2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe Combines Sporty Excitement, Function, and Roominess
10 February 2000
All-New 2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe Puts 'Sporty Excitement' In the Same Sentence with 'Function' and 'Roominess' CHICAGO, Feb. 10 -- Already a leader in roominess, passenger
comfort and styling, the next-generation Dodge Stratus coupe adds a level of
performance and refinement that puts it at the forefront of the sport coupe
crowd.
"Our program objectives were clear with the 2001 Dodge Stratus coupe,"
said Larry Lyons, Vice President, Small Car Platform Engineering. "We wanted
to keep all the product strengths we offered in the previous coupe while
increasing driving excitement and pleasure."
Performance and Responsiveness are Standard
The all-new Dodge Stratus coupe offers a dramatic increase in vehicle
performance with a choice of engines that are larger and more powerful than
the ones they replace.
The optional V-6 engine is an estimated 200-horsepower, 205 lb.-ft.,
3.0-liter powerplant, providing 37 more horsepower than the 2.5-liter engine
it replaces. The standard four-cylinder engine increases from 2.0-liters to
2.4-liters offering 147 horsepower.
"We tapped into the tools of modern technology to get us increased
performance, and a much more refined overall driving experience," said Dan
Knott, Director of Vehicle Development, Small Car Platform Engineering. "We
have achieved a level of responsiveness and driveability that exceeds many
rivals in the coupe market."
For improved engine performance, the team tuned intake and exhaust
manifolds as well as added acoustically tuned resonators to improve engine
sound quality. In addition, balance shafts on the four-cylinder engine allow
for smoother operation throughout all driving conditions.
Shifting to Excitement
New automatic transaxles provide responsive power on demand to increase
customer driving pleasure. An integrated Engine Control Unit (ECU) provides
more efficient engine torque management for quick and smooth shifts as well as
improved shift feel. The ECU compensates for changes in engine and transaxle
performance due to real-world elements such as altitude, fuel level,
temperature and long-term wear.
Also, AutoStick(R) is now available with the V-6 engine. This feature
allows for shifting under full throttle and can skip gears with two quick
lever actuations.
A five-speed manual transaxle is available with the four-cylinder, and
newly available with the V-6 engine. It features hydraulic clutch actuation
for smooth, low-effort and quiet actuation. The synchronizers on the
five-speed transaxle provide low-effort shifting, and the reverse gear is
synchronized.
Tuned-In Performance
"The needs of the customer provided the framework for characteristics of
the coupe," said Ron Zarowitz, Small Car Platform Planning Executive. "We
wanted the Dodge Stratus coupe to be responsive and precise, while offering a
well-controlled and smooth ride."
The responsive and precise handling was a result of numerous initiatives:
* Body rigidity increased (+90 percent in bending and +9 percent in
torsion).
* A front strut tower brace added for improved steering precision and
response as well as improved handling and highway/road stability.
* Front and rear sway bars to reduce vehicle roll response while
increasing driving comfort.
* The Stratus R/T's handling suspension tailored to work with more
responsive handling tires.
* A rigid rear suspension toe link bushing increases lateral stiffness.
Happy to Get the Silent Treatment
A key objective was to provide the all-new Dodge Stratus coupe with a
quiet, smooth ride, common with the more expensive cars both within and above
its segment. As a result, each model features a single-piece bodyside
aperture construction for fewer body joints. Also, there is improved body
sealing and a double lip/bulb door glass seal for better door and glass fit
and seal. An acoustical package reduces generated noises.
Powertrain sounds were refined through tuned resonators in the engine
intake and exhaust systems to help emphasize quality sounds while reducing
unpleasant noises. For example, the Stratus R/T is tuned for a sporty sound.
The four-cylinder engine has quieter acceleration through the application of
balance shafts to the engine.
Room with a View
A primary strength of the Dodge coupe has always been a spacious, if not
uncommon, interior package. Customers come to expect generous interior room
and that won't change. The interior volume is a cavernous 103 cubic feet. In
addition, best-in-class rear hip room is 49.5 inches with rear leg room at 34
inches.
The rear seating allows for easy entry as the passenger seat glides
forward and folds and the driver's seat has recliner memory to return the seat
to a set position. The rear seat is slightly elevated, for improved rear
passenger forward vision.
A trunk with split folding rear seat for easy access and storage is
available with a best-in-class 16.3 cubic feet. A cargo net is provided to
constrain items such as shopping bags.
Focus on Features
Customer-focused electronic features enhance and reinforce the commitment
to Dodge Stratus coupe quality and refinement.
Features of note include:
* A battery saver to prevent the battery from running down if accessories
are left on when the car is parked
* Key fob programmable rolling door locks and remote door locking horn
chirp for customer convenience
* Interior theater dimming lighting
* Interior lights that illuminate when the key is removed to assist in
entry and exit
Also, the audio system is a prime element of enjoyment of any vehicle, and
adds to the driving excitement. A six-speaker system is standard. An
available seven-speaker Infinity(R) sound system with cassette and CD players,
or an in-dash four-disc player is offered.
The Dodge Stratus coupe is manufactured at Mitsubishi Motor Assembly in
Normal, Ill.
It will go on sale in the fall of 2000.
2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe Specifications (preliminary)
(Measurements in inches unless otherwise noted)
Wheelbase: 103.7
Overall length: 187.2
Overall width: 70.3
Track (front): 59.4
Track (rear): 59.3
Interior volume: 102.6 cu. ft.
Curb weight (estimated): 3,012 lbs. (4-cylinder)
3,024 lbs. (V-6)
Standard Engine
Displacement/type: 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve SMPI I-4
Horsepower: 147 hp (110 kW) @ 5500 rpm (manual)
Torque: 158 lb.-ft. (214 N-m) torque @ 4000 rpm
Fuel requirement: Unleaded regular
Optional Engine
Displacement/type: 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6
Horsepower: 200 hp (149 kW) @ 5500 rpm (est.)
Torque: 205 lb.-ft. (278 N-m) torque @ 4500 rpm
Manufacturing
Vehicle assembly plant: Mitsubishi Motor Assembly, Normal, Ill.
