2004-07-12

[ DaimlerChrysler's press release ]

2005 Dodge Magnum RT Featured as Official Pace Car of the July 11, 2004 Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway

High-Performance, Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicle Brings Back Legendary HEMI® Engine to Market

Joliet, Ill., Jun 24, 2004 -When the field for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series starts their engines for the July 11, 2004 Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, they will be led to the green flag by the 2005 Dodge Magnum RT - the Official Pace Car of Chicagoland Speedway.

The 2005 Dodge Magnum, which debuted this spring, returns with HEMI® power and rear-wheel-drive. Magnum is the first rear-wheel drive car for the Dodge brand in nearly 20 years. The legendary engine that powered Dodge's muscle cars of the 1960s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.

The Chicagoland Dodge Dealers Advertising Association is the official vehicle partner of Chicagoland Speedway and is using the July 11, 2004 Tropicana 400 to showcase the return of the Dodge muscle car.

"Dodge has been a tremendous partner of Chicagoland Speedway and we are excited to have the new 2005 Magnum RT as the Official Pace Car for our July Tropicana NASCAR weekend," said Matthew Alexander, vice president and general manager of Chicagoland Speedway. "As one of the premier sporting facilities and events in the Chicago market we are an extremely valuable resource for companies looking to market new products. The new 2005 Dodge Magnum RT leading the NASCAR field to the green flag to start our races is a powerful way to reach the consumers."

The Dodge Magnum RT Pace Car will have 20" wheels and Competition Graphics. It is powered by the HEMI engine, which has 340 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque and can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.

The HEMI-powered 2005 Dodge Magnum RT features an industry-first cylinder deactivation system which saves fuel while retaining HEMI power. The Chrysler Group Multiple Displacement System (MDS) seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed. This provides a combination of world-class performance and fuel economy. Chrysler Group has developed and is the first to offer MDS on a modern, large-volume vehicle in North America.

"We're thrilled to see the all-new Dodge Magnum featured as the Pace Car at this year.s race. The timing is perfect since Magnum is just entering Dodge showrooms. It's sure to grab a lot of attention". said Bill Gustaveson, president of the Chicagoland Dodge Dealers Advertising Association.

The Chicago Metro Dodge Dealers Advertising Association (Chicagoland Dodge Dealers) represents the 55 Dodge Dealers in the metropolitan Chicago area. The Association has been a sponsor of the track since 2000.

Media Note: Photos of Chicagoland Speedway's Dodge Magnum RT Pace Car are available by calling Brian Regnerus in the Chicagoland Speedway Public Relations department at (815) 722-4179 or e-mailing bregnerus@chicagolandspeedway.com.

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