January 10, 2001

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Detroit auto show:
Dodge Super8 Hemi has hemi V8 engine

Describing it as an "all-American sedan", Chrysler says its new Super8 Hemi concept car borrows styling cues from Dodge trucks and sport-utilities, and has a tall stance that enhances visibility, comfort, space and ease of entry and exit for both driver and passengers.

Under the hood, a prototype 353 cu. in. (5.7-litre) pushrod V-8 engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and two spark plugs per cylinder powers the Dodge Super8 Hemi concept. Its estimated 353 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque are delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed AutoStick manumatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to reach 60 mph. (97 kph) in less than six seconds and clock a top speed of 154 mph. (248 kph).

The concept's independent suspension with modified MacPherson struts in front delivers precise steering, while the five-link coil-over-shock rear set-up further enhances the ride and handling.

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Its 'Passenger Priority' design utilizes panoramic seating for driver and passengers, allowing for higher seating to give them more of an in-control feeling compared to other sedans. In fact, the rear passengers sit higher than the front passengers, creating an automotive form of theatre seating.

The Dodge Super8 Hemi's interior pays homage to the legendary vehicles of the 1950s, featuring a combination of brushed and painted aluminum gauges and trim. The concept's ornate instrument panel recalls the era's characteristic shapes while adding sophisticated and high-tech appeal.

"The Dodge Super8 Hemi's interior conveys a certain nostalgic optimism expressed in a modern, purposeful design," said interior designer Bill Chergosky. "We not only borrowed design cues from cars of the '50s, but other evocative aspects from that era, such as jukeboxes and diners."

Adding emphasis to the concept's retro look, the front and rear cabins feature bench seats, which are anchored to the floor at the ends, and slide independently along a custom rail system. The bench seats, along with the absence of a B-pillar, enhance the concept's spaciousness and create an open, social interior atmosphere.

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"At first glance, the seats appear to be floating in air," added Chergosky. "With support coming only from the rail system, the lack of a middle support creates a spacious, bridge-like form. Not only does this add to the interior storage capacity, but it also allows for easy folding and unfolding of the seats."

The Dodge Super8 Hemi is equipped with a multi-passenger "Infotronic" system, which accommodates all data and information needs for driver and passengers.

The "Infotronic" system is the result of cooperative efforts among researchers at DaimlerChrysler's Research and Technology Center in Palo Alto, Calif., Sun Microsystems and the Espial Group. Unique features include an off-board navigation system, Internet-based real-time weather and traffic updates, e-mail and access to your Internet-enabled home and appliances.

The Infotronic system is directed by a voice recognition system or through its liquid crystal display integrated into the instrument panel. Voice commands allow the driver to access the mobile office screens and control the vehicle's audio, climate control, diagnostics, phone and security systems as well as the driver's home security system.

Steve Buckley, Manager - Electronic Product Innovation added: "When you're driving and remember something that you should have done at home or work, you can verbally remind yourself and tell your computer to e-mail that message to your home or office, all without touching a keypad."

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For rear occupants, two LCD touch screens on articulating arms are mounted to the backrests of the front seats, enabling a fully Internet-accessible in-car environment. Among the many features, rear passengers can access real-time trip status information, such as a map display, estimated time of arrival or distance to the destination, and play a custom location-based on-line trivia game with other vehicle occupants or with players in other vehicles.

In addition, rear occupants can retrieve pictures from the family's Internet-enabled home security camera, for instance, to check up on a pet left home alone.

Further emphasizing a grasp of modern technology, the Dodge Super8 Hemi comes equipped with a Sirius Satellite Radio. This offers digital quality radio, ensuring clear reception coast-to-coast from more than 100 unique news, sports and entertainment channels, of which 50 music channels are commercial-free.

Additionally, a media-beaming application enables wireless transfer of digital audio (MP3) and video (MPEG) files between a home entertainment system and the vehicle while parked in the driveway or garage.

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