Stellantis Media Site All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Ignites the Mid-Size SUV Segment                                                Contact:                                                             Dianna                         Gutierrez                                                                                                Jodi                         Tinson                                                                                                                                                                                   All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Ignites the Mid-Size SUV Segment                                                                                                                                                           August 31, 2006,                                                                                                                      Auburn Hills, Mich.                                                       -                                               Dodge brings its “Grab Life by the Horns” attitude to the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the introduction of the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro. The five-passenger Nitro features bold, aggressive styling with performance to match. The Dodge Nitro is designed and engineered to ignite a segment characterized by bland, mild-mannered entries. This is the first mid-size SUV for the Dodge brand and complements its lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.“The Dodge Nitro’s styling delivers something extra, that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for — attitude,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires, and a performance suspension.”The Dodge Nitro offers all the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat, first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. Also new is the LOAD ‘N GO™ cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 400 pounds. With optional heated leather seats, a DVD-based navigation system, cutting-edge entertainment system options, and a long list of standard safety and security features, the Dodge Nitro spices up the mid-size SUV recipe.View a streaming video demonstration of LOAD ’N GO™ at http://www.dcxmediaservices.com/videoptrs/wms/dctv/MEDIA/2006/sep/nitroload.wvx“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”New Models    The all-new Dodge Nitro is available in three models: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T, differentiated by powertrain selections, features and option selectionsExterior    Dodge Nitro is available in eight new colors: Black Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Sunburst Orange, Pearl Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat    Muscular hood and large crosshair grille    Tough, strong, capable appearance with deep body sections and high beltline    Wheels-to-the-corners stance    Large halogen headlamps    Molded-in-color Dark Slate fascias and fender flares — SXT    Body-color fascias and fender flares — SLT and R/T    Standard chrome grille — SXT and SLT– or body color with bright billets — R/T    Fascia-mounted fog lamps    Roof rack with optional cross rails    Liftgate with standard wiper and washerInterior    488.2 cu. in. (10L) of storage space    Cargo capacity of 32.1 cu. ft. with rear seat up, 65.2 cu. ft. with rear seats folded    Maximum cargo volume of 75.6 cu. ft.    LOAD ‘N GO™ slide-out cargo load floor — SLT and R/T    Six cargo tie-down loops    YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric — SLT and R/T    Standard AM/FM stereo with single CD radio MP3/WMA auxiliary jack    Optional AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/DVD audio capability MP3/WMA auxiliary jack radio    Optional MyGIG® Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD/MP3 and full-screen touch screen navigation radio     Optional AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD full-screen navigation radio    Six-speaker sound system — standard    Infinity® Premium Audio System with eight speakers plus sub-woofer — optional R/T, standard SLT G Package     Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with folding headsets    Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio    115-volt AC inverter outlet    12-volt auxiliary power outlets [one in the IP and the other in the cargo area]    Optional power sunroof    Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System    Driver’s six-way power seat — SLT and R/T    Optional heated leather seats — SLT and R/T    Reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat    R/T logo embossed on front seats, accent stitching on R/T front and rear seats    Electronic Vehicle Information Center — SLT and R/T    Power windows, locks, mirrors    Remote keyless entry    Compass, temperature readout — optional Nitro SXT; standard SLT, R/T    HomeLink universal garage door opener — optional Nitro SXT; standard SLT, R/T    Automatic dimming rearview mirror    Tire Pressure Monitoring warning lamp — standard SXT    Tire Pressure Monitoring display — standard on SLT and R/T    Speed control — optional SXT, standard SLT and R/T    Air conditioning    Illuminated entry    Standard floor matsPowertrain / Chassis    Standard 3.7-liter SOHC 12-valve V-6 engine with Electronic Throttle Control    Optional 4.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with Electronic Throttle Control    Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive models    Part-time four-wheel drive    Standard six-speed manual transmission with 3.7-liter engine V-6    Optional four-speed automatic transmission with 3.7-liter engine V-6    Standard five-speed automatic transmission with 4.0-liter V-6    Optional remote start    New Short- and Long-Arm (SLA) front suspension    New five-link rear suspension    Power-assisted rack and pinion steering    16-inch full-face steel wheels — Nitro SXT    16-inch aluminum wheels — optional Nitro SXT    17-inch cast-aluminum wheels — optional Nitro SXT, standard SLT    17-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminum wheels — optional SLT    20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels — standard R/T, optional SLT    P225/75R16 all-season tires — standard Nitro SXT    P235/65R17 outline white letter tires — optional Nitro SXT and SLT    P235/65R17 vertically serrated band tires — standard SLT    P245/50R20, all-season, black sidewall tires — optional SLT, standard R/T    Standard four-wheel disc brakes    19.5-gallon (73.8-liter) fuel tank    Optional Class III trailer hitchSafety & Security    Advanced multi-stage front air bags    Supplemental side air bags, inflatable curtains with extended up time    BeltAlert    Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)    Automatic locking retractors    Pretensioners and load-limiting retractors for front seat belts    Electronic Stability Program (ESP), includes Brake Assist    All-speed traction control    Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)    Energy-absorbing steering wheel and steering column    Four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system    Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)    Structural safety cage    Side guard door beams, front and rear    Unique front fascia to support pedestrian protection    Enhanced rear structure and mid-mounted fuel tank    Driver and passenger side power windows with express up, express down and anti-pinch protection — SLT and R/T    Vehicle theft security alarm — Optional SLT and R/T    Sentry Key® Engine ImmobilizerPackages    Smoker’s Group — Removable ashtray and cigar lighter    Trailer Tow Group — Heavy-duty engine cooling, power steering cooler, Class III receiver hitch, 4-pin connector wiring, full-size spare tire    R/T Group — Body-color sill appliqué, body color with chrome accent grille, front air dam, R/T badge, two-tone cloth seats with logo    4.0-liter V-6 SOHC Engine — 20” x 7.5” aluminum chrome-clad wheels, 24550R20 VSB AS Performance Tires, performance suspension    AM/FM/CD/MP3 Navigation Radio — Rear-view auto-dim mirror with microphone, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (next generation), UConnect Hands-free Communication System    Rear-Seat Video System — Gaming system, wireless headphonesDESIGNTrevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group: “Dodge Nitro’s design characteristics are unlike those of any mid-size SUV on the road today, making it attractive to customers seeking bold style, sporty performance and maximum cargo flexibility.”When creating the first Dodge mid-size SUV, Dodge designers wanted to do more than capture the spirit of the Dodge brand; they wanted to ignite the mid-size SUV segment.To achieve a bold appearance unlike anything in Nitro’s segment, the designers introduced elements and themes that are strong and confident. The result is the unmistakable Dodge Nitro with its purposeful, capable and assertive stance. The Nitro comes in three models: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T.Basic to every Dodge vehicle is the bold crosshair grille, which is just one of many design elements that define the cool persona and tough attitude of Dodge Nitro. The grille – body color on the Dodge Nitro R/T and chrome on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT — is emblazoned with a hefty, three-dimensional ram’s head. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, and a clamshell hood with strong character lines completes the front end.The side of the vehicle features a deep body section and high beltline, which add to the vehicle’s confident appearance. Chromed vents positioned on each front fender complement the vehicle’s modern design and flair. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a mid-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle’s forceful expression. Wheels pushed to the corners, with powerful-looking wheel arches, convey Nitro’s confident stance. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Dodge Nitro SLT are 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires.The interior of the five-passenger Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo. The headliner is shrink-wrapped to allow maximum headroom, and there is plenty of legroom for first- and second-row passengers.The Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T receive chrome detail on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, center console, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls and door handles. The gear shifter and control buttons are substantial in size and bold by design.The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front-passenger seat, as well as fold-flat second-row seats. Second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T is the LOAD ’N GO cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. The LOAD ’N GO cargo floor can hold up to 400 pounds and is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT is a reversible load floor.ENGINEERINGCraig Love, Vice President – Rear-Wheel Drive Product Team: “The Dodge Nitro redefines the mid-size SUV driving experience, whether customers are looking for sporty performance or dynamic ride and handling, the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro delivers.”Two Powerful Engines4.0-liter SOHC V-6The performance-oriented, 4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is designed to provide the power and torque required to make the Dodge Nitro R/T a leader in the mid-size SUV segment. The engine delivers 260 hp (194 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque @ 4,200 rpm. It is an enhanced version of the 3.5-liter engine used in prior Chrysler Group vehicles. The 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides more power and torque than the prior 3.5-liter, with emphasis on low- and mid-range operation to meet the needs of the day-to-day driver.The 4.0-liter engine is standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T model.3.7-liter SOHC V-6The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2007 Dodge Nitro with a standard engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber, working together as a system, enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. Also new on the 3.7-liter engine for 2007 is an exhaust gas recirculation valve, which helps increase fuel economy.The 3.7-liter V-6 is standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT models.For key diesel markets outside North America, the Dodge Nitro will be offered with a diesel engine in 2007.All-New Suspension SystemsThe Dodge Nitro features an all-new coil-spring independent front suspension and an all-new five-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The independent front suspension gives the driver an optimum combination of ride, handling and steering, providing a greater sense of control and precision. The solid five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and track bar, provides higher lateral stiffness for vehicle responsiveness and outstanding handling. Ample suspension wheel travel is provided to maintain consistent ride quality, especially when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.Performance-oriented drivers will want the new performance suspension offered on the Dodge Nitro R/T and SLT models. Here the emphasis is on responsive, fun-to-drive handling accompanied by a firm ride. This system features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks, bushings, and 20-inch tires and wheels for improved cornering and increased traction.Dodge Nitro SXT features a sport suspension that delivers responsive handling with a comfortable ride. This tuning offers a strong balance between ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling. The sport suspension will appeal to a cross section of buyers looking for comfort and solid on-road performance.Effort, feel and response on the Nitro’s rack-and-pinion steering system are tuned for each available suspension and give the driver precise control and positive feedback from the steering force exerted by the tires. The steering linkage design allows for a tighter turning circle.Choice of Three TransmissionsThree transmissions are offered on the Dodge Nitro: a six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed automatic.The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The transmission provides optimal shift quality and improved quietness. The four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the Dodge Nitro SXT and standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT. Line pressure within the transmission is based on demand for improved fuel efficiency. To complete the unique Dodge Nitro R/T powertrain, a five-speed automatic transmission is mated to the 4.0-liter V-6 engine. The five-speed transmission features Electronic Range Select driver-interactive shift control.Part-Time and Full-Time Four-Wheel-Drive SystemsThe Dodge Nitro 4x4 features a part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive system. A full-time four-wheel drive system, ideal for inclement weather or unpaved roads, will be standard on 4X4 vehicles equipped with automatice transmissions in the U.S. A part-time four-wheel drive system will be standard on 4X4 vehicles equipped with the manual transmission.Exceptional Braking CapabilityFour-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on the Dodge Nitro. The vehicle’s larger rotors contribute to excellent stopping and handling capability. All-speed traction control is standard on the Dodge Nitro and is engineered to transfer torque from one wheel to another on the same axle when wheel slip conditions are detected.Also standard on the Dodge Nitro is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, ESP determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments.PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTSThe Dodge Nitro’s bold, powerful, street-smart design statement will ignite the mid-size SUV segment, which is typically characterized by conservative styling    Dodge Nitro’s design is unlike any mid-size SUV on the road today. The Dodge Nitro’s bold styling and aggressive stance are what make the vehicle stand out in a crowd    Signature Dodge crosshair grille, deep body section, high beltline and strong wheel forms add to the vehicle’s confidence    It has attitudeDodge Nitro is the first mid-size SUV for Dodge — complementing the brand’s lineup of passenger cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV    Being the first mid-size SUV for the brand, Dodge Nitro personifies the bold, powerful and street-smart attitude of Dodge    The Dodge Nitro continues the brand’s history of creating game-changing products and featuresThe five-passenger Dodge Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility    The interior of the five-passenger Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo    The Dodge Nitro has innovative cargo-seating flexibility and seats five passengers comfortably. The vehicle offers fold-flat front-passenger and second-row seats. Second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort     Two cargo floors — a reversible load floor standard on Dodge Nitro SXT and a LOAD ‘N GO cargo floor standard on Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T    The Dodge Nitro offers three models — Nitro SXT, Nitro SLT and Nitro R/T    The Dodge Nitro R/T — with the 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine, performance suspension and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and performance tires — redefines the mid-size SUV driving experience    Options include MyGIG® Multimedia Infotainment System, which is a DVD-based navigation system with traffic data update that allows you to download up to 1,600 songs and photos, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, AM/FM/six-discCD/DVD/MP3 audio with premium speakers and a subwoofer, remote start, UConnect, and SIRIUS Satellite RadioExcellent acceleration, braking and handling    All-new performance suspension for improved cornering and increased traction, and all-new independent front and five-link rear suspensions    Standard all-speed traction control    Two V-6 engine offerings:           New 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 delivers 260 hp (194 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque @ 4,200 rpm        3.7-liter SOHC V-6 delivers 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (360 N•m) of torque @ 4,200 rpm          Standard safety and security features include ABS, ESP, Electronic Roll Mitigation and side-curtain air bagsDodge Nitro is designed to expand the Dodge brand’s presence in international markets    Chrysler Group previously announced that the Dodge brand will expand to Europe and volume markets overseas, and the Dodge Nitro will be part of that expansion    The vehicle will be available in markets outside North America in left-hand and in right-hand drive the first quarter of 2007    The Dodge Nitro’s front fascia, rear fascia, taillamps and headlamps are designed to meet international requirements    For key diesel markets outside North America, the Dodge Nitro will be offered with a diesel engine in 2007MODEL LINEUP2007 Dodge Nitro SXTStandard Features    3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine    Six-speed manual transmission    Chrome grille    16-inch steel wheels    P225/75R16 all-season BSW tires    ABS    ESP with Electronic Roll Mitigation    All-speed traction control    Sport suspension    Tire Pressure Monitor    Roof rack side rails    Low-back, two-toned cloth seats    Supplemental side-curtain air bags in the first and second rows    AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo    Fold-flat front-passenger seat    Reclining rear seat    Power folding mirrors    12-volt power outletOptional Features    Four-speed automatic transmission    Full-time four-wheel drive    17-inch aluminum wheels    P235/65R17 OWL all-terrain tires    Full-size spare tire    Engine block heater    Running boards    Leather-wrap steering wheel with speed control    UConnect    SIRIUS Satellite Radio    Trailer tow package    Deep tint glass    Fog lamps    Sun roof    Compass/temperature display    HomeLink universal garage door opener    AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 with DVD audio2007 Dodge Nitro SLTStandard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Dodge Nitro SXT, the SLT model includes:    Body-color fender flares and fascias    P235/65R17 VSB performance tires    17-inch aluminum wheels    LOAD ‘N GO cargo floor    Two-tone seats with YES Essentials Seat Fabric    Six-way power driver seat    Electronic Vehicle Information with Tire Pressure Monitor display    Power and heated, folding exterior mirrors    Leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls    Chrome interior accents on door handles, HVAC and center stack    SIRIUS Satellite RadioOptional Features    17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels    20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires with performance suspension    Rear DVD entertainment system    Touch-screen, DVD-based navigation system with traffic data update    Nine premium speakers, including subwoofer    Remote start    Leather, heated seats2007 Dodge Nitro R/TStandard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Dodge Nitro SLT, the R/T model includes:    4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine    Five-speed automatic transmission    Performance suspension    20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels    P245/50R20 VSB performance tires    Body-color grille with bright billets    Body-color air dam and sill molding    R/T logo on the front seats with stitching    SIRIUS Satellite RadioOptional Features    Two-tone seats with red-colored inserts    Monochrome Dark Slate leather, heated seatsSAFETY AND SECURITY EQUIPMENTPlease refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:    Advanced Multi-stage Driver and Front-passenger Air Bags    Advanced Anti-lock Brake System    All-speed Traction Control System    Beltalert    Child Anchor Seat System - Latch    Child-protection Rear Door Locks    Load-limiting Seat Belt Retractors    Brake Assist    Energy-absorbing Steering Wheel and Column    Electronic Stability Program    Electronic Roll Mitigation    Enhanced Accident Response System    Four-wheel Disc Brakes    Head Restraints in all Outboard Seating Positions    Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts    Knee Bolsters    Occupant Classification System    Remote Keyless Entry    Sentry Key    Seat Belt Pretensioners    Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags in First and Second Rows    Three-point Belts in all Seating Positions    Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Signal and Tire Pressure Display    Uconnect Hands-free CommunicationCOLOR AVAILABILITY    Black Clear Coat    Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat    Electric Blue Pearl Coat    Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat    Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat (except R/T)    Stone White Clear Coat    Sunburst Orange Pearl CoatMANUFACTURING INFORMATION    2007 model year production start: August 2006    Production location: Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio    3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit    4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Trenton Engine in Trenton, Mich.    Six-speed manual transmission (NSG 370): Stuttgart Transmission Plant in Stuttgart, Germany    Four-speed automatic transmission (42RLE): Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.    Five-speed automatic transmission (W5A580): Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Ind.MARKETING POSITIONIn a mid-size SUV segment dominated by bland, feminized designs, Nitro breaks the rules with a strong and imposing yet urbane style, uniquely asserting confidence and capability to which men aspire and women appreciate.Demographics    Gender: 55 percent male/45 percent female    Age: 25-45    Median Annual Household Income: $60,000    Education: 45 percent with undergraduate/graduate degrees    Household: 55 percent married/young families/couplesMARKET ADVANTAGES    Strong, distinctive styling    Sporty performance    People and cargo flexibility