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.February 11, 2004
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This Week:

• Mazda Ibuki Concept Vehicle Makes North American Debut at Chicago Auto Show

• The Range Stormer: Land Rover Concept Vehicle Makes First Chicago Appearance

• Geared for Safety, the All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Offer State-of-the-Industry Performance and Crash Protection

• MINI Introduces Commemorative Edition MINI COOPER S MC40

• Jaguar North America And Rocketsports Racing Unveil The Ultimate XKR At The 2004 Chicago Auto Show

• GM Names New Regional Presidents for Europe, Asia Pacific

• Volkswagen Polo GT - the new sporty, dynamic special model

• The New Mazda3 Sedan

• Subaru Introduces Third-Generation Outback(R) Models

• BMW Group: Positive Outlook For The Year

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Geared for Safety, the All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Offer State-of-the-Industry Performance and Crash Protection

 

2005 Dodge Magnum Rear Impact Test - Auburn Hills, February 6 - Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advanced Engineering Technology, shows journalists how the Chrysler Group's 2005 Dodge Magnum withstood a 50 mph rear impact test - -a test that is two years ahead of a federal government requirement, during a safety briefing at Chrysler Group headquarters. Auburn Hills, Mich. -The latest vehicles to debut in the 2005 Chrysler Group lineup - the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum -- offer a total safety package of engineering and technological advancements and rear-wheel drive technology designed to protect and perform in every season. Many manufacturers of luxury and performance sedans retained rear-wheel drive because of the superior performance and handling characteristics. The RWD configuration of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum gave designers the freedom and flexibility to create a strong body structure with new dimensions. Advancements in technology enabled Chrysler Group engineers to develop a rear-wheel-drive platform for a large-car and truck with all season capability.

Self-Sealing Tire Feature - Auburn Hills, February 6 - Joe Grace, Senior Manager, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, drills home a point to journalists during a safety briefing at Chrysler Group headquarters. Grace demonstrates the new self-sealing tire feature available in the 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Tires contain a special tire sealant that fills punctures and minimizes air pressure loss. Photos: DC

Technologies available in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum such as electronic stability program (ESP), all-speed traction control, anti-lock brake systems (ABS) have reached new levels of advancement over time. These advancements combined with improved tire design provide more overall balance and control of rear-wheel drive vehicles in a variety of surface and weather conditions. "Rear-wheel drive technology is in our DNA," said Burke Brown, Chief Engineer, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. "From end to end, the execution of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum signifies not only our return to creating outstanding rear-wheel drive vehicles, but our ongoing commitment to performance and safety."

The 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum boast an important Chrysler Group safety "first." Several Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum vehicles offer sunroofs that include a new, auto-reverse sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the window to help prevent injuries, especially to children. Several Chrysler 300 models also offer one-touch close of power windows and an auto-reverse-sensing system. All Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum models include the flush-mounted, pull-up/push down window switch designed to reduce power window risk to children.

Another Chrysler Group safety first with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum centers on innovative tire technology. A special sealant in the inner liner of the tires fills punctures up to 5 mm to minimize the loss of air pressure and significantly reduce the probability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire.

"During the development process of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, we encouraged a continuous exchange of engineering "best practices" between all DaimlerChrysler partners to leapfrog our own high standards for passenger safety, security and comfort," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advanced Engineering Technology, Chrysler Group.

"As an added result of the design and shared intelligence, we were able to increase the amount of crush space in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum to create more protection and energy absorption in the event of an accident."

Safety engineers evaluated the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with tests beyond current government requirements such as 40-mph front offset and 50-mph rear impact-tests. The 40-mph front impact simulates a high speed vehicle-to-vehicle crash while the 50-mph offset rear-impact test measures fuel system integrity when the vehicle is hit at high speeds on the side nearest the fuel filler tube. To reduce intrusion to the fuel system during a rear impact event, Chrysler Group actually designed the tire well on an incline so the spare tire rotates away from the tank in a rear impact. In addition, Chrysler Group engineers also used the "pole test," which mimics accidents such as hitting a telephone pole or tree, to evaluate the side air bag sensing system. These types of accidents may be severe because the crash forces are concentrated in a relatively small area of the vehicle.

"We strive to achieve the best possible performance in our testing labs and out on the road," Chernoby added.

Accident avoidance features

Significant advancements in the technology inherent with rear-wheel drive created an opportunity to engineer the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with a longer wheelbase for a safer and more balanced ride. The wider track also provides better stability and handling and traction control in various surface and weather conditions.

To optimize the overall performance of rear-wheel drive, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum offer an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps the driver maintain directional stability on dry pavement, rain, snow, or ice. The all-speed traction control system enhances mobility and helps prevent wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

The ABS provides the 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with excellent stability and steer-ability during braking on virtually every type of road surface. The vehicles also include Brake Assist, which notifies the active brake booster electronically of the need for increased brake output, helping to provide shorter stopping distances in emergency situations.

Crash protection features

Chrysler Group engineers used state-of-the-art computer technology during the development of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum similar to that used with the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Durango vehicles. This computer technology was used to anticipate how the components of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum would work together during a crash to absorb and reduce crash forces sent to passengers. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum's advanced restraint system encompasses the air bags, seat belts and sensors to optimize occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Side-curtain air bags and air bag inflators are mounted under the headliner and deploy downward, covering all outboard occupants on the side of impact. Advanced multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags deploy at various levels based on the severity of the crash. Two charges in the air bag module are triggered separately. A minor impact triggers a low-power deployment, while a severe impact will deploy a higher powered discharge for greater occupant protection.

Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum are among the first Chrysler Group vehicles to offer advanced air bags with an occupant classification system for the front passenger seat. This system detects the size of an occupant based on weight and determines if there should be no deployment, low deployment or crash severity-based deployment. However, even with this advanced system designed to meet government requirements, the safest place for children is in the back seat. The driver-side air bag works in conjunction with an energy-absorbing steering column to provide supplemental restraints in frontal impacts.

Front seat belts in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum are equipped with belt pretensioners and constant force retractors. Pretensioners tighten the seat belt to keep the occupant in place while constant force retractors balance the load on the upper body reducing injuries from excessive seat belt forces. Head restraints are standard in every seating position. The driver's side is also equipped with BeltAlert - - an enhanced seat belt reminder system that periodically activates a chime and illuminates a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up.

 (Feb 06, 2004)