Chicagoans Give Fall an Icy Welcome with 'Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off' at North Avenue Beach on Sept. 22

2007 Dodge Nitro

        Residents invited to enjoy the official last day of summer
                          before it melts away
 What:

After enduring record-breaking summer heat, Chicagoans and one of the city's hottest summer spots -- North Avenue Beach -- are not ready to cool down yet. On the official last day of summer, Dodge will encase an all-new 2007 Nitro, the brand's first-ever mid-size SUV, in 30,000 pounds of ice. Two teams of two will race to melt the ice to free the newest SUV trapped inside as part of the "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge.

Who:

Two teams of two "hot shots" -- a father/daughter team from Arlington Heights and twin brothers from Palos Heights -- will attempt to melt the enormous ice-encased Dodge Nitro. The twosome that generates the most heat and melts the ice first will each win a 24-month lease on a hot, new ride -- the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro. The runner-up team will be awarded $1,000 in prizes for competing.

Consumers are also invited to celebrate the last day of summer by participating in a mini melt-off where they can melt small ice blocks to win Dodge branded prizes. Bike path users will also be treated to "cool down" refreshments, including Gatorade and water, compliments of Dodge.

  When:
 Friday, September 22
 *  6:30 a.m.  (CT) - Ice performers begin program
 *  7:15 a.m.  (CT) - "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge kicks-off
 *  10:00 a.m. (CT) - Anticipated conclusion of the challenge

 Where:
 North Avenue Beach (North Avenue and Lake Shore Drive)
 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60610

Complimentary parking for media will be available in North Avenue Beach lot

  Visuals:
 "Hot Story, Cool Visuals"
 *  Giant Block of Ice: 30,000 pounds of ice will encase the all-new 2007
    Dodge Nitro
 *  Team Tools: Two teams working up a sweat by using everything from body
    heat to hot water pressure sprayers to melt the ice
 *  Ice Sculptors: World-renowned ice performers will be on hand to
    entertain and amaze spectators with a chilling, thrilling and artistic
    performance
 *  Mini Melt-Off: On-site spectators join in the last day of summer
    excitement by melting individual ice blocks for a chance to win Dodge
    branded and other prizes
 *  Cool Down: A Lake Shore bike path crowded with runners and bikers
    cooling down with ice-cold refreshments

 Why:

The all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro's bold and distinctive styling makes it the "hottest" vehicle in its class. The "Dodge Nitro Hot Shots Melt-Off" challenge gives Chicagoans a chance to drive into fall in style and experience the vehicle's bold style and sporty performance.