Press Kit: 2005 Dodge Magnum Launch

2005 Dodge Magnum Technology Press Releases

Auburn Hills February 29, 2004 -

DVD-Based Navigation Radio Debutes on All-New 2005 Dodge Magnum

Communications and Entertainment Options Available on the All-New 2005 Dodge Magnum


DVD-Based Navigation Radio Debuts on All-New 2005 Dodge Magnum

  • MP3 Player and Navigation in One System
  • Interacts with UConnect™ to Place Hands-Free Calls

Hard to fold paper maps may become a thing of the past with the new navigation radio option in the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum. Designed with a large, easy-to-read screen, voice guidance and a number of unique options, the DVD-based navigation system has features that will appeal to both road travelers and music enthusiasts alike.

The navigation radio system is housed in the center of the vehicle's dashboard, which is convenient to both the driver and passenger. This system features a large 5.8-inch full-color display, MP3 player, AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD system and navigation system in one unit. An eight-way joystick allows the user to scroll through the navigation menus and icons quickly and effortlessly.

The system guides the user through the drive route providing voice commands, mile by mile, turn-by-turn until the final destination is reached. Destinations can be entered into the system ten different ways and the screen can be viewed as a detailed map or enlarged to be viewed turn-by-turn.

"With MP3 capability and the option to add various entertainment and communication features, the navigation system is clearly in the forefront of information and entertainment technology," said Jack Withrow, Director, Vehicle Entertainment and Communications, Daimler Chrysler. "The system effectively calculates the quickest and most accurate route and immediately redirects the driver should you veer off your path - you may never have to stop and ask for directions again."

Audiophiles will enjoy the MP3 player, a navigation first, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio availability. The MP3 feature enables the user to view and play files and folders contained within MP3 discs. Coupled with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the stream listing, stream category, song title and artist, can be viewed on the system's display screen.

When equipped with UConnect™, the REC navigation radio becomes compatible with the hands-free module within the system. This feature enables the user to place voice-activated, hands-free calls to "Points of Interests" such as restaurants, banks or other public addresses located within the navigation system's information database. Phone numbers and call times appear on the system's screen upon incoming calls.

The navigation system features a single DVD solution which contains mapping, points of interest and business phone numbers across the U.S. (where digitized mapping data and information are available). The single DVD solution eliminates the need to handle and store multiple discs required in CD-based solutions. In addition, route calculations can be made quickly with Alpine's proprietary software algorithms which provide routing information within 10 seconds. This is crucial when a driver misses a turn and needs an immediate re-route.

The navigation system receives its GPS, or global positioning system signals, from up to eight satellites to display the position and direction of the vehicle. A gyroscope and the vehicle's speed sensor enable the system to display the present vehicle position even in locations where a GPS signal may not be available. When a destination is entered, the navigation system uses data from the DVD to quickly calculate a route.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM FEATURES

  • Map Zoom: Select from nine different zoom scales to increase or decrease map magnification
  • Voice Guidance: Choose from four options: Maximum, Normal, Minimum or Off
  • Route Guidance: View the screen as a turn-by-turn map, full display map or a combination of both
  • Three Language Option: Select English, French or Spanish. Preferences are in miles or kilometers
  • Four Routing Methods: Shortest Route, Quickest Route, Minimize Toll Roads, Maximum Freeway and Minimize Freeway
  • Automatic Route Recalculation and Detour Functions: The system automatically recalculates the position and displays a new route should the user encounter a detour or stray from the directions indicated on the display monitor
  • Maneuver List: Review the trip itinerary prior to departure and make changes before heading out on the road
  • Trail Function: Obtain longitude, latitude and altitude readings

NAVIGATION SYSTEM DESTINATION FEATURES

Destinations may be selected from ten categories:

  • Point of Interest: Select a destination from a list of locations and public places which are grouped by category
  • Address: Locate address by Street Name, City Name and State
  • Personal Address Book: Stores up to 100 personal locations and phone numbers in the system's memory; recalls an address from the address book for use as a destination
  • Recent Destination: Choose a destination from your ten most recent route calculations
  • Home Designation: Recall a saved address as your destination
  • Trip Itinerary: Enter up to ten destinations to calculate the most efficient route
  • City Center: Calculate a route with the destination at the center of the city
  • Map Display: Select a destination directly from the map screen, without the need to input the city name of street
  • Phone Number: Use a business phone number to find the route to the location
  • Intersection: Input the names of two cross streets as your destination

Chrysler Group selected Alpine Electronics, a supplier of high-performance mobile electronics systems, to provide the navigation unit, GPS antenna and map database information. The map database information is housed on a single DVD-ROM based on NAVTECH data.

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Communications and Entertainment Options Available on the All-New 2005 Dodge Magnum

  • UConnect™ Provides Customers with Freedom and Flexibility
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio™ Delivers Continuous Entertainment

With UConnect™ and SIRIUS Satellite Radio™ availability, the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum keeps you connected and informed around-the-clock. Both UConnect and SIRIUS Satellite Radio offer Dodge Magnum consumers best-in-class communication and entertainment system options to choose from.

UCONNECT HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION

Utilizing Bluetooth® technology, UConnect enables customers to receive and place cellular calls virtually hands-free. UConnect is driven through a user's personal mobile phone, and works inside and outside of the vehicle. This promotes a flexible, take-it-anywhere," sense of freedom so customers are not tied to their vehicles.

The UConnect system is integrated into the vehicle's electrical architecture, which allows the audio to be heard through the radio speakers. A microphone housed in the 2005 Dodge Magnum's rearview mirror serves as the driver interface. The user's mobile phone can then be placed where the driver chooses inside the vehicle. As a result, conversations can be continued upon entering or exiting the vehicle, without interruption. Calls can be linked to UConnect within 30 feet of the vehicle.

"UConnect focuses on what our customers want, the freedom to use their own cellular phone and the flexibility to keep their own cellular service," said Jack Withrow, Director Vehicle Entertainment and Communications for the Chrysler Group. "UConnect is not only affordable; it is adaptable to individuals on the go and can meet the ever-changing needs of a family."

The factory-installed option on the 2005 Dodge Magnum features:

  • Voice dialing - Voice commands can be used to dial the phone
  • Audio address book - Enables customers to store 32 names with up to four phone numbers each
  • Audio system mute - Mutes the microphone for privacy
  • Caller ID - The phone number of the caller appears on the radio display
  • Call transfer - Allows the customer to transfer a call from the vehicle's system to the mobile phone or from the mobile phone to the vehicle system
  • Communicates in three languages - North American English, French, and Spanish
  • Multi-phone recognition - Up to seven phones can be used within the vehicle's system

UConnect adapts to the users' specific needs and lifestyles. Consumers are able to sign-up for wireless and enhanced services with DaimlerChrysler's preferred carrier, AT&T Wireless, or keep their current wireless carrier and telephone number. (It's hassle-free, using one phone and one phone number.) UConnect allows multiple phones (up to seven) to be used within the vehicle's system, adapting to an individual or a family.

UConnect is the first generation in a family of hands-free, voice-activated, Bluetooth-powered offerings. UConnect is available as a factory and dealer-installed option on the new 2005 Dodge Magnum. Factory-installation is $275. The cost for the dealer-installed version of UConnect is $299 (suggested retail price) plus labor.

SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO

The 2005 Dodge Magnum features programming by SIRIUS Satellite Radio. SIRIUS provides coast-to-coast coverage in the United States with 60 streams of commercial-free music and 40 streams of news, talk, sports and entertainment.

Organized into thirteen categories of music, sports, news and entertainment channels, SIRIUS employs S>PLEX technology (statistical multiplexing), which optimizes the fidelity on each channel for superior sound resolution.

"Like cable did for television programming, satellite radio has the power to be the next 'must-have technology' because it substantially expands the range of entertainment choices for consumers," said Withrow. "SIRIUS Satellite Radio makes driving the new 2005 Dodge Magnum an experience that's multi-generational, multi-cultural, educational and entertaining."

Looking for some "in-your-face music" that's guaranteed to kick-start your day? Try Octane, the home of high-powered rock, or The Border, a "rough-around-the edges" sound from just this side of Nashville.

Need to know up-to-the-minute information on your favorite hockey team? SIRIUS is the official satellite radio provider of the National Hockey League. And, starting in the 2004 football season, SIRIUS will begin to carry National Football League play-by-play broadcasts. From live basketball games to Motorsports, SIRIUS has eight sports streams to keep you on top of the heart-pounding action.

Consumers selecting the SIRIUS Satellite Radio option in their 2005 Dodge Magnum will receive a small, mouse-shaped antenna mounted to the roof of the vehicle. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as selecting an AM or FM station. Consumers will be able to scan channels or select pre-set buttons for their favorite channels. Consumers also will be able to search both by music category and channel, which will be displayed on the radio screen.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be offered as a factory-installed option on the new 2005 Dodge Magnum. Factory installation is $195 and includes a one-year subscription.




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