Locked-and-reloaded: New 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit to Continue Performance and Factory-installed Tactical Equipment Leadership in the Pursuit-rated Sedan Segment

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Aug 08, 2014, 08:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The Dodge brand recognizes that the heroic men and women who protect us must be equipped with the best performing pursuit-rated vehicle loaded with tactical equipment and technology. And for 2015, the Dodge Charger Pursuit -- America's high-performance police vehicle -- has been significantly redesigned, infused with even more world-class safety and security, technology and pursuit-rated hardware, all while offering 370 best-in-class horsepower, factory-installed Mopar upfit packages and the segment's most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for maximum tactical performance, all-weather traction and fuel-efficiency. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)

All-new exterior styling for 2015 Charger Pursuit further draws on its late-1960s heritage, while infusing a more aggressive and visually lightened look with sleeker styling
Upgraded driver-focused cockpit is a mobile command center with world-class materials, police-duty upgrades and all-new state-of-the-art technologies
Charger Pursuit V-8 and V-8 AWD models deliver 370 best-in-class horsepower for best-in-class acceleration performance needed for police-fleet duty, including 0-to-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 AWD features the most advanced all-wheel-drive system in the segment, delivering maximum all-weather traction and fuel-efficiency
Up to an EPA estimated 26 mpg highway with aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 292 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque and available E-85 flex-fuel capability
Factory-installed Mopar upfit equipment includes three-year/36,000-mile warranty and one-stop shopping for law enforcement customers

The Dodge brand recognizes that the heroic men and women who protect us must be equipped with the best performing pursuit-rated vehicle loaded with tactical equipment and technology. And for 2015, the Dodge Charger Pursuit – America's high-performance police vehicle – has been significantly redesigned, infused with even more world-class safety and security, technology and pursuit-rated hardware, all while offering 370 best-in-class horsepower, factory-installed Mopar upfit packages and the segment's most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for maximum tactical performance, all-weather traction and fuel-efficiency.

"Dodge has a strong police car heritage, and we are proud to offer a vehicle armed with modern muscle and cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies perform their duties," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge Brand, SRT Brand and Fleet Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. "The new Pursuit police car is based on our new 2015 Dodge Charger. It delivers up to 370 best-in-class horsepower, is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive, has a new driver-focused cockpit and adds new safety and security features, as well as new state-of-the art technologies, all designed to deliver the ultimate performance expected from Dodge."

Restyled with a confident "superhero" stance
Spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, Charger Pursuit's easily recognizable Coke-bottle design and scalloped body sides , sinister front crosshairs and aggressive stance and signature LED "racetrack" tail lamps all get a major makeover for 2015 with cleaner lines to create a sleek, chiseled, nimble and lighter weight appearance. The exterior redesign includes changes to the hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, headlamps, tail lamps and front doors.

Starting up front, the 2015 Charger Pursuit's new front styling features an all-new crosshair grille, LED turn signals and daytime running lights (DRLs), and new projector-beam headlamps. The Charger's all-new forward-leaning front fascia gives it a superhero's confident stance. Slim, elongated DRLs and a full-width grille enhance the width of the sedan, while Dodge logos are echoed in the outside corner of each headlamp for added detail.

In profile, the 2015 Charger carries forward its muscular Coke-bottle styling, with streamlined side scallops, while headlamps and tail lamps are now wrapped around each corner to create a trimmer, more lightweight look.

At the rear, the C-pillar has been moved rearward to create an even more pronounced fastback appearance. Dodge Charger Pursuit's signature "racetrack" LED tail lamp has been updated with the same continuous glowing light ribbon technology that first debuted on the new Dodge Durango. The center high-mounted stop lamp is relocated from the top of the deck lid to the roofline inside the back glass, allowing for the centering of the backup camera.

Mobile command center with all-new state-of-the-art technologies
As the new Charger Pursuit was designed and engineered alongside the new 2015 Dodge Charger, the driver-focused interior has been significantly upgraded with the high-tech treatment. A new 7-inch full-color multi-view instrument gauge cluster offers more than 100 intuitive ways to customize how information is presented. At the center, a new instrument panel center stack with next-generation Uconnect 5.0 system with 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth is standard equipment. New for 2015, every Charger Pursuit includes hands-free Uconnect Phone standard.

Framing the Charger's new instrument cluster is a newly redesigned three-spoke thick rim sport steering wheel. The buttons to control driver information functions are now larger and illuminated to make them easier to operate. Buttons for Uconnect and mobile phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes, while audio controls are found on the back of the steering wheel spokes.

Developed with the guidance of the brand's Police Advisory Board, the new 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with a new vehicle systems interface module for easy equipment integration, police-duty front seats with unique bolstering to accommodate officers' belt-mounted gear and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick to free up space for center-console mounted controls.

Feedback from the field improves the new 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit
With input from law enforcement officials and Dodge brand's 22 member Police Advisory Board, the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit continues to add improvements to meet the high expectations and performance needs of the heroes who protect us. Continued improvements for 2015 include:

New Dodge steering wheel with remappable auxiliary buttons programmed to operate aftermarket police equipment
Fleet Park Assist Group (includes rear backup camera and Park Sense for enhanced rear-view visibility)
Larger 14.5-in. front and 13.8-in. rear pursuit-rated brake package now standard for increased performance
Improved fuel economy with expertly tuned steering performance from the new all electric power steering (EPS) system on RWD vehicles
Additional front suspension bushing durability improvement for RWD
Uniquely designed fascia brake cooling ducts
Wig Wag prepared LEDs in front headlamp assembly for seamless look
Improved Vehicle System Integration Model with additional input/output:
- New radio mute input
- Pulse Width Modulation vehicle speed output
- "Reverse" position output
- "Drive" position output

America's high-performance police vehicle delivers 370 best-in-class horsepower, proven architecture
Designed and engineered to be America's high-performance police vehicle, the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 and V-8 models provide law-enforcement with two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Delivering best-in-class power, the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 with its 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine unleashes 370 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-to-60 mph in less than 6 seconds and up to 26 miles per gallon (mpg) highway with innovative four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology. The legendary Charger Pursuit powertrain set the fastest-ever lap time at the 2012 Model Year Michigan State Police (MSP) Vehicle Evaluation (1:33.70) at the Grattan Raceway in Belding, MI.

In addition, Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 with its aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 26 mpg highway.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group's second-generation large car RWD architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling NIVOMAT shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode electronic stability control (ESC).

New advanced safety and security features
In addition to its standing as a 2013 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security technology, including standard advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and a driver's knee bag.

Mopar factory upfit equipment provides customers with quality-tested equipment and hassle-free ordering and servicing
For the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit, Dodge and Mopar have teamed up to offer law enforcement officers with the ability to customize their vehicle to their exact specifications right from the manufacturer. To enhance Dodge Charger Pursuit's world-class levels of technology, safety, handling and efficient power, Mopar worked with leading-industry upfit suppliers to develop the best combination of tactical equipment and performance.

Mopar conducted extensive testing to ensure that its police upfit equipment meets and exceeds the heavy-duty durability cycle and tests requirements of the Dodge Charger Pursuit.

The base police prep package for the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit includes the following:

Emergency equipment electrical system wire harness: Capable of providing the appropriate power, ground and fusing for a variety LED, lighting, siren, computer, modem, or camera systems. The wire harness integrates with both the Vehicle Systems Interference Module (VSIM) 24-way connector and the 12-pin connector that Chrysler Group provides at the console
Power distribution center (PDC): Contains the fusing and relays for circuits contained in the wire harness. The PDC is supplied from the battery with two 100-amp main fuses. These fuses are separated in order to accommodate departments that wish to control some circuits with a timing device. For installers who want to use timer systems to prevent power drains on the battery, the PDC will accept the device's output and channel it to the usual elements controlled by timers, including camera, computer, modem and printer systems
Slide-out trunk tray: Provides a stable, easily accessible platform on which the installer can position and install electrical equipment. The trunk tray provides a 37.5-inch by 19-inch mounting surface for electrical and communications gear. Locking slides provide movement, allowing a technician easier access to equipment mounted to the tray. An industry-first integral ground buss bar helps eliminate poor grounding, the most common police equipment issue. The tray is adjustable and allows for a variety of equipment heights and needs
Trunk air-circulation fan: Stabilizes trunk temperature in a relatively short period of time, helping all trunk-mounted electronic equipment to function properly by circulating heated or cooled air from the driver's compartment into the trunk area
Siren speaker: Provides a 100-watt siren driver that is certified to meet SAE Class A and California Title XIII requirements when matched with an appropriate siren amplifier. Given that the system is mounted behind the grille, the look of the vehicle remains clean, while the siren location does not impact engine cooling

The wiring prep package for the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit includes the following:

Emergency equipment electrical system wire harness: Capable of providing the appropriate power, ground and fusing for a variety LED, lighting, siren, computer, modem or camera systems. The wire harness integrates with both the Vehicle Systems Interference Module (VSIM) 24-way connector and the 12-pin connector that Chrysler Group provides at the console
Power distribution center (PDC): Contains the fusing and relays for circuits contained in the wire harness. The PDC is supplied from the battery with two 100-amp main fuses. These fuses are separated in order to accommodate departments that wish to control some circuits with a timing device. For installers who want to use timer systems to prevent power drains on the battery, the PDC will accept the device's output and channel it to the usual elements controlled by timers, including camera, computer, modem and printer systems

In addition to these packages, the following Mopar parts may be ordered separately:

Police floor console
Spare-tire relocation bracket
Horizontal and vertical vinyl graphics
Ballistic door panels for driver and passenger doors (Protection: NIJ Level III+)
Steel seat back inserts for driver and passenger seats

New 2015 Dodge Charger offers more than 55 safety and security features; leverages state-of-the-art driver-assist features
Driver warning and assist, chassis control and brake systems
Available systems featuring ultrasonic, camera and other technologies combine to offer the driver nearly 360-degree awareness.

All-speed traction control system: While driving, helps keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or at speed by applying brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation (standard)
Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions (standard)
Brake assist: System applies maximum braking power in emergency braking situations, minimizing stopping distance
Brake-lock differential system (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively and aggressively applying brakes to the spinning wheels
Brake-Throttle override: Allows driver to stop the vehicle when throttle and brake inputs occur simultaneously; electronic throttle control reduces engine-power output until vehicle stops or pedal inputs cease
Brake/park interlock: Prevents the transmission from being shifted out of "Park" unless the brake pedal is pushed (standard)
Brake traction-control system (BTCS): Helps to keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)
Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD): Optimizes stopping distances and control under all vehicle loading conditions by regulating braking pressure, front-to-rear (standard)
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): Uses input from electronic stability control (ESC) sensors to anticipate potential rollover conditions; applies brakes individually and modulates the throttle position to help driver maintain control (standard)
Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances directional control and stability of vehicle in various driving conditions; activation occurs when steering-wheel angle differs inconsistent with vehicle; automatically reduces throttle input and/or selectively deploys brakes to counteract oversteer or understeer (standard)
Hill-start Assist: Assists drivers when starting from stop on a hill; maintains brake pressure for short period of time after driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal; if throttle is not applied within short period of time thereafter, brake pressure will be released (standard)
ParkView rear backup camera: Provides wide-angle view of area immediately behind vehicle, giving driver greater peace of mind before reversing; features dynamic grid lines to aid driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas; also assists when lining up trailer to vehicle's hitch, when so equipped; image displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into reverse
Rain brake support: In rainy conditions, occasionally pushes brake pads lightly against brake rotors to keep rotors dry (standard)
Ready Alert Braking (RAB): Anticipates situations when driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors, decreasing time required for full brake application

Occupant restraint technology

Active head restraints: Deploy during collision; designed to reduce injuries by minimizing gap between occupant's head the head restraint (standard)
Advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags: Inflate with force appropriate to the severity of the impact; meet FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants (standard)
All-row, full-length side-curtain air bags: Extend to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers; housed in headliner above side windows, each side air bag has its own impact sensor that triggers deployment on the side of the vehicle where impact occurs
BeltAlert: Activates chime and/or illuminates icon in instrument cluster to remind driver and front passenger to buckle up if vehicle is driven without belted front-seat occupants (standard)
Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats (standard)
Constant-force retractors: Regulates force exerted on occupant by seat belt, then gradually releases webbing in controlled manner (standard)
Front seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat-belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant's head and torso (standard)
Front-seat-mounted side pelvic thorax bags: Help provide enhanced protection to driver and front passenger in certain impacts; each side air bag has its own impact sensor that triggers deployment on side where an impact occurs
Driver's-side knee air bag: Deploys with advanced multistage driver air bag; located below instrument panel, device designed to properly position occupant during impact (standard)
Height-adjustable seat belts (front-row): Outboard seat belts feature height adjustment, allowing for seat belt to be placed in optimal position for any driver
Occupant restraint controller: Detects crash and determines if air bag deployment, and degree of same, is appropriate; front seat-belt pretensioners also managed through the controller (standard)
Three-point seat belts: Lap and shoulder belts; all five seating positions

Structural systems

Energy-absorbing steering column: Manual-adjust steering column features two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other to allow for enhanced energy absorption during an impact; power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management (standard)
Front and rear crumple zones: Specially formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin
Laminated glass: Plastic sandwiched between glass panes to provide added strength; discourages break-ins
Safety cage body structure: Helps protect occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
Side-guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that help provide occupant protection in certain side collisions

Lighting and visibility systems

Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second (standard)
Auto-adjust exterior mirrors: Side-view mirrors automatically adjust to accommodate rear view when vehicle shifted into reverse
Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and if windshield wipers are operating (standard)
Center high-mount stop lamp: Illuminates when brakes applied; makes vehicle more visible in traffic (standard)
Daytime running lamps (DRL): Low-intensity halogen or signature LED lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing vehicle's visibility to other drivers
Heated windshield washer nozzles: Delivers heated washer fluid to more efficiently clear windshield in inclement weather
Halogen infrared reflecting bulbs (HIR): Unique component coating delivers greater light output than conventional bulbs
LED tail lamps: Provide dual-function illumination (brake, stop, turn and running light functions); light-emitting diode technology ensures light output is consistent throughout the tail lamp
Rear-window electric defrost – Automatically activates with remote start when ambient temperature is below prescribed threshold

Emergency connectivity and other safety and security features
The new 2015 Dodge Charger benefits from Chrysler Group's unique and widely acclaimed Uconnect technology.

Auto-reverse windows: Automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction while closing
Capless fuel-filler door: Enables fuel-filling simplicity (standard)
Child-protection rear door locks: Disables rear doors' inside-release handle by adjusting a small lever opposite the doorjamb (standard)
Electronic locking fuel filler door: Prevents theft or tampering, which can lead to damage, inefficiency and unwanted fuel vapor release
Express up/down windows: One-touch express up/down window button located on the front driver and passenger-side door
Intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Continually measures flow of current into and out of battery; if battery is running low, system shuts off less-critical electrical systems to conserve power; icon in cluster denotes activation (standard)
Inside emergency trunk-lid release: Glow-in-the-dark handle enables unlocking from inside trunk (standard)
Keyless Enter 'n Go: Electronic sensors detect if unique vehicle key fob is present, which enables passive cabin entry and trunk access; illuminates interior lamps and enables push-button ignition – no need to insert key (standard)
Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If vehicle is equipped with security alarm, remote also arms and disarms system (standard)
Secure Park: Segment exclusive system which prevents idling cars from being driven without the key fob in the car
Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Utilizes engine key with embedded transponder and preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft; when key is inserted into the ignition, controller sends a random number to the transponder and engine is allowed to start; engine will shut off after a few seconds if an incorrect key is used (standard)
Speed-Sensitive Door Locks: System automatically locks doors when vehicle acceleration reaches prescribed threshold (standard)
Stealth Mode: Dims lighting on the cluster screen and Uconnect system to decrease visibility of the vehicle
Tilt-and-telescoping steering column: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multi-stage front driver air bag, if deployed
Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) system – Lock-on Sync: Standard feature informs driver when tire pressure is too low; pressure-sensor modules within valve stems of all four wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver (standard; available system uses graphic display to indicate tire-specific pressure)
Uconnect Voice Command: Voice-recognition technology enables hands-free navigation-system inputs and access to real-time information, such as weather forecasts via SiriusXM Travel Link
Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth: Voice-recognition technology enables drivers to use Bluetooth-enabled phones while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road The new 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit equipped with Mopar's police equipment is available through Chrysler Group LLC's Fleet Operations (www.fleet.chrysler.com). The Dodge Charger Pursuit is manufactured at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

About Dodge
The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year as America's mainstream performance brand, celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 1, 2014. With the purification of the brand and consolidation with SRT, Dodge is getting back to its performance roots with every single model it offers. The consolidated Dodge and SRT brands will offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out within their own segments. Dodge will be the "mainstream performance" brand within the Chrysler showroom. SRT will be positioned as the "ultimate performance" halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.

From muscle cars to compact cars, minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs, the Dodge brand's full lineup of 2015 models deliver best-in-class horsepower, class-exclusive technology, unmatched capability and a slew of cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment centers and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge clusters, to name a few. For the 2015 model year, customers will be able to drive the new 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger, as well as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The Dodge brand lineup also includes the 2015 Dodge Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, including the new Crossroad model, and Dodge Viper SRT.

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