Chrysler is inviting people across the country to taste a few of the finer things in life this summer. The Art of Driving tour takes place July 10-11 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J. The 12-city tour officially kicked off in Los Angeles in April. In addition to New York, the tour will stop in the following cities: Detroit, Miami, Houston and Dallas, before it concludes in August.
"The Art of Driving Tour brings the Chrysler brand to the public in an experiential way," said Jay Kuhnie, Director, Chrysler Brand Communications, Chrysler Group. "It is a mobile combination of auto show and car museum, with the unique opportunity to drive our cars against competitive models."
This is an exceptionally significant year for the Chrysler brand, as it marks the launch of the 2005 Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser Convertible, Crossfire Roadster and Town & Country Minivan. Three specially designed driving courses will be available at each event for the more than 75 vehicles that will be on hand for attendees to drive, including competitive models from Cadillac, Lexus, Toyota and BMW.
The Chrysler 300 represents the return of the great American Car, as well as Chrysler's first HEMI(R)-powered rear-wheel-drive car platform in nearly five decades. The Art of Driving Tour will feature a specially designated area called "Club 300" to showcase the new model with product experts on hand to answer questions and provide vehicle information.
"This is the most aggressive ride and drive available in the industry," Kuhnie added. "We have a great deal of confidence in how our vehicles stack up against the competition. So much so, that we encourage side-by-side competitive comparisons on the courses."
Driving courses include:
Top-Down Performance Course: presents the exhilarating Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Roadster and the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible.
Stow n' Go(TM) Road Course: showcases not only the driving capabilities of the Pacifica, but also the seating and storage capacity of the Stow n' Go Town & County.
300 Performance Course: features the all new Chrysler 300 rear-wheel- drive models.
The Art of Driving Tour also offers courses in a few of the finer things beyond automobiles. The tour includes pastime and leisure activities synonymous with Chrysler owners and potential owners. Guests can experience the "art" of authentic cigar rolling, a proper golf swing and gourmet cooking complete with demonstrations, wine tastings and pairings from award-winning food and wine experts local to each city.
Attendees also will have an opportunity to enter sweepstakes and win prizes, including a chance to win a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster in a final drawing at the end of the tour. Infinity Sound Systems is giving away a home entertainment system at each event. Callaway Golf is giving away a full set of Callaway clubs at the end of the tour, including Big Bertha Irons, woods, a driver, putter, golf bag and a sand wedge through a four iron.
Mopar(R), the exclusive original equipment supplier of parts, components and accessories for Chrysler Group vehicles, will be on site to demonstrate the all new Stow n' Go seating and storage capabilities of the new Town & Country Minivan, as well as a variety of accessories available to personalize storage space in other Chrysler vehicles.
The Art of Driving Tour originated in 2003 as a means to reach thousands of existing and potential Chrysler owners with a no-pressure opportunity to experience the Chrysler brand. Vehicles cannot be purchased from the event. For guests who are interested in more information, representatives from Chrysler's Five Star dealer certification process will be at each Art of Driving Tour stop to help locate Five Star dealers in the area and answer questions. Also, a consultant from Chrysler Financial will be available to help those interested in financing options.
Hours for the Art of Driving Tour will be 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sundays. Drivers must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license to participate in the ride-and-drive activities.
