HEMI powered Dodge Charger set for 2005 Mid East debut

The much anticipated Dodge Charger will appear in Middle East showrooms at the end of 2005.
The powerful new vehicle will build on the regional success of the HEMI® powered Dodge Durango and features a modern design to back up its twenty-first century muscle car power, sports car handling and cutting edge technology.

With a 340-horsepower HEMI® engine or the optional 250-horsepower High Output V-6 engine powering the large 18-inch rear wheels, the all-new Dodge Charger will muscle into the Middle East car market with bold, provocative styling and substance without losing the convenience of a modern sedan.

"The Charger will create a new reputation for the brand in the Middle East marking the return of Dodge sedans to the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge line-up after an absence of over five years," said Bruce Ohms, Director, Sales and Marketing, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Middle East. "It's a car that evokes power and performance yet provides everyday functionality and convenience."

The all-new Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive and advanced technologies to offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.

The Multiple Displacement System (MDS) on the Charger's HEMI engine, already available on the award-winning Chrysler 300C, deactivates four cylinders when full V-8 power is not needed, increasing fuel economy by up to 20 percent.
The Charger's standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is designed to detect and assist in critical driving situations. It enhances driver control and automatically helps maintain directional stability in adverse driving conditions.

ESP combines Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and All-speed Traction Control with Emergency Brake Assist on the Dodge Charger to improve traction, manoeuvrability and stability in all weather conditions.

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) keeps the car straight, while retaining steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up. All-speed Traction Control enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

"With the availability of the mighty HEMI V-8 engine with MDS, the new Charger has more power per cubic inch than its ancestors to provide all the glory of the muscle car era more efficiently and effectively than ever before," added Ohms. "With the complete array of modern technology and outstanding features, this Charger rides securely on the road, stays planted through the corners and stops with assurance."

The new Dodge Charger offers a bold, powerful and exciting choice in the Middle East passenger car market. With comfortable room for five adults and massive trunk space it more than meets the demands of active, modern lifestyles.

"We are excited about introducing the Charger name at the end of the year as an authentic performance sedan unlike anything in today's marketplace ," said Michel deMartigny, Marketing Manager, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Middle East. "But, we're even more excited to do it in a modern way that offers more convenience to our customers, including younger, affluent males, which marks new territory for Dodge in the Middle East."

The Dodge Charger interior is sporty, functional and simple, featuring a sleek instrument panel and Viper-inspired tunneled gauges highlighted with white faces and satin silver accent rings. Silver trim bezel surrounding the gearshift and additional silver accents in the centre stack add the right touch of brightness to the comfortable interior. A two-tone interior features a darker upper color and a lighter lower color to provide the cabin with an open feeling.

Dodge has also confirmed plans to take the Charger to the track beginning in February. The historic Dodge Charger nameplate returns to Nextel Cup competition as the successors the storied Dodge Charger race cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s that earned several NASCAR championships.