January 6, 2003 [PARA]BY MARK PHELAN[NL]DETROIT FREE PRESS BUSINESS
WRITER [PARA]The new shape of Dodge is beginning to emerge, as the brand
unveils a performance-oriented model line this week at the 2003 North
American International Auto Show. [PARA]The brawny and roomy Durango RT
midsize sport-utility concept debuted Sunday as "the ultimate expression of
today's Dodge brand," said Jim Schroer, Chrysler Group executive vice
president of global marketing and sales. [PARA]An all-new Durango that is
virtually indistinguishable from the concept is to go on sale this fall.
[PARA]Dodge's plans will become clearer today with the debut of its
430-horsepower Magnum SRT 8 concept, which is very similar to the full-size
Magnum sporty station wagon Dodge is expected to begin selling in early
2004. [PARA]The Chrysler Group will also unveil the production versions of
the six-seat, all-wheel-drive Chrysler Pacifica and the Chrysler Crossfire
luxury coupe this week, Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said Sunday.
The Pacifica should be on dealers' lots in March, with the Crossfire going
on sale about a month later. The Pacifica is assembled in Windsor, the
Crossfire, in Germany. [PARA]Chrysler expects both models to move its brand
image upscale while Dodge grabs for a more performance-oriented image.
[PARA]Model specs[PARA]The flared fenders and bulging hoods on the Durango
and Magnum concepts set the tone for an in-your-face appearance that will
help distinguish future Dodges from the competition, Schroer said. [PARA]Two
other high-powered concept vehicles debuting today will lay the groundwork
of Dodge's "American Muscle" brand theme for smaller cars and minivans.
[PARA]All the new Dodge cars and trucks will draw from the bold styling of
the Viper sports car and Ram full-size pickup. [PARA]The new Durango is 7
inches longer, 3 inches taller and about 2 inches wider than the current
model. It also has 15 percent more interior space and a flat-folding third
row of seats. [PARA]The midsize SUV uses Dodge's 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter
Hemi V8 engine. Durango prices will probably start around $28,000. [PARA]The
Magnum SRT8 concept that debuts today also uses the Hemi engine but adds a
turbocharger to boost output to 430 horsepower. [PARA]The Chrysler group
will build the rear-wheel-drive Magnum in Brampton, Ontario. [PARA]Contact
MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.
--------------------------------------
Steven St.Laurent
C4I System Engineer
Engineering Branch, PSD, MCTSSA
MARCORSYSCOM, U.S. Marine Corps
Office (760) 725-2506 (DSN Prefix: 365)
<SNIP>HISTORY TIDBITS: The discoverer of Egypt was
a woman by the name of Egyptus, daughter of Ham, son
of Noah. She discover while it was still under a level of water.
Maybe her discover was based on the Sphinx (dedicated to
Cain son of Adam). Pharaoh, son of Egyptus, was its first
ruling king."<SNIP>
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