billet exhaust tips
-- front and rear fascias
-- sill aero kit
-- integrated rear spoiler
-- rear door sail panels
-- cold-air intake
Painted a custom pearl white, the Avenger Stormtrooper's story
continues on the inside.
The Alcantara suede-lined interior features four black and white Dodge
SRT8 bucket seats with red stitching and stripes to carry the driver and
three lucky passengers for the thrill ride of their lives in style. The
instrument panel, doors, headliner and pillars are swathed in this
performance material. The custom Dodge "rim-shell" steering wheel and
shifter paddles are constructed of black leather, white suede and red
accent stitching and centering stripe. The centerstack/console features
triple gauge pod and glossy pearl white finish.
Revolutionary technology abounds for the sophisticated tuner. There are
two Azentek mobile PCs installed with 1.8GHz Intel Core Duo processors and
two gigs of ram -- one unit is in the front dash and one is in the rear
seat center console. With the touch of a finger, the driver is "master of
the vehicle network domain." ETAS' INCA software digital interface to the
engine controller could allow the driver to have the capability to control
its tuning and read vitals. The owner could even order parts or download
engine calibrations through Mopar Performance Parts and could communicate
with engineers and other Dodge owners in Web logs and chat rooms. The
driver could adjust fuel maps (as opposed to static flashing) and even
download Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge
dealership as he or she drives by.
Entertainment -- Internet, gaming, music and video -- is also
controlled. Sync Bluetooth(R) links to any devices: phone, iPhone and Zune.
Heart-pounding sound is provided by KICKER(R) Audio. It also features a
Mopar Performance gauge pack with red accent LED lighting.
Dodge Caravan R/T
Painted Fire Red Pearl, the Dodge Caravan R/T is a statement of
enhanced appearance. It features a fully customized exterior including:
-- hood with functional scoop and reworked induction system
-- front and rear fascias
-- side rocker panels
-- rear spoiler
-- 20 x 9 SRT wheels and 245/45-20 Goodyear tires
-- sport suspension with lowered-ride height
-- sport-tuned dual exhaust and powertrain control module
The RT R/T's sport interior features full dark slate trim, sport seats
trimmed in dark slate leather with fire-red stitching and perforated suede
inserts and dual DVD system. The Swivel 'n Go(TM) seat system's second-row
seats that swivel 180 degrees rearward and the removable table installed
between the second and third rows completes the RT R/T's interior.
Dodge Dakota MX Warrior
The Dodge Dakota MX Warrior is a design exercise intended for the
younger action-sports crowd. This authentic motocross-themed concept is a
cooperative effort with Scott Waraniak. Waraniak is a design student at
College for Creative Studies in Detroit and AMA District 14 motocross racer
#936 who races for KTM North America and Seattle-based Jones Soda.
Motocross is an extreme sport run on closed-course, natural-terrain
dirt tracks. Grabbing the holeshot and maneuvering through the ruts, berms,
whoops, doubles, 90-foot jumps and 180-degree tight turns demands
lightning-fast reflexes, physical conditioning, practice, concentration and
speed. Forty racers compete in two 20-minute motos -- mixing flying dirt
and rocks with intimidation, adrenaline and horsepower. The outdoor
motocross season runs from April to September, while the indoor supercross
season runs from January through April. The sport continues to grow in
popularity particularly with Gen X and Gen Y action-sport athletes in the
United States, Europe and Japan.
With his likeness and signature on limited-edition bottles of Jones
Soda, Waraniak [a West Bloomfield, Mich.-resident] provided his
race-prepped bike for the project. He'll use the 2008 KTM 450 SX-F in 2008
motocross season competition. He designed the graphics for both the bike
and the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior.
The design team let Waraniak loose to design his "splatter" theme. The
bold O21 orange and battleship gray vinyl wrap is provided by Image Quest
Graphics of Wixom, Mich. The Dakota/KTM 450 SX-F graphics integrate the
podium performance of Dodge, Mopar and KTM Motorsports with Waraniak's
sponsors and the motocross industry's leading icons and lifestyle
companies:
-- KTM North America of Amherst, Ohio
-- Troy Lee Designs of Corona, Calif.
-- FMF Racing of Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
-- Alpinestars of Torrance, Calif.
-- Spy Optics of Carlsbad, Calif.
-- EVS Sports of Janesville, Wis.
-- Cycra of Hebron, Ohio
-- VP Racing Fuels of Wildomar, Calif.
-- Maxima Racing Oils of Santee, Calif.
-- Lake Cycle of Grand Haven, Mich.
-- JP Speed of Holly, Mich.
-- KTM Hard Equipment of Amherst, Ohio
-- Michelin of Greenville, S.C.
-- Powersport Grafx of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
-- Xlox Systems of Calgary, Alberta
-- SuperSports of Waterford, Mich.
-- Skyjacker of Suspensions, West Monroe, La.
-- Iniziale Designs of Roseville, Mich.
-- KICKER(R) Audio of Stillwater, Okla.
-- Jones Soda of Seattle, Wash.
To give the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior a proper stance and prove it can
venture off-road, the suspension is raised four inches. It's fitted with
20-in. chrome wheels from Mopar wrapped in 31-in. tires. TRX-4 fender
flares cover the meats to keep the "splash" graphics fairly clean. To
protect the front and rear, the Chrysler metal shop fabricated custom steel
bumpers and an integrated warn winch mounted on the front bumper. There are
also custom steel rock rails. The taillamps and bed extender were provided
by Mopar. The steering wheel was provided by Grant Products. The Surf Blue
paint with dark neutral metallic accents is courtesy of the Chrysler paint
shop.
Air is fed to the 4.7-liter Magnum(R) V-8 engine through the custom
hood with one-off intake scoops fabricated by the Chrysler plastic shop.
When all is said and done, you'll never see this Dodge Dakota MX
Warrior "DNF."
Chrysler Town & Country Black Jack
The Chrysler Town & Country Black Jack draws its inspiration from the
Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas -- a dominant and enigmatic presence on the Strip.
Massive, dark and simple in shape and design, the icon casts a shadow over
the surrounding properties.
It sits on custom one-off 20-in. wheels with new bright finishes built
by Alcoa Forged. They are tucked around a set of Brembo SRT brakes, matched
with an adjusted ride height. Its stance is sophisticated, yet
approachable. Covered in a custom Amber-Black Pearl paint, the hood
features a ghosted "Black Jack" logo and pin stripe provided by Jim-Tech.
Chrome accents complement the billet-style grill.
The exterior was designed to draw people to the stunning inside. LED
lighting, provided by OSRAM-Sylvania Group, was crucial to the application
of Las Vegas allure. To give it an "after hours lounge bar" setting and
atmosphere of light and shade, the team created dual panoramic-style roof
openings. After relocating the gas tank, light-sensitive "scintilla"
provided by Sensitile was used. Constructed of 100 percent acrylic,
Scintilla transforms the way in which the surface interacts with interior
lighting. The scintilla actually illuminates the players' "field."
A leather- wrapped curved bench replaces the third-row seats. Providing
"rat pack" and "rat rod" influence, the passenger seats are wrapped by
Katzkin, and feature Vogl satin black leather, custom embroidery. Seat
inserts feature perforated suede with silver backing and a suede headliner.
The centered dealer's seat required removal of the second-row pilot seats.
The "black jack" table is constructed of light-weight carbon fiber.
Creating seamless construction, it's bolted to the translucent center mount
that flows into the translucent floor. The adjustable lighting and table
placement contribute to the players' comfort.
Azentec and KICKER brought a "bada bing" to the interior. The
entertainment system features two KICKER Audio 10-in. L7 sub woofers tied
to a 1250-watt amplifier. Two pairs of 6-in. speakers and a four-channel
700-4 amplifier provide the "boom" factor. The rear-mounted 37-in. LCD flat
screen and two 7-in. overhead monitors are connected to three hidden
overhead digital cameras so there are "eyes" on the dealer's and players'
hands. The Azentec head unit -- the Atlas 1000 -- serves as a high-powered
laptop radio head unit. Windows XP provides adaptability and capability for
wireless internet, Bluetooth, cell phone, navigation system and personal PC
-- putting the Black Jack on the forefront of in-car entertainment.
With QEK Integrated Fleet Services providing support during the Town &
Country Black Jack build, this "slow roller" is sure to turn heads on the
Strip.
The Mopar press conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 4:40
p.m. PST in the Mopar booth (#42427) located in the lower South Hall.
About SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the annual
showcase of technology, trends and products for the $36.7 billion
automotive parts and accessories industry, will be held Oct. 30 -- Nov. 2,
2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The premier automotive specialty
products trade event in the world, SEMA draws the industry's brightest
minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center and attracts
more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries in the
automotive, truck and SUV markets. Open to domestic and international
industry professionals and media, the 2007 SEMA Show will feature more than
2,000 exhibitors. More than 100,000 are expected to attend this year. SEMA
was founded in 1963. The industry provides appearance, performance,
comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational
vehicles.
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts
manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing
enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation
(CMPC) in 1929.
Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words
MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937.
It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its
mark in the 1960s -- the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built
race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special
high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super
stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar
Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing
use.
Today, Chrysler's Global Service and Parts division is responsible for
the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar
replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge
vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and
durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict
adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.
SOURCE Chrysler LLC
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Related links:
http://www.chrysler.com
http://media.chrysler.com http://www.prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Patricia Georgevich of Chrysler LLC,
+1-248-512-4889, (cell), +1-248-514-1313, pg572@chrysler.com
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