'Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off' at Chicago's North Avenue Beach

* Dodge to cool off hot new Nitro inside a giant ice cube on last day of summer * Two teams to melt the ice for the chance to win a 24-month lease on an all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro * Consumers can enter to participate online at http://www.DodgeNitroMeltOff.com

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 25 -- Even after enduring record-breaking summer temperatures, Chicagoans and the city's hottest summer spot -- North Avenue Beach -- are not ready to cool down. On Friday, Sept. 22 -- the official last day of summer -- Chicago residents will get a chance to blow off some steam about the icy weather on its way and possibly win a new SUV in the process by competing in the "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge.

Dodge is looking for two teams of two Chicagoans with "end-of-summer temperature tantrums" to compete in the "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge on North Avenue Beach. Dodge will encase the new Nitro in 30,000 pounds of ice and ask the two teams to melt away the ice to free the vehicle trapped inside. The torrid twosome that packs the most heat will each win a 24-month lease on a hot, new ride -- the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro.

"The Dodge Nitro's bold and distinctive styling makes the vehicle 'hot' and the Nitro name makes it even hotter. In an attempt to deal with all the heat, we wanted to cool down the vehicle by encasing it in a block of ice on the last day of summer," said Tom Loveless, Director - Dodge Marketing & Global Communications. "The 'Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off' challenge gives Chicagoans a chance to drive into fall in style and experience the vehicle's bold, aggressive styling for themselves."

Chicago residents within a 40-mile radius of the city can register online at http://www.dodgenitromeltoff.com/ , beginning Friday, Aug. 25 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. (ET). During registration, interested participants will be asked to register as teams of two, and submit a 100-word essay answering the following questions -- "Why do you melt at the thought of driving an all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro?" and "Why do you consider yourselves hot shots?" All participants must be 18 years or older. Two teams of two will be selected to participate in the contest.

About the Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.9 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2005, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share.

2007 Dodge Nitro

The all-new 2007 Nitro is the first mid-size sport-utility vehicle for Dodge and complements the brand's current lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV. The Dodge Nitro offers many features that are not typical of a mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a performance suspension. It also includes many standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Roll Mitigation and side-curtain air bags. The five-passenger Nitro will appeal to customers seeking distinctive style and sporty performance combined with passenger- and cargo- carrying flexibility.

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all- new 2007 Dodge Nitro is $19,885, which includes $660 for destination. Dodge Nitro arrives in showrooms this October.