Press Kit: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) Reveal: Safety
02/06/2008
Dodge
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is loaded with safety and security features, including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags and advanced multistage front driver and passenger air bags. It also features a specially tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), designed for the Challenger SRT8's performance handling characteristics, all-speed traction control and brake assist.
Chrysler LLC employs a two-fold safety approach: passive safety features including pretentioning and load-limiting seatbelt retractors and supplemental side air bags, combined with active accident-avoidance safety features including responsive steering, handling and braking.
Following are 28 safety and security features offered in the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8:
* Advanced Multistage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for small out-of-position occupants
* All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions - advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
* Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected
* BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
* Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
* Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
* Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seatbelt, and then gradually release the seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner
* Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
* Digressive Load Limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant's upper torso during an impact
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path
* Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
* Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
* Height-adjustable Seatbelts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seatbelt usage by offering a comfortable fit
* High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination
* HomeLink(R) Universal Home Security System Transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio frequency codes to operate garage door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
* Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head impact force
* Inside Emergency Trunk Release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which can be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside the trunk
* Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively
* Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
* Safety Cage Body Structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
* Seatbelt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seatbelt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seatbelts, thereby reducing the forward movement of occupants' heads and torsos
* Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
* Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact
* Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs
* Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low
* UConnect(R) Hands Free Communication System: Uses Bluetooth(R) technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver
* Vehicle Theft Security Alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry