* 5.7-Liter HEMI(R) Crate Engines: Modern, Drop-In Muscle
* Dodge SRT-4 and Chrysler PT Cruiser Performance Upgrades
* Viper and Ram SRT-10 Performance Parts Coming Soon
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mopar(R), Chrysler Group's
parts and accessories brand, is launching an extensive line of performance
upgrades for a wide range of Chrysler Group vehicles -- and the 5.7-liter
HEMI(R) as a crate engine for the ultimate muscle car enthusiast.
The new 5.7-liter HEMI will be offered in two versions -- multi-port
injection (MPI; part number P4510593) and carbureted (P4510594) -- bringing
modern technology to everything from classic 1960s- and 1970s-era Chrysler
muscle cars to late model Dodge trucks. Generating 360 hp and 360 lb.-ft. of
torque and available early next year, the 5.7-liter HEMI can be installed in a
variety of vehicles, thanks to an integrated "plug and play" engine
controller.
At the same time, Mopar is unloading a barrage of performance upgrades
aimed directly at the hottest segment in the performance industry, the
compact/tuner enthusiasts. Specifically, Mopar is now offering a line of
performance parts designed to make the ultra-quick and ultra-popular Dodge
SRT-4 -- the hottest sports compact car on the planet -- even quicker.
"Whether your passion is the muscle car era, the street scene or the
racing crowd, Mopar has the right performance parts for your Chrysler, Jeep(R)
or Dodge vehicle," said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President - Global Service
and Parts. "We're kicking off a new series of themed parts and themed
catalogs at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
'Muscle,' 'Street' and 'Speed' reflect our core customer groups and describe
the three key Mopar parts lines."
According to SEMA, $26.8 billion was generated in aftermarket retail sales
in 2002. Of that, nearly $4.9 billion was from performance parts and
accessories. Additional research shows that the "tuner," or compact
performance market, generated nearly $2.4 billion in retail sales in 2002, and
that 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 growing, popular culture.
"Mopar is starting to have an impact on the sport compact tuner market.
The best example is the new Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade Kit offered for the Dodge
SRT-4. In the first three months of availability, we've sold the kit to more
than 18 percent of 2003 SRT-4 owners. That's an amazing number -- one that
reinforces that the sport compact tuner market is hot, and Dodge and Mopar are
tuned in."
Recognizing the hot new sport compact tuner market, Chrysler Group's
Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) engineers quickly received the green
light to develop Mopar Performance Parts that would make the SRT-4 even
quicker. PVO-designed upgrades include "go-faster" items such as the Stage 1
turbo upgrade kit, as well as upgraded suspension parts and transaxle
modifications.
These and other Mopar Performance Parts are -- or soon will be --
available at local Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers.
Mopar Performance Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade Kit
Mopar Performance has introduced a whiplash-inducing Stage 1 turbo upgrade
kit. This kit pushes the power and performance of the 2.4-liter turbocharged
engine in the 2003 Dodge SRT-4 to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque,
and the 2003 Chrysler PT Turbo to 235 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). The PCM has been 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.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Stage 1 turbo upgrade
kit for the 2003 Dodge SRT-4 and Chrysler PT Turbo manual (P5007862/P5007943)
is $399. MSRP for the Stage 1 turbo upgrade kit for the 2003 Chrysler PT
Turbo automatic (P5007944) is $429.
Stage 1 turbo upgrade kits for the 2004 Dodge SRT-4 (P4510592; $399), the
2004 PT Turbo manual (P4510606; $399) and 2004 PT automatic (P4510597; $429)
are also available. (Stage 1 kits for the 2004 models result in the same
performance ratings as the 2003 models: 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of
torque for the SRT-4 and 235 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque for the PT
Turbo.)
Mopar Performance Turbo Blow-Off Valve Conversion Kit
The new Mopar Performance turbo blow-off valve kit reduces intake air
charge temperature by venting the hot compressed air to the atmosphere and not
re-circulating it into the intake system. The blow-off valve kit is a must-
have accessory that enhances the distinctive turbo sound of the Dodge SRT-4
and Chrysler PT Turbo. The kit (P4510548) is now available for the 2003 and
2004 Dodge SRT-4 and Chrysler PT Turbo for a MSRP of $69.
Mopar Performance Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Mopar's limited-slip differential is another high-quality component that
helps make the 2003 Dodge SRT-4 even quicker. The Quaife automatic torque-
biasing (ATB) differential is available exclusively from Mopar. The unique
design improves handling and steering, and 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.
Available later this year, MSRP for Mopar's LSD (P5007923) is $1,369.
Note: This LSD is standard equipment on the 2004 Dodge SRT-4. (An
installation kit -- P4510588 -- is required when ordering this part.)
Mopar Coilover Suspension Kits
The Mopar coilover suspension kits are a result of a relationship between
Mopar Performance and KW Suspensions. Utilizing DaimlerChrysler
specifications to ensure optimum performance, the kits feature new stainless
steel INOX technology exclusive to Mopar Performance. The Mopar coilover
kits' thread design and aluminum spring perches allow Dodge SRT-4 owners to
easily adjust vehicle height. Additionally, the special thread shape and
specific properties of the polished suspension struts ensure that virtually no
corrosion occurs -- even after years of the strongest weather influences.
The basic Stage 1 suspension components include a set of higher rate drop
springs (P4510458) that utilize production Dodge SRT-4 dampers and an anti-
sway bar kit (P4510454). Both components will be available early next year.
The Stage 2 Mopar coilover suspension kit is an introductory coilover
system -- height adjustable only. Its fixed-valve dampers are calibrated to
provide a balance between "comfortable" road feel and sporty driving.
Stage 3 Mopar coilover suspension kits are height- and rebound-adjustable,
and include up to 50 percent more adjustability than Stage 2 settings. This
allows the driver to tune the SRT-4 suspension to even greater degrees, from a
"comfortable" ride, to sporty, to stiff -- tailoring road handling to the
driver's specific needs.
MSRP for Stage 2 is $1,395 (P4510447), while Stage 3's MSRP is $1,625
(P4510586). Stage 2 and Stage 3 suspension kits for the 2003 and 2004 Dodge
SRT-4 are now available. Coilover suspension kits for the Chrysler PT Cruiser
will be available early next year.
Mopar Cat-Back Exhaust System
Mopar Performance cat-back exhaust systems feature T304 stainless steel
construction (aircraft quality), with mandrel-bent tubing, stainless band
clamps and polished tips. These free-flow systems provide horsepower and
torque gains, improved fuel economy and a deeper exhaust note. Mopar cat-back
exhaust systems are available for the Dodge SRT-4, Chrysler PT Turbo and 5.7-
liter HEMI-powered Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500.
MSRPs for the Mopar cat-back exhaust systems are as follows:
* 2003-2004 Dodge SRT-4 (P4510461) -- $385
* 2003-2004 Chrysler PT Turbo (P4510463) -- $485
* 2003-2004 HEMI Ram 1500 (P4510464/P4510648) -- $585
* 2003-2004 HEMI Ram 2500 (P4510465) -- $585
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." In performance
driving scenarios, the additional seconds -- or fractions of a second -- a
factory-equipped 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 (P4510485) is available
for a MSRP of $119 (for both the 2003 and 2004 Dodge SRT-4 and the 2000-2004
Dodge Neon).
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 are 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
available are boost, nitrous, voltmeter, exhaust gas temperature, oil
pressure, fuel pressure, air-fuel ratio, water temperature, a 2-inch
tachometer and a 5-inch tachometer. Mopar also offers single or dual gauge
pods that mount on the driver's side "A" pillar. MSRP for Mopar Performance
gauges range from $45.73 for a 2 1/16-inch voltmeter to $318.26 for a 5-inch
tachometer. Pods for the Dodge SRT-4 range from $29.50 for single pods to
$37.80 for dual pods (all pods are for 2 1/16-inch gauges).
Mopar Katzkin Leather Interior Program
Katzkin Leather Interiors, Inc., has transformed the interiors of more
than 500,000 vehicles since 1983. Katzkin's leather interiors are produced
using the latest in high-tech computer aided design. Thanks to Mopar's unique
relationship with Katzkin, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers can create custom
leather interiors to suit their customers' wants and needs.
More To Come From Mopar Performance Parts
In the months to come, Mopar will announce the release of a wide variety
of new performance parts for the Dodge SRT-4 and Chrysler PT Turbo. Included
are a Stage 2 turbo upgrade kit, a Stage 3 turbo upgrade kit (for the SRT-4
only), and performance upgrade clutches, designed for increased torque
capacity and durability.
PVO engineers are also in the process of developing an extensive line of
Mopar Performance Parts for the Dodge Viper SRT-10 and the Viper-powered Dodge
Ram SRT-10, as well as a line of racing-specific parts for the motorsports
enthusiast.
Mopar Performance Parts are designed and tested by Chrysler Group PVO
engineers for Chrysler Group products, a claim no aftermarket company can
make. All of the testing is done in-house, making Mopar Performance parts the
preferred parts for serious street enthusiasts and competitive racers.
Mopar is based in Center Line, Mich., and is the exclusive original
equipment supplier of parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.
SOURCE Chrysler Group
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CONTACT:
Todd Goyer, +1-248-512-0041, or David
Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, both of Chrysler Group
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from
DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at:
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