Mopar,
Chrysler Group's parts and accessories brand, is launching a
complete line of performance upgrades designed to make the Dodge
SRT-4, already the quickest production car in America under
$20,000, even quicker. Upgrades include "go-faster"
items such as a turbo upgrade, new manifolds and transaxle
enhancements. Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) engineers have
been working behind the scenes to develop Mopar Performance parts
that will be available this summer at local Dodge dealers.
According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA),
$182 billion was generated in aftermarket retail sales in 2002. Of
that, nearly $27 billion was from performance parts and
accessories. Additional research on the "tuner" (compact
performance market) shows that it generated $2.5 billion in retail
sales in 2002, and the vast majority was spent by consumers 16 to
27 years old.
"It's important to build relationships with this group of
consumers now, as they enter the vehicle purchasing cycle of their
lives," said Chris Cortez, Chrysler Group, Senior Vice
President - Global Service and Parts. "The compact tuner
performance segment is truly a phenomenon, and we have to be part
of this culture."
Mopar
Performance Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade Kit
This kit pushes the power and performance of the Dodge SRT-4's
2.4-liter turbocharged engine to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of
torque. The kit consists of four fuel injectors, which produce a
10-percent greater flow-rate than stock injectors, and one Mopar
Performance powertrain control module (PCM). It's calibrated for
increased wide-open throttle and part-throttle boost, more
aggressive exhaust note during deceleration, improved turbo
response, enhanced first-gear boost schedule for a
higher-performance launch and a boost hold feature during
wide-open throttle shifts.
"The
only thing better than horsepower is more horsepower," said
Kevin Miller, Senior Manager - Mopar Brand Excitement and
Motorsports. "We're excited to be able to bring the Stage I
turbo upgrade kit to market in June 2003 for just $399."
Mopar
Performance Turbo Blow-Off Valve
The blow-off valve is designed to prevent both premature boost
leakage and compressor surge. This blow off valve is a must-have
accessory that enhances the sound of the turbo hard at work. The
Mopar Performance turbo blow-off valve will be available for
purchase next month.
Mopar
Performance Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
The Quaife, Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) differential will be
available exclusively from Mopar. The unique design offers maximum
torque, improves handling and steering and puts the power where it
is most needed. The system powers both drive wheels under nearly
all conditions. It senses which wheel has better grip and biases
the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and continuously,
and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel.
Mopar's LSD will be available for purchase later this month.
Mopar
Performance Short-Throw Shifter
The Mopar Performance short-throw shifter is a direct, bolt-on,
self-contained unit. It offers a dramatic improvement in shifting
performance due in large part to reduced shifter travel, or
"shifter throw." The Mopar Performance short-throw
shifter will be available for purchase later this month.
Mopar
Performance Colored Valve Covers
In July, Mopar will offer colored versions of the production Dodge
SRT-4 valve covers. The valve covers will be available in red,
blue, yellow, black, and silver.
Mopar
Performance Ceramic-Coated Intake Manifold
Mopar will offer a ceramic-coated version of the production SRT-4
aluminum intake manifold. This intake manifold will be finished in
a highly polished silver, and will be available for purchase next
month.
Mopar
Performance Gauges and Pods
These gauges will be available only through Mopar and feature an
aluminum bezel and four different face styles. The styles include
silver with the SRT logo, silver with the Mopar logo, carbon fiber
with the Mopar logo, and white with the Mopar logo. The types of
gauges that will be available are boost, nitrous, voltmeter,
exhaust gas temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, air-fuel
ratio, water temperature, a two-inch tachometer and a five-inch
tachometer. Mopar will also offer single or dual gauge pods that
mount on the driver's-side "A" pillar to house gauge
combinations. These gauges and gauge pods are available for
purchase this month.
Pricing for
all Mopar Performance parts can be obtained by visiting: mopar.com.
Mopar Performance parts can be purchased from authorized Chrysler,
Jeep and Dodge dealers. |
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