Consumers Can Experience the Features and Capabilities of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Vehicles on Indoor Test Tracks at the Chicago Auto Show

February 6, 2007 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  For the third year in a row, consumers will be given free test rides in Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles at Chicago Drive '07, three test tracks inside McCormick Place South during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 9-18.

Chicago Drive '07 has two all-new elements this year:

  • A 16-foot Dodge Mobile Mountain that will showcase the capabilities of five Dodge truck models
  • The Traction Control Demonstration, a 40-foot length of ice where Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles will display their ability to safely maneuver on ice

Consumers will be driven on the test tracks by experienced drivers.

The footprint of the Chrysler Group displays (the test tracks plus the static exhibitions on the show floor) is nearly 182,000 sq. ft. It is the Chrysler Group's largest auto show exhibition in the world, and the largest of any exhibitor at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

"More than 86,000 consumers took rides at this event last year. By adding new features to the tracks and some all-new Chrysler Group vehicles, we hope to increase consumer participation this year," said Phil Bockhorn, Senior Manager, Global Auto Shows, the Chrysler Group. 

Chrysler and Dodge vehicles share one L-shaped track, while the Jeep vehicles are on their own L-shaped track. Combined, the three tracks are nearly a mile long and a combined 68,103 sq. ft.

Chrysler and Dodge On-Road Performance Zone – has the Traction Control Demonstration. In addition, there is a performance lane, where drivers will quickly take passengers up to 28 mph and back down to 0 in the Chrysler 300 SRT, Dodge Charger SRT, Dodge Magnum SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Other sections of the track will demonstrate the suspension, slalom skills and ambient noise of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. The other vehicles on this track are the Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caliber.

Dodge Truck Test Track – has the 16-foot Dodge Mobile Mountain. Other sections of the track uses a variety of surfaces to demonstrate the chassis strength, body strength and stability of the Nitro, Durango, Ram 1500 pickup truck, Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Dakota.

Jeep Trail Rated® Off-Road Course – has its own 16ft. mountain. In addition, this course has elements that demonstrate the five components of Trail Rated 4 x 4 criteria: traction, water fording, ground clearance, articulation and maneuverability.


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