HEMI Engine Makes Its Return

Chicago, Il(February 6, 2002) -- The all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty debuts as the most powerful heavy-duty pickup, with the most powerful diesel engine on the market and the all-new 5.7-liter Hemi® Magnum V-8. New from grille-to-tailgate, The Heavy Duty Dodge Rams bring an array of new powerplants, class-leading features and the ``Big Rig'' styling introduced on the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The Heavy-Duty Pickup market has grown 34 percent since 1996 with 2500/3500 pickups accounting for 31 percent of the large pickup market.

The HEMI® engine is legendary among muscle car fans and NASCAR enthusiasts. The engine swept the Daytona 500 when it was introduced in 1964. HEMI® equipped Barracudas, Road Runners, and Challengers are hot items on the collector's market and celebrated in dozens of web sites and fan publications -- and enshrined in classic Hollywood car chases. The new version of the HEMI® engine is a 345-horsepower 5.7-liter v-8 that's one of the most technologically-advanced power plants ever engineered by Chrysler. It has the most horsepower, the best acceleration, and the most powerful towing of any standard engine in its class. In addition, the HEMI® offers improved fuel economy over the engine it replaces.

Dodge is also offering an all-new high output Cummins turbo diesel on the 2003 Ram Heavy Duty which is the most powerful diesel available in its class, The 5.9 liter Cummins that delivers 305 horsepower. The high output Cummins Turbo Diesel has up to 40 per cent fewer moving parts than a typical V-8 Diesel, cutting wear and boosting reliability.

The HEMI® engine -- named for its hemisphere-shaped combustion chambers - powered muscle cars & NASCAR winners returns with the newest technology.