Dana Corporation to Support 2003 Dodge Viper With High-Performance, Advanced Traction Technologies

    TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN)
announced today that it has been selected to supply advanced traction
technologies -- including a newly designed center section and advanced
differential -- for DaimlerChrysler's upcoming 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 to be
launched in July 2002.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )
    Dana Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti said, "Dana's presence on this
high-performance program further demonstrates our commitment to providing
innovative technologies that enhance handling and performance characteristics
for our customers' advanced passenger car and truck platforms."
    John Fernandez, Director of DaimlerChysler's Performance Vehicle
Operations (PVO), said, "We are tremendously excited that Dana has chosen to
play such a key role in improving the performance of a car that is recognized
as the ultimate American sports car.  Our Viper engineering group has spent
countless hours working side-by-side with the Dana folks in achieving the
optimum performance of the hydra-mechanical Hydra-Lok(TM) differential."
    Added Fernandez, "The Dana Hydra-Lok differential has helped improve
handling in high-speed turns and also aided in improving our test track lap
times by a full 6.5 seconds, a very significant improvement."
    The Hydra-Lok limited-slip differential is an intelligent axle component
providing unparalleled traction and versatility without the use of an advanced
traction control systems.  It first appeared on the 1999 Jeep(R) Grand
Cherokee sport utility vehicle and revolutionized four-wheel drive as the
first and only axle differential to provide "slip-to-grip" performance in
virtually any condition.
    According to Fernandez, The Dodge Viper SRT-10's promise of more than 500
horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. of torque, and 505 cubic inches of engine displacement
will make it truly unique in its performance specifications.  The Viper SRT-10
is expected to achieve some of the highest all-around performance claims ever
for a production vehicle.
    Mr. Fernandez also noted that the Viper's 8.3-liter all-aluminum big-block
engine drives huge 19-inch rear wheels and anchors a performance package that
eschews technical gimmickry in favor of traditional engineering virtues.  In
creating the next chapter of Dodge Viper, the mission was to enhance its
unfiltered blend of performance.  Viper retains a traditional front-engine,
rear-wheel drive layout with six-speed manual transmission.  The commitment
was made early on to use a racing-style chassis including fully independent
four-wheel suspension, huge tires and wheels for maximum grip and massive
brakes for stopping power.  A new version of the Viper's four-wheel anti-lock
disc brake system, originally introduced for the 2001 model year, will be
enhanced on this next-generation car.
    The Dodge Viper SRT-10 was debuted to the public at the 2001 North
American International Auto Show in Detroit.
    Dana has a proud heritage of developing industry-standard torque
management systems.  Along with the Hydra-Lok(TM), recent product developments
include the Dual Advantage(TM) dual disconnect system, and the TXT(TM)
limited-slip differential.
    Dana's Traction Technologies Group consists of 25 manufacturing, assembly,
and research facilities in 16 countries.  The group encompasses a wide variety
of traction-oriented solutions -- from individual components to the gearless
technologies of tomorrow.  Its operations span six continents and are
strategically located to efficiently address the evolving demands of light-
vehicle OEMs.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components,
modules and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related
aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates
some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs approximately 72,000
people.  The company reported sales of $12.3 billion in 2000.  Dana's Internet
address is http://www.dana.com .

SOURCE Dana Corporation

Web Site: http://www.dana.com

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