Chicago 'Hot Shots' Ken and Stefanie Ryl Say Farewell to Summer with Style in an All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro
* Two teams of two Chicagoans spent their last day of summer melting a 30,000-pound block of ice on North Avenue Beach in the 'Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off' challenge * Father/daughter duo Ken and Stefanie Ryl were the hottest team on the beach as they melted their way through the giant block of ice to get to the ultimate prize -- the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro
CHICAGO, Sept. 22 -- Chicago turned a cold shoulder to summer this morning at North Avenue Beach where two teams competed in the "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off," a race to melt through a giant block of ice to win an all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro.
After melting the 30,000-pound block of ice that encased the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro, father/daughter team Ken and Stefanie Ryl from Arlington Heights, Ill., proved that they were hotter than the competition. The duo was the first to successfully melt through the ice using a predetermined assortment of tools including hand-held heaters, sprayers and power washers. For their efforts, they have each won a 24-month lease on the hottest vehicle for fall, the 2007 Dodge Nitro.
"Winning a new Dodge Nitro and hanging out on the beach is definitely the best way to say goodbye to the hottest summer I can remember," said Stefanie Ryl. "The Dodge Nitro is such a hot new SUV. I can't wait to try out all of its cool features."
The Ryls were chosen from more than 70 teams who submitted essays explaining why they consider themselves hot shots and why they melt at the thought of driving a new Dodge Nitro. They and their competition, twins Keith and Erik Sykora of Palos Heights, Ill., were chosen to compete in the "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge based on the originality and creativity of their 100-word submissions. The Sykora twins were awarded $1,000 in prizes for competing.
"'Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off' is the latest in a series of programs that encourage consumers to live by the brand's motto to 'Grab Life by the Horns,'" said Tom Loveless, Director -- Dodge Marketing & Global Communications. "Chicagoans are known for being adventurous, outgoing and fun -- just like the Dodge Nitro, the first mid-size SUV for the brand."
About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.9 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2005, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share.
2007 Dodge Nitro
The all-new 2007 Nitro is the first mid-size sport-utility vehicle for Dodge and complements the brand's current lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV. The Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a performance suspension. It also includes many standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Program, Anti- lock Brake System, Electronic Roll Mitigation and side-curtain air bags. The five-passenger Nitro will appeal to customers seeking distinctive style and sporty performance combined with passenger- and cargo-carrying flexibility.
Three models are available: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all- new 2007 Dodge Nitro is $19,885, which includes $660 for destination. Dodge Nitro arrives in showrooms this fall.
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