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Contact: Christina Biache

Dianna Gutierrez

“ at the Strip” 2009 Vehicle Highlights

March 19, 2009, Auburn Hills, Mich. - America’s fondness for fast was addressed by during the “muscle ” era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Placing large V-8 engines in intermediate-size cars with optional levels of accessorizing brought drag strip-styling and high performance to thousands of car buyers.

For the “Mopars at the Strip” event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, March 20-22, unique vehicles will be located at the ® display paying homage to this era, including the Drag Pak by Mopar, 1970 Dodge Challenger “Katrina,” 1969 R/T and the 1970 Road Runner.

In addition, three more vehicles upfitted with Authentic Dodge Accessories by Mopar will be on display including the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, 2009 TorRed Dodge Challenger R/T and 2009 Silver Dodge Challenger R/T. Each vehicle is detailed below.

Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak features a Mopar Liquid Metal paint scheme. The first drag-race-only factory package car to be built in 40 years, since the 1968 HEMI® Dart/’Cuda vehicles, this car was built for sanctioned NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator drag racing. It is based on the Challenger SRT8® and finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. Mopar reduced vehicle weight by approximately 1,000 lbs. versus the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating selected production components and systems. To accentuate weight savings, the Challenger Drag Pak features unique drag-race components including a composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, a lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack-and- pinion steering, a special cable-operated deck lid release, a special lightweight front brake assemblies and a special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

2009 TorRed Dodge Challenger R/T loaded with Authentic Dodge Accessories by Mopar The 2009 TorRed Dodge Challenger R/T offers the latest in Dodge Accessories and Performance Parts from Mopar. Starting with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, Mopar components were added to the vehicle including a Cat-Back™ exhaust system and cold air intake to provide a “throatier” exhaust note and increase horsepower. The interior has been enhanced with Katzkin leather seats and a Mopar Kicker audio system complete with an amplifier, 400-watt subwoofer and front and rear speakers for premium sound. Door sill guards enhanced with the Challenger logo, cargo area mat and premium carpeted floor mats provide style and protection. The six-speed manual transmission and addition of a Mopar Performance Shifter capture the Mopar attitude. The historically inspired T/A hood pays homage to the Dodge heritage, while the rear go-wing spoiler and the 20-inch polished “nostalgia wheels” match the Dodge Challenger’s sporty appearance. Mopar style and attitude are also captured under the hood with coil-over suspension kit and strut tower brace.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport packed with Authentic Dodge Accessories by Mopar The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is equipped with the latest Accessories and Performance Parts from Mopar. The addition of Mopar components, including a Cat-Back exhaust system and cold air intake, allow the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 to breathe easy. A Mopar Kicker audio system and head restraint DVD system provide premium sound and entertainment, while uconnect web™ turns the vehicle into a WiFi hotspot. The interior has been enhanced with Katzkin leather seating and heated seats provide optimal comfort with three heat settings. A performance-inspired unique hood, 20-inch cast chrome wheels, chrome fuel filler door and chrome insert all pay homage to the Dodge heritage while the body-colored front air dam and bed accents provide an aggressive stance. Dodge Accessories including trailer tow mirrors, a tri-fold tonneau cover, BedRug, cargo bed lighting, hitch cover, locking gas cap and spare tire lock all provide function and convenience to complete the ultimate Dodge Ram 1500. 2009 Silver Dodge Challenger R/T loaded with Authentic Dodge Accessories by Mopar The 2009 Silver Challenger R/T offers the latest in Dodge Accessories and Performance Parts from Mopar. Starting with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, Mopar components were added to the vehicle including a Cat-Back™ exhaust system and cold air intake to provide a “throatier” exhaust note and increase horsepower. The interior has been enhanced with Katzkin leather seats and a Mopar Kicker audio system complete with an amplifier, 400-watt subwoofer and front and rear speakers for premium sound. The addition of a T-handle shifter and bright pedal kit capture the Mopar attitude. The body stripe decal kit and historically inspired T/A hood pay homage to the Dodge heritage while the rear go-wing spoiler and the 20-inch polished wheels match the Challenger’s sporty appearance. Mopar style and attitude are also captured under the hood with a carbon fiber engine cover, coil-over suspension kit and strut tower brace.

1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible “Katrina” This 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible was rescued in 2005 by its owners Ethan and Bondilyn Jolly and fellow Mopar enthusiasts in 2005 from New Orleans after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Manufactured by Delaney Auto Design, this vehicle is equipped with a 392 HEMI crate engine from Mopar and a supercharger package. Additional features include Wizard Cooling performance aluminum radiators and a TTI exhaust system. The transmission has a T6060 six-speed, and HD Viper center section from Mopar Performance, with a pistol grip shifter made by Gunslinger Automotive Products, Inc. The interior features a new tilt steering column with cruise and wheels by Flaming River; a customized top by Team Upholstery and gauges by Redline Gauge Works. Additionally, Air by Custom Auto Air and a stereo by Kenwood and Kicker provide premium sound. Ultimate Rides provided dash pads and Soffseal added all-weather seals, while Dynamat provided heat and sound insulation along with additional parts by Year One. The exterior boasts a 2007 PPG B5 blue top coat with all sheet metal; bumpers and fuel tank by Goodmark complete the package.

1969 Dodge Charger R/T The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is one of the most recognized Chargers of all time. The unique styling and aggressive look put it in a class of its own. This Charger R/T started life as a 440 automatic with factory power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and power windows. In 2008 it underwent a complete restoration and modernization by Rob Lelakowski, owner of Restorations by Rob LLC in Buckeye, Ariz. Upgrades include a 472 HEMI Crate Engine capable of 525 horsepower, an Imagine Fuel Injection System, March Performance serpentine belt system and a Be Cool aluminum radiator. The transmission features a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a pistol grip shifter by Keisler Automotive Engineering. The suspension features Mopar Performance springs with Wilwood four- wheel disc brakes. The interior features bucket seats with console, saddle “SE” style leather fronts from Legendary Auto Interiors and rare factory-powered windows with white face gauges. The exterior sports a T-5 Copper Metallic top coat with saddle vinyl top and a unique white R/T stripe.

1970 This Road Runner was built at ’s plant in October 1969. The vehicle was sold at Las Vegas Chrysler Plymouth in Nevada. That year, Plymouth brochures used the motto, “No brag, just fact,” which was the perfect statement to describe this car. The 1970 Road Runner was a one-year model run that included new items at the time including the now-famous air grabber hood, a pistol grip four-speed shifter, rally gauge cluster with the Tick-Tock Tach analog clock in the center of the tach face and simulated side scoops with a road runner dust trail stripe across the length of the upper panels. Also, this vehicle featured a legendary “beep beep” horn under the hood for added humor. Current owner, Rob Lelakowski, believed to be the vehicles fourth owner, has owned it since 1985. Restored by Rob LLC, this vehicle has many special modifications. The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner features a 426 CID HEMI engine capable of 425 horsepower with a 10.25 to 1 compression ratio, high-lift / long duration cam and dual Carter AFB . It also has an 833 four-speed manual transmission with a heavy duty 11-inch clutch. The heavy duty suspension with optional power front disc brakes and factory 15-inch by 7-inch Rally wheels with Goodyear Polyglass GT tires add to the vehicle’s mystique. The interior features original style black with silver accents bench seats, a famous pistol grip shifter and factory eight-track AM stereo with a three speaker dash. The exterior boasts a limelight green top coat with optional black stripe on the hood as well as reflective road runner dust trail stripes on the sides and deck lid

More than 70 Years of Mopar When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929. Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC’s Global Service and Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, ® and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

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