The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger makes its Middle East debut at the Kuwait Motorshow

Revealed for the first time in the Middle East on the opening day of the Kuwait Motorshow, this exciting new vehicle is just the first of a number of new vehicle introductions by the Dodge brand over the next 18 months.

Unveiled by Jonathan Holcomb, Director - Sales & Marketing Operations, DaimlerChrysler Overseas, Trent Barcroft, Vice-President -DaimlerChrysler Middle East and senior members of the Al Mulla Group (distributors of Chrysler and Dodge in Kuwait), the event was also attended by senior ministers from the Kuwaiti Government.

Whether it's a performance fan that appreciates legendary HEMI® power, an active family that needs four doors with flexible interior space or a connoisseur of great design, there is one thing common in all drivers - they demand quality. The 2006 Dodge Charger delivers on all fronts - head-spinning styling, function, performance and solid quality. The all-new Dodge Charger blends past and future by evolving its past into a sophisticated and contemporary execution of an icon, while using state-of-the-art technology to produce the highest quality vehicle possible.

"Great design sets a vehicle apart from the competition, but great quality is what takes a vehicle to another level," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President of DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "When creating a Dodge Charger for today's market, the bar is already set extremely high with the challenge of delivering on the promise of the legendary names of 'Dodge' and 'Charger.'"

"The rear-wheel-drive 2006 Dodge Charger will provide muscle car enthusiasts an unequaled sense of exhilaration, power and control during every drive," added Barcroft. "Our customers will appreciate the balance of characteristics drawn from the worlds of racing and street cruising."

Available with a 250 horsepower, 3.5 litre high-output V6 engine or the legendary 340 horsepower, 5.7 litre HEMI® V-8 engine, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger races into the car market with contemporary, provocative styling and all the convenience of a modern sedan.

"With proven rear-wheel-drive technologies and the legendary HEMI® engine, we are able to produce a modern muscle car with everyday functionality," added Barcroft. "The all-new Dodge Charger offers the perfect blend of performance, safety and flexibility that today's market demands."

In addition to the powerful world-class hardware and software beneath the Charger's skin, Dodge designers have sculpted a car that celebrates all that is good about American cars in a thoroughly modern way. The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger has a long character line that defines the front corners, runs back to the rear door and makes way for a huge rear fender that gives notice that the car is rear-wheel-drive-powered. The profile of the Dodge Charger's roofline and the sloping fastback style suggest a sense of speed. The front end is strong and aggressive.

"The new Dodge Charger is all about celebrating the American muscle car and going places in something special," said Barcroft. "It makes a statement about the owner's zeal for life and for beautiful things."

With the longest wheelbase in its class, the Dodge Charger offers a spacious and refined interior and a no-nonsense driver cockpit. It is ergonomically sound and provides world-class attention to fit and finish. The Charger's seating position is more than two inches higher than the previous generation Dodge sedan, which gives a comfortable command-of-the-road view for both driver and passenger.

Pulling into the newest spot in the Dodge garage, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger offers a bold, powerful and exciting choice in the passenger car market, offering comfortable room for five adults and enough trunk space to meet the demands of their active, modern lifestyles.

The Dodge Charger features the clever use of interior space that has become a trademark of the Dodge brand and adds the convenience of four doors - It also features an exciting, modern and unique design, both inside and out, that stands out from the crowd.

"Similar to HEMI®, the Charger name is powerful and draws from the Dodge brand's proud performance heritage," said Craig Hardie, Marketing Manager - Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "We have a tremendous amount of equity and name recognition for both of these entities. Combined, today's all-new Dodge Charger and HEMI® engine effectively mark the return of modern American muscle."

The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger features outstanding rear-wheel-drive performance and handling, near 50/50 weight distribution and unique suspension offerings that provide justthe right level of driving characteristics for all Charger customers.

The standard suspension offered on the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T model includes 18-inch touring tyres and wheels and specially tuned dampers for a spirited ride and handling with a performance exhaust.

The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T features Chrysler Group's modern 340 horsepower, 5.7 litre, HEMI® V8 engine that provides 390 lb.-ft. of torque. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on the Dodge Charger's HEMI® engine seamlessly deactivates four cylinders in just 40 milliseconds (quicker than a blink of an eye) when full V8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by as much as 20%. The HEMI engine, mated to a fully automatic five-speed transmission with AutoStick®, offers Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI® power they want with fuel economy they will also appreciate.

The 2006 Dodge Charger is also available with the Chrysler Group's high-output, 3.5 litre, V6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy. The five-speed transmission with AutoStick®, which gives the driver a choice of a fully automatic or manually selected gear range, is also mated to this engine.

All versions of the 2006 Dodge Charger are equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and all-speed Traction Control System (TCS).

The Dodge Charger's standard ESP is designed to electronically detect and assist in critical driving situations. It automatically enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability in adverse driving conditions. ESP constantly compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual course and compensates for any differences.

The Charger's ABS keeps the car straight and retains steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up. All-speed TCS enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. Combined, ESP with Brake Assist, ABS and TCS improve the Dodge Charger's traction, maneuverability and stability in all weather conditions.

"Modern technologies allow us to bring a 21st century muscle car to market with all the enhanced ride and handling characteristics inherent in rear-wheel drive," added Hardie. "This new Dodge Charger rides securely on the road, stays planted through the corners and stops with assurance."

As one of America's best-known brands, Dodge has, over the years, created exceptional driving experiences with bold, powerful, street smart and "do more" vehicles including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, and now the all-new Dodge Charger. From performance to commercial vehicles, all Dodge cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans offer affordable performance.

Already proving to be a huge success in the US, where sales have exceeded all expectations, the Dodge Charger will be available throughout the Middle East by the end of 2005.