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PRESS RELEASE
Geared for Safety The All-New 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Offer State-of-the-Industry Performance and Crash Protection
(February 6, 2004)
The
latest vehicles to debut in the 2005 Chrysler Group lineup -- the
Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum -- offer a total safety package of
engineering and technological advancements and rear-wheel drive
technology designed to protect and perform in every season. Many
manufacturers of luxury and performance sedans retained rear-wheel drive
because of the superior performance and handling characteristics. The
RWD configuration of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum gave designers
the freedom and flexibility to create a strong body structure with new
dimensions. Advancements in technology enabled Chrysler Group engineers
to develop a rear- wheel-drive platform for a large-car and truck with
all season capability. Technologies
available in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum such as electronic
stability program (ESP), all-speed traction control, anti-lock brake
systems (ABS) have reached new levels of advancement over time. These
advancements combined with improved tire design provide more overall
balance and control of rear-wheel drive vehicles in a variety of surface
and weather conditions. "Rear-wheel
drive technology is in our DNA," said Burke Brown, Chief Engineer,
Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. "From end to end, the execution of
the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum signifies not only our return to
creating outstanding rear-wheel drive vehicles, but our ongoing
commitment to performance and safety." The
2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum boast an important Chrysler Group
safety "first." Several Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum vehicles
offer sunroofs that include a new, auto-reverse sensing system that
automatically engages and reverses the window to help prevent injuries,
especially to children. Several Chrysler 300 models also offer one-touch
close of power windows and an auto- reverse-sensing system. All Chrysler
300 and Dodge Magnum models include the flush-mounted, pull-up/push down
window switch designed to reduce power window risk to children. Another
Chrysler Group safety first with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum
centers on innovative tire technology. A special sealant in the inner
liner of the tires fills punctures up to 5 mm to minimize the loss of
air pressure and significantly reduce the probability of a roadside stop
due to a flat tire. "During
the development process of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, we
encouraged a continuous exchange of engineering 'best practices' between
all DaimlerChrysler partners to leapfrog our own high standards for
passenger safety, security and comfort," said Mark Chernoby, Vice
President, Advanced Engineering Technology, Chrysler Group. "As
an added result of the design and shared intelligence, we were able to
increase the amount of crush space in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum
to create more protection and energy absorption in the event of an
accident." Safety
engineers evaluated the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with tests beyond
current government requirements such as 40-mph front offset and 50-mph
rear impact-tests. The 40-mph front impact simulates a high speed
vehicle-to- vehicle crash while the 50-mph offset rear-impact test
measures fuel system integrity when the vehicle is hit at high speeds on
the side nearest the fuel filler tube. To reduce intrusion to the fuel
system during a rear impact event, Chrysler Group actually designed the
tire well on an incline so the spare tire rotates away from the tank in
a rear impact. In addition, Chrysler Group engineers also used the
"pole test," which mimics accidents such as hitting a
telephone pole or tree, to evaluate the side air bag sensing system.
These types of accidents may be severe because the crash forces are
concentrated in a relatively small area of the vehicle. "We
strive to achieve the best possible performance in our testing labs and
out on the road," Chernoby added. Accident
avoidance features Significant
advancements in the technology inherent with rear-wheel drive created an
opportunity to engineer the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with a longer
wheelbase for a safer and more balanced ride. The wider track also
provides better stability and handling and traction control in various
surface and weather conditions. To
optimize the overall performance of rear-wheel drive, Chrysler 300 and
Dodge Magnum offer an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps
the driver maintain directional stability on dry pavement, rain, snow,
or ice. The all-speed traction control system enhances mobility and
helps prevent wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. The
ABS provides the 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum with excellent
stability and steer-ability during braking on virtually every type of
road surface. The vehicles also include Brake Assist, which notifies the
active brake booster electronically of the need for increased brake
output, helping to provide shorter stopping distances in emergency
situations. Crash
protection features Chrysler
Group engineers used state-of-the-art computer technology during the
development of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum similar to that used
with the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Durango vehicles. This
computer technology was used to anticipate how the components of the
Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum would work together during a crash to
absorb and reduce crash forces sent to passengers. The Chrysler 300 and
Dodge Magnum's advanced restraint system encompasses the air bags, seat
belts and sensors to optimize occupant protection in the event of a
crash. Side-curtain
air bags and air bag inflators are mounted under the headliner and
deploy downward, covering all outboard occupants on the side of impact.
Advanced multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags deploy at
various levels based on the severity of the crash. Two charges in the
air bag module are triggered separately. A minor impact triggers a
low-power deployment, while a severe impact will deploy a higher powered
discharge for greater occupant protection. Chrysler
300 and Dodge Magnum are among the first Chrysler Group vehicles to
offer advanced air bags with an occupant classification system for the
front passenger seat. This system detects the size of an occupant based
on weight and determines if there should be no deployment, low
deployment or crash severity-based deployment. However, even with this
advanced system designed to meet government requirements, the safest
place for children is in the back seat. The driver-side air bag works in
conjunction with an energy- absorbing steering column to provide
supplemental restraints in frontal impacts. Front
seat belts in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum are equipped with belt
pretensioners and constant force retractors. Pretensioners tighten the
seat belt to keep the occupant in place while constant force retractors
balance the load on the upper body reducing injuries from excessive seat
belt forces. Head restraints are standard in every seating position. The
driver's side is also equipped with BeltAlert -- an enhanced seat belt
reminder system that periodically activates a chime and illuminates a
light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up. 2005
Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum safety and security features: Advanced
air bag system: Enhanced protection for a wider range of occupants, this
system is also designed to identify the size of an occupant based
primarily on weight for the front passenger seat. Auto-reverse
sunroof: An advanced sensing system that automatically engages and
reverses the sunroof to help prevent injuries to children. Auto-reverse
windows: Several Chrysler 300 series offer an advanced sensing system
that automatically engages and reverses the window down to help prevent
injuries to children. All-Speed
Traction Control System: All-Speed Traction Control, which enhances
mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on road surfaces by
operating both the brakes and the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). Anti-lock
Brake System: Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel
lockup, the ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme
braking and/or slippery conditions. Body
Structure: Crush beads and stiffeners engineered into the vehicle body
help absorb energy, while preserving the integrity of the vehicle
compartment. These reinforcements provide additional protection in an
offset- type impact. Child
Seat Anchor System (LATCH): Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren to
ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats. Constant
Force Retractors (CFR): The front seat belts include a mechanical device
designed to distribute the force of a seat belt according to the load or
force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system,
and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a
severe crash. Electronic
Stability Program (ESP): This feature aids the driver in maintaining
vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer
control to maintain vehicle behavior on road surfaces. Energy-Absorbing
Steering Column: Manual adjust steering columns utilize two hydroformed
coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column
to move forward and enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power
adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element which
deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management. Enhanced
Accident Response System: In the event of an accident, this system makes
it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach the occupants by
turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air bag
deployment. High
Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting: This feature provides a larger
spectrum of light to increase driver visibility. Multi-Stage
Air Bags: Multi-stage air bags deploy at three different rates depending
on the severity of the crash. In lower-severity collisions, the air bag
deploys with less force, and the force is increased during more severe
collisions. Pretensioners:
During a collision, the impact sensors initiate the front seat belt
pretensioners to immediately remove slack from the seat belts thereby
reducing the forward movement of the occupant's head and torso. Rear
Park Assist: This rear obstacle detection system signals an audible
warning and rear overhead display to aid in collision avoidance. Self-Sealing
Tires: A special sealant in the inner liner of the tires fills punctures
up to 0.19 inches to minimize the loss of air pressure and significantly
reduce the probability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire. Side
Curtain Air Bags: The side curtain extends head protection to all
outboard passengers. Self-Sealing
Tires: A special sealant in the inner liner of the tires fills punctures
up to 0.19 inches to minimize the loss of air pressure and significantly
reduce the probability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire. Side
Curtain Air Bags: The side curtain extends head protection to all
outboard passengers. Source: Chrysler Group CONTACT:
Angela Ford of Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-2986; or Michelle Web
site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
Source: PR Newswire
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