Mopar(R) Launches New Performance Parts

* 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 -- 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.