Dodge Revs Up Iconic Muscle-Era Performance Package with Introduction of All-New 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona

Building on its storied legacy of power and performance, Dodge is bringing the historic Daytona nameplate to the Dodge Ram line of pickup trucks. The limited-edition 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona, with legendary HEMI(R) power and bold Daytona-inspired styling, draws further attention to the Ram 1500's leadership claim as the most powerful light-duty pickup truck on the market.

"The all-new, limited-edition 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona has a bold, race- inspired attitude for customers seeking a performance-packaged pickup like no other," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With 20-inch chrome wheels, a unique custom paint job and a huge rear spoiler, the Dodge Ram Daytona will turn heads on the street and on the track at Daytona."

The 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona is instantly recognizable with its massive 11- inch rear spoiler and complementary flat-black graphics on the bed sides, reminiscent of the 1969 winged Dodge Charger. Other noticeable features include a performance-style hood scoop, rear side-exiting twin chrome tips from the Borla(R) exhaust, body-colored grille and tail lamp guards, and 20- inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Two compelling colors will be offered with the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona: Go Mango! or Silver Metallic. The exterior color also appears on the center bezel on the dash. Interior features include premium cloth seating and Daytona monograms on headrests and floor mats. The 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona will be a limited-edition model, and will feature a numbered plaque on the dash.

The 2005 Ram Daytona is available as a 4x4 or 4x2 and in regular cab or Quad Cab(R) body styles with the six-foot, three-inch bed. The regular cab features molded side sills while the Quad Cab includes a running board.

Included in the Daytona package is the 5.7-liter HEMI engine with 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft of torque coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission and 3.92:1 rear axle ratio.

The first 75 production 2005 Ram Daytona models will debut just prior to the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway this Friday, February 18. Prior to the race, Dodge Ram Daytona models with plaque numbers one through 75 will take a ceremonial parade lap to mark the vehicle's "special delivery" to the Southeast regional Dodge dealers.

With a U.S. market share of approximately seven percent, Dodge is Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent U.S. market share and maintains an 18 percent share of the highly competitive truck market. In 2006, Dodge will enter key European volume segments.

SOURCE Chrysler Group

Colin McBean, +1-248-512-0155, or Todd Goyer, +1-248-512-0041, both of Chrysler Group

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