Press Kit: What's New for '09

For 2009, Chrysler LLC introduces a wide array of new, innovative technologies, all designed to enhance the customer experience. Included in the new technologies are an in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity system, Rear Cross Path and Blind Spot Monitoring systems, a uniquely combined active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system, and a host of in-vehicle connectivity and entertainment systems that offer added customer flexibility and convenience.

“Chrysler has always been known as an engineering company, and the announcement of these features coming to our lineup in 2009 further drives that point home,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “In today’s market, Chrysler’s mission is to bring innovation to market more quickly, ultimately resulting in more customer satisfaction and convenience. Each of these unique Chrysler technologies delivers on that mission.”

Powertrain
For the 2009 model year, Chrysler will debut a more fuel efficient and more powerful version of its renowned 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. The all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers up to five percent improvement in fuel economy – along with more horsepower and torque – courtesy of Variable Valve Timing (VVT), expanded four-cylinder mode in our Multi-displacement System (MDS), and a host of other technologies.

With the introduction of the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI® Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI® Hybrid, Chrysler delivers two hybrid vehicles that combine fuel-efficient advanced-hybrid technology with full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) performance and capability.

The all-new 5.7-liter HEMI® Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city. For customers who desire the performance and capability of a large SUV, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles will reduce fuel consumption by several hundreds of gallons of gas per year.

uconnect
Chrysler is offering an expanded range of entertainment and communication technologies under the uconnect brand for 2009.

• uconnect studios offers optional SIRIUS Backseat TV™, featuring three channels of family TV programming, and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast to coast
• uconnect tunes offers a 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory
• uconnect phone recognizes three languages and is capable of learning. New for 2009, uconnect phone automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries for supported phones. Voice commands can manage onboard phone book entries, select radio stations and access voice mail. Additionally, on many Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep® vehicles, uconnect phone features an iPod interface to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge an iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when uconnect phone receives a call. With this system, an iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped)
• uconnect gps combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation

Technologies available on 2009 model year Chrysler vehicles include:

4.7-liter V-8
What it does: Chrysler’s 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder, an increased compression ratio, an improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system (versus the previous generation 4.7-liter V-8 engine). The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Dakota, Durango and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

5.7-liter HEMI® V-8
What it does: The all-new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine offers better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement, along with more horsepower and torque. In addition to Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and expanded Multi-displacement System (MDS) operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy and performance improvements result from increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder-head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. Numerous other hardware upgrades were implemented to build on the quality, reliability and durability reputation of the HEMI® engine. These include crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen and 300; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500; Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander

6.7-liter Cummins Turbodiesel
What it does: The 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque. An electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) precisely matches boost pressure with the engine’s needs. The VGT produces optimum combustion control, reduced emissions and a quiet, lag-free response. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) virtually eliminates particulate matter emissions and an absorber catalyst reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, making Dodge the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards today. In addition to being more powerful and cleaner, this engine is 50 percent quieter than the 5.9-liter version it replaced.

Availability: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Active Transfer Case and Front Axle Disconnect
What it does: These two independent technologies are not offered together by any other manufacturer. The system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention by disconnecting the front wheels from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational inertia. The system provides optimal traction, performance, safety and a fuel economy improvement of one mpg (combined city/highway).

Availability: Chrysler 300; Dodge Charger

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
What it does: Adaptive Cruise Control automatically decreases the vehicle’s preset cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. The system will accelerate to the preset speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane. Adaptive Cruise Control will maintain a specific distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic without having to continuously adjust settings.

Availability: Chrysler 300

Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
What it does: The system takes into consideration vehicle payload, determines mass and center of gravity of the vehicle based on acceleration, speed, accelerator pedal position and brake pressure, allowing Adaptive ESP to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision in critical situations.

Availability: Dodge Sprinter

Blind Spot Monitoring
What it does: Blind Spot Monitoring uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. It requires no driver input; it is active any time the vehicle is moving forward. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and/or with a driver-selected audible chime.

Availability: Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan

Chill Zone®
What it does: The Chill Zone acts as a cooled-beverage storage bin. It can hold up to four 20-ounce (500ml) bottles or cans.

Availability: Dodge Caliber and Avenger

Continuously Variable Transmission 2 (CVT2)
What it does: This second-generation CVT has been calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. The optional AutoStick® feature allows for manual selection of six simulated stepped gears.

Availability: Dodge Caliber; Jeep Compass and Patriot

Continuously Variable Transmission 2 with Low Range (CVT2L)
What it does: The CVT2L offers the same advantages of the CVT2 but with the addition of a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. This provides additional gear multiplication for improved off-road performance.

Availability: Jeep Patriot with Freedom Drive II™

Courtesy Puddle Lamps
What it does: Courtesy Puddle Lamps provide additional ground lighting to help make entry and exit both safer and easier. Mounted in the sideview mirrors, these lamps work in conjunction with the dome light and the Remote Keyless Entry system.

Availability: Chrysler 300

Electromagnetically Coupled All-wheel Drive
What it does: Featuring an on-demand electromagnetic coupling, it drives only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive is also used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during spirited driving. The system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces automatically and seamlessly without having to be switched on and off.

Availability: Chrysler Sebring; Dodge Caliber

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
What it does: Standard on all Chrysler sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), ESP enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. It provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations such as when turning and is especially valuable when driving on slippery surface conditions such as snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESP will apply selective braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan, Nitro, Ram 1500 and Sprinter; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler

Fuel Saver Mode
What it does: Lets drivers of HEMI®-powered vehicles know when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency. Included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).

Availability: Chrysler Aspen and 300; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

Heated and Cooled Cup Holders
What it does: Helps keep beverages cold in the summer and hot in the winter. Using a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) ceramic element attached to the side of the aluminum cup holders, the element can heat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or to a nearly freezing 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Availability: Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger

Heated Steering Wheel
What it does: Offered for the first time ever on a Chrysler vehicle, the heated steering wheel is designed to take the cold sting out of early morning or winter chills. The feature is activated either by a switch on the lower switch bank or by the remote start function. A sensor in the steering wheel measures the wheel temperature and when the temperature attains a preset level, the heat function shuts off. For safety and comfort purposes, based on the sensor’s heat reading, once the factory predetermined maximum level is reached the heated steering wheel turns itself off.

Availability: Dodge Ram 1500

Hill Descent Control
What it does: Allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. This system applies the brakes to each wheel individually when needed to reduce forward motion while negotiating down steep grades.

Availability: Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

Hill Start Assist
What it does: Assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the same level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal. The system will release the brake pedal in proportion to the amount of throttle applied. If the throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal, Hill Start Assist will release brake pressure.

Availability: Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty

Illuminated Front Cup Holders
What it does: Makes it easier to find the front cup holders while driving at night by illuminating them in blue-green to match the center-stack lighting.

Availability: Chrysler 300; Dodge Caliber and Charger

Keyless Go
What it does: Allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button on the instrument panel. With the Keyless Go function, a driver may start or stop the engine as long as the vehicle key fob is within the vehicle passenger compartment.

Availability: Dodge Challenger, Challenger SRT8®

LOAD 'N GO™ Cargo Floor
What it does: Allows the cargo floor to slide 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages; can hold up to 400 pounds. It is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. A compact utility table is an available option.
Availability: Dodge Nitro

Multi-displacement System (MDS)
What it does: Seamlessly alternates between smooth high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI® engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen and 300; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

MusicGate Power™
What it does: When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing out from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgate parties and picnics. The available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate.

Availability: Dodge Caliber

ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera
What it does: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before backing up. Also aids in lining up a trailer with the vehicle’s towing hitch, when so equipped. The image is automatically displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen and Town & Country; Dodge Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

RamBox Cargo Management System
What it does: Industry-first RamBox cargo management system (crew-size cab) includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into bed rails. It also features a pickup bed divider and two-foot bed extender, along with a cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats. The RamBox bins can hold up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages, or other gear for work or leisure.
Availability: Dodge Ram 1500

Rear Cross Path
What it does: Rear Cross Path is a Chrysler exclusive feature. In parking lot situations RCP warns drivers who are backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. RCP activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via an illuminated icon on the sideview mirror, and with an audible chime. RCP is included with the Blind Spot Monitoring System.

Availability: Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan

Remote Start
What it does: Starts the vehicle’s engine from up to 300 feet away. If the vehicle is equipped with Automatic Climate Control, it will automatically adjust, providing defrost, heat or air conditioning based on the outside temperature. Control of the Remote Start system is integrated into the vehicle’s Remote Keyless Entry key fob.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Charger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty

Removable Flashlight
What it does: Mounts in the headliner above the cargo area and snaps out of the bezel. It is dual-purpose, functioning as the dome light and as a removable flashlight.

Availability: Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Caliber and Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass and Patriot

Selec-Trac® II
What it does: A full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. This premium system offers a “4WD Auto” mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When driving in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based upon real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance. For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a “4WD Low” mode. This second-speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.

Availability: Jeep Liberty

Six-speed Front-wheel-drive Automatic Transmission
What it does: Lowers engine speed at highway speeds for improved fuel economy, thanks to an added compounder and two clutches. It is based on the four-speed 41TES transmission.

Availability: Chrysler Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger and Grand Caravan

Six-speed Rear-wheel-drive Automatic Transmission
What it does: Provides the best of both worlds: improved performance and fuel consumption. The wide-range six-speed gear train provides up to 40-percent greater launch capability in first gear and 10-percent lower engine speed in sixth gear than the four-speed transmission it replaces. The lower sixth-gear engine speeds help reduce highway fuel consumption and help reduce overall noise levels when coupled with the new 6.7-liter engine.

Availability: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Stain Repel Seat Fabric
What it does: Offers three key benefits: repelling stains, controlling odor and reducing static electricity. Dual-action technology repels and releases spills that would stain other auto fabrics. This technology also allows the upholstery surface to dry quickly. In addition, the seating fabric reduces static electricity generated when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Heavy Duty Ram, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Compass, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler

Supplemental Signal Mirrors
What it does: This increases the visibility of the turn signal and helps to alert other drivers. Features bright LEDs located within the side mirrors that activate and blink when the turn signal is engaged.

Availability: Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Ram 1500

Sky Slider™
What it does: Industry exclusive, full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full-forward, full-rear or partially open to any position in between with a convenient express one-touch switch. The roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather resistant and leakproof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof utilizes anti-pinch software that will prevent the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path.

Availability: Jeep Liberty

Trailer Sway Control
What it does: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds, traffic and improper weight distribution on the trailer. The system monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path and the vehicle yaw sensor recognizes sway. Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure to one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and applies brake pressure to all four wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The system will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer is under control.

Availability: Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Durango, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler

Two-mode HEMI® Hybrid
What it does: The two-mode HEMI® Hybrid is a full hybrid system with regenerative braking and electric-drive capability. Using a combination of two electric motors and four fixed gears, the system leverages the efficiencies of an automatic transmission and adds electric-drive. Also, Chrysler’s Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology works seamlessly with the advanced hybrid enabling the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 to operate in four-cylinder mode more often through electric-assist. The result is an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, with up to 40 percent improvement in city driving.

Availability: 2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2009 Dodge Durango, 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

uconnect phone
What it does: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. New for 2009, the hands-free system automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones. The system also recognizes three languages, and is capable of learning. Voice commands can manage onboard phone book entries, select radio stations and access voice mail. Voice memos can be recorded using the microphones that are integrated within the rearview mirror. Multiple memos of up to 30 seconds each can be stored in the system. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.

Part of uconnect phone on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles is an iPod interface, which allows an iPod to be plugged into the vehicle’s sound system to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge the iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when uconnect phone receives a phone call. The iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped). The system uses a Universal Customer Interface (UCI) connector located either in the glove box or center console, depending on vehicle model.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Journey, Nitro, and Ram; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty and Patriot

uconnect tunes
What it does: uconnect tunes includes the following features for music, movie and personalized picture display: 

• A 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory devices in compressed format (either MP3, AAC or WMA file formats) 
• Photos can be loaded onto the hard drive, allowing the customer to personalize the home screen 
• Movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by the state regulations)

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

uconnect gps
What it does: uconnect gps combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation. The voice recognition system also recognizes more than 100,000 words and can input addresses, which allows the customer to enter destinations while the vehicle is in motion.

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot

uconnect studios
What it does: uconnect studios offers optional SIRIUS Backseat TV™, featuring three channels of family TV programming, and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast to coast. The systems can be bundled or opted for independently depending upon model availability, and either can be operated from the rear-seat entertainment unit or from the radio head unit.

Chrysler’s uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides more than 130 channels, including 69 channels of 100 percent commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk and entertainment. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as choosing an AM or FM station. Consumers are able to scan channels or have preset buttons for their favorite channels. They can also search both by music category and channel, which is displayed on the radio screen

Availability: SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available on all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles

Chrysler’s uconnect studios SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of family TV programming: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating is broadcasted and displayed on the screen. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the uconnect tunes or uconnect gps screen for front-seat viewing (as permitted by state regulations). New for 2009 in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are larger nine-inch rear-seat video screens that swivel

Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen and Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Durango, Journey and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee

uconnect web
What it does: The system will provide high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining WiFi and cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums, and more.

Availability: Chrysler plans to offer aftermarket in-vehicle “hot-spot” wireless Internet capability through Mopar® for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

World Engine
What it does: Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide 150 horsepower, 156 horsepower and 172 horsepower (110 kW, 115 kW and 127 kW) respectively. A turbo version of the 2.4-liter engine produces 285 horsepower (213 kW) for the Dodge Caliber SRT4®. Chrysler engineers met aggressive performance and fuel-economy targets through advanced cylinder-head port and intake-manifold design. Technologies include dual Variable Valve Timing and intake-manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation.

Availability: Chrysler Sebring; Dodge Avenger and Caliber; Jeep Compass and Patriot