2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe and Sedan Break the Mold of Conventional Car Design
10 February 2000
2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe and Sedan Break the Mold of Conventional Car Design
CHICAGO, Feb. 10 -- The all-new 2001 Dodge Stratus coupe and
Dodge Stratus sedan add a splash of color in segments filled with look-alike
passenger cars. These two all-new cars offer customers sporty, non-
traditional design, unconventional roominess and passenger comfort combined
with performance and refinements for everyday driving enjoyment.
"When designing the all-new sedan and coupe, we wanted to create a
stronger link that established the Stratus coupe and sedan as a family of
cars," said John Herlitz, Senior Vice President of Design, DaimlerChrysler.
"We kept the spaciousness and exceptional packaging that made the first
generation of these two cars successful, and then created a more distinctive
Dodge brand design."
While these cars were designed by different teams -- and will be built at
separate plants -- they still carry the overall bold and powerful design cues
that established the Dodge brand as a key player in both the light truck
segment with Ram and Dakota, and in the large passenger car segment with the
award-winning Intrepid. It's this brand definition that defines the family
appearance and sets them apart from the competition. Both Dodge Stratus coupe
and Dodge Stratus sedan are designed to stand together as a family, yet stand
out individually as a Dodge.
Dodge Stratus Coupe
The all-new 2001 Dodge Stratus coupe combines stylish, non-traditional
design with roominess and comfort to set it apart from its competitors. With
its muscular stance and historic Dodge design cues, Stratus coupe breaks the
mold in the sport coupe segment.
"When it came to exterior design on the all-new Dodge Stratus, we wanted
to make as bold a statement for Dodge in the sport coupe market as we've done
in many other segments," said Ernie Barry, Director of Advanced Product
Design. "What better way than paying tribute to Dodge's rich muscle car
history?"
Barry and his team focused on those attributes that are uniquely and
historically Dodge. The signature "cross-hair" grille is reminiscent of past
Dodge muscle cars. The muscular rear quarter panels speak to the brand's
powerful history while borrowing from the wildly popular Charger R/T concept
car introduced last year.
The roof's clean unbroken arc connects into the arches above the fenders,
giving the Stratus coupe a sleek profile and natural form. A single piece
bodyside aperture construction and aerodynamically tuned side mirrors
contribute to this clean visual look, but are functional as well by providing
less wind noise and more efficient water management.
The front of the Stratus wheel openings have a crisp edge that shears wind
from the vehicle, while the rear openings are designed to guide wind back out
to the side of the car before it can get trapped in the undercarriage and
create drag.
The rear view of the Stratus coupe evokes the theme of classic Dodge cars,
with characteristic taillamps that reflect the brand's powerful past, as well
as current Dodge cars including Neon and Intrepid.
On the inside, the goal was to create an interior design that complemented
the crisp and precise exterior. According to Tom Slanec, Senior Manager,
Exterior and Interior Design, the challenge was to focus on function and
convenience while reinforcing the brand's performance heritage. "We wanted to
emphasize all the things we've done right and build on them," Slanec said.
"That means maintaining all that interior roominess while making it easier for
the occupant to use."
That also meant ergonomics was the key to enhancing driving pleasure. As
a result, the ventilation and audio system controls were repositioned for
maximum convenience. The speedometer was placed higher in the driver's sight
line and isolated from secondary gauges. The entire instrument panel was
lowered to provide a better, "faster" read and view of the road.
The seats were designed for easier operation. The side bolsters extend
upward to support the shoulders, yet provide space for arm and elbow movement.
This is of particular importance to drivers of the manual transmission model.
The trunk remains spacious and easy to load, and provides the owner with the
flexibility of carrying longer items such as skis, snowboards or mountain
bikes.
For 2001, value is a key attribute for the Stratus coupe with standard
features including:
* Air conditioning
* Power windows, locks and mirrors
* Speed control
* AM/FM cassette with six speakers
* Immobilizer with anti-theft system
* 60/40 split/fold rear seat, to provide maximum storage area while
maintaining room for a second-row passenger
"We've achieved a sports coupe that is dramatic in appearance but
extremely functional at the same time," said Slanec.
Bold New Look for Dodge Stratus Sedan
The all-new 2001 Dodge Stratus sedan reflects the performance philosophy
of the Dodge brand, creating a powerful presence in an otherwise routine mid-
size segment.
"While the Dodge Stratus sedan maintains its award-winning cab-forward
design, it has an all-new appearance," said Joe Dehner, Senior Manager of
Interior and Exterior Design. "We were influenced by the powerful design cues
of European racing sedans combined with the performance heritage of the Dodge
brand."
For 2001, the Dodge Stratus sedan has a new interpretation of the bold
"cross-hair" grille first seen on the Dodge Ram pickup. New, more angular
head lamps are complemented by chrome parabolas while providing a 25 percent
brighter light and improved down-the-road light pattern. Dodge Viper-inspired
road lamps complete the front view.
From the side, the new Stratus sedan incorporates wheel flares and sill
treatments inspired by racing sedans throughout Europe. These pronounced
wheel flares are more defined from the body, giving the car a more purposeful
stance from any angle.
Dehner and his team created a higher, more wedged beltline for the 2001
Stratus sedan, which is similar to many European models. It streamlines the
bodyside to give the Stratus a look of movement, even when standing still.
Also from the side view, the Stratus sedan has a more rounded roofline,
with a continuous flow from the front hood to the decklid to create a sleeker
profile. The A- and C-pillars reach down from the roof, connecting with the
pronounced wheel flares. The cowl, A-pillar and side mirrors cleverly
integrate form and function to minimize wind noise and maximize water
management.
The back view of the Stratus sedan builds on the distinctive look of other
Dodge cars. Its high decklid and Intrepid-inspired taillights provide an
immediate family identity that underscores a bold, yet sleek appearance.
"The Stratus sedan reinforces the design characteristics of the Dodge
brand," said Dehner. "Combined with the Stratus coupe, we have created a
family look for the Stratus nameplate."
Interior Appointments
"The overall interior design objective was to create forms that express
and reinforce the crisp, precision look of the exterior," said Jeff Godshall,
Senior Manager of Interior and Exterior Design.
The instrument panel features a more taut brow over the driver-oriented
gauges, which have white faces and are the same race-inspired design seen in
the Dodge Intrepid and Viper. Design elements of the instrument panel span
the full width of the car for a roomier feel.
The upper half of the instrument panel and the upper portions of the front
and rear doors are covered in soft-touch vinyl for a richer feel and
appearance. The new heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls and
radio controls are easier to use.
"This all-new Stratus interior builds on the successful package we
established with the first-generation Stratus sedan, and goes even further
with details that impart a quality appearance and feel," said Godshall.
Also new for 2001 are higher back front seats for added comfort. New on
the rear seat are individually-folding 60/40 seat backs that also accommodate
a trunk pass-through for long cargo. A middle shoulder belt has been added
for improved rear passenger safety.
The headliner on the new Stratus sedan is designed to accommodate the
optional side air bag curtains, which protect the outer front seat and rear
seat passengers in the event of a side impact accident.
"Through the use of new materials and added features, we're giving buyers
of the 2001 Dodge Stratus sedan a car that meets their needs in terms of
functionality, but goes even further with regard to style, finish and overall
enjoyment," said Godshall.