Dodge: Caliber news **Gas Pedal Issue (page 5)**
01-06-2006, 04:17 PM
#84
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Interiors look like they are moving backwards.
and they look cheap.
01-10-2006, 06:19 PM
#88
Race Director
The good ole global form factor approach - make something that can be sold everywhere. It will be popular in Europe, not sure about the US. The devil is in the details.
01-11-2006, 12:09 PM
#91
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Also on Tuesday, the Chrysler group formally introduced the Dodge Caliber, a small wagon that will replace the Neon. Dodge officials said the Caliber's suggested retail price would start at $13,985 including the destination charge. They noted that the base price is $410 less than the base price of the Neon.
01-11-2006, 01:27 PM
#92
Race Director
That's pretty competitive - right in line with other entry level compacts.
I wonder how long before these things make it to car rental agencies. With the extra cargo room, you can get away with renting a compact instead of a mid sized sedan.
I wonder how long before these things make it to car rental agencies. With the extra cargo room, you can get away with renting a compact instead of a mid sized sedan.
01-11-2006, 01:36 PM
#93
The sizzle in the Steak
I think this will kill PT Cruiser sales, thus the end of the PT Cruiser perhaps.
01-11-2006, 03:42 PM
#94
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Originally Posted by dodge.com
Dodge Caliber enters the U.S. market priced $410 below the outgoing Dodge Neon with more content, including standard side-curtain air bags. The newest compact car on the market is available in Caliber SE, Caliber SXT and Caliber R/T models.
At a U.S. MSRP of $13,985 (including $560 destination charge), the Dodge Caliber SE includes a standard 148 horsepower 1.8-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment not typically found in compact cars at this price includes; standard side-curtain air bags, a vinyl load floor, auxiliary radio input jack, electrically lit front cup holders, 12-volt power outlet, a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. Additional standard features include body color grille and fascias and black door handles, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, manual windows and locks, fabric seats, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights and 15-inch wheels and tires.
Optional features on the Dodge Caliber SE include a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter World Engine coupled with the second-generation CVT2 (which includes standard anti-lock brakes), six-disc radio with cassette and MP3 CD play capability, Power Group (which includes driver one-touch power window, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors), body color liftgate appliqué, air conditioning, Chill Zone® (which is an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included with air conditioning), integrated instrument panel beverage cooler, speed control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Uconnectâ„¢ hands-free communication system, trailer tow group, floor mats and MusicGate Power (a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities).
Dodge Caliber SXT features a standard 148 horsepower 1.8-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. In addition to the many standard features included on the SE model, the SXT adds 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a dual-purpose re-chargeable/removable interior lamp, map light, air conditioning, Chill Zone® tachometer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, 110-volt electrical outlet in the center console, manual seat height adjuster, floor mats, bright silver IP bezels and switches. The Dodge Caliber SXT's exterior features standard black dual power mirrors, body-color body-side molding, chrome grille and 17-inch wheels and wheel covers.
Available options on the Dodge Caliber SXT beyond those offered on the SE model include a 2.0-liter World Engine coupled with the CVT2, leather steering wheel with radio control options, heated seats, power sunroof, fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a Security Group (which includes tonneau cover, alarm and air filtration system) and a Driver Convenience Group (which includes compass and temperature gauge, universal garage door opener, electrochromic mirror and tire pressure monitor) and a Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, heated front seats and manual lumbar adjuster).
A Sport Package also is available on the SXT model and includes fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport Appearance Package (which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels).
The Dodge Caliber R/T with all-wheel drive features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual VVT coupled with CVT2, anti-lock brakes, AutoStick, a sport-suspension, performance steering and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
In addition to the standard features on the SE and SXT models, standard features on the Dodge Caliber R/T include leather steering wheel with radio controls, tonneau cover, premium fabric seats, silver bezels on the instrument panel and chrome interior door handles.
The Dodge Caliber R/T's exterior features a chrome grille, body-color lower fascias, body-color sill moldings, chrome plated body-side moldings, body-color door handles and fog lamps.
An optional feature on the Dodge Caliber R/T models equipped with all-wheel drive, beyond those offered on the SXT, include 18-inch chrome wheels.
All 2007 Dodge Caliber models will be available in Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Solar Yellow Clear Coat, Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige. An optional Sport Appearance Package includes Pastel Slate Gray with red, yellow, orange or blue seat inserts that coordinate with the exterior color, center stack and shifter bezels.
Full model details, specifications and pricing for markets outside North America will be released ahead of the vehicle's launch in each respective market.
At a U.S. MSRP of $13,985 (including $560 destination charge), the Dodge Caliber SE includes a standard 148 horsepower 1.8-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment not typically found in compact cars at this price includes; standard side-curtain air bags, a vinyl load floor, auxiliary radio input jack, electrically lit front cup holders, 12-volt power outlet, a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. Additional standard features include body color grille and fascias and black door handles, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, manual windows and locks, fabric seats, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights and 15-inch wheels and tires.
Optional features on the Dodge Caliber SE include a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter World Engine coupled with the second-generation CVT2 (which includes standard anti-lock brakes), six-disc radio with cassette and MP3 CD play capability, Power Group (which includes driver one-touch power window, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors), body color liftgate appliqué, air conditioning, Chill Zone® (which is an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included with air conditioning), integrated instrument panel beverage cooler, speed control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Uconnectâ„¢ hands-free communication system, trailer tow group, floor mats and MusicGate Power (a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities).
Dodge Caliber SXT features a standard 148 horsepower 1.8-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. In addition to the many standard features included on the SE model, the SXT adds 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a dual-purpose re-chargeable/removable interior lamp, map light, air conditioning, Chill Zone® tachometer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, 110-volt electrical outlet in the center console, manual seat height adjuster, floor mats, bright silver IP bezels and switches. The Dodge Caliber SXT's exterior features standard black dual power mirrors, body-color body-side molding, chrome grille and 17-inch wheels and wheel covers.
Available options on the Dodge Caliber SXT beyond those offered on the SE model include a 2.0-liter World Engine coupled with the CVT2, leather steering wheel with radio control options, heated seats, power sunroof, fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a Security Group (which includes tonneau cover, alarm and air filtration system) and a Driver Convenience Group (which includes compass and temperature gauge, universal garage door opener, electrochromic mirror and tire pressure monitor) and a Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, heated front seats and manual lumbar adjuster).
A Sport Package also is available on the SXT model and includes fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport Appearance Package (which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels).
The Dodge Caliber R/T with all-wheel drive features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual VVT coupled with CVT2, anti-lock brakes, AutoStick, a sport-suspension, performance steering and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
In addition to the standard features on the SE and SXT models, standard features on the Dodge Caliber R/T include leather steering wheel with radio controls, tonneau cover, premium fabric seats, silver bezels on the instrument panel and chrome interior door handles.
The Dodge Caliber R/T's exterior features a chrome grille, body-color lower fascias, body-color sill moldings, chrome plated body-side moldings, body-color door handles and fog lamps.
An optional feature on the Dodge Caliber R/T models equipped with all-wheel drive, beyond those offered on the SXT, include 18-inch chrome wheels.
All 2007 Dodge Caliber models will be available in Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Solar Yellow Clear Coat, Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige. An optional Sport Appearance Package includes Pastel Slate Gray with red, yellow, orange or blue seat inserts that coordinate with the exterior color, center stack and shifter bezels.
Full model details, specifications and pricing for markets outside North America will be released ahead of the vehicle's launch in each respective market.
02-06-2006, 05:39 PM
#97
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2007 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 @ 2006 Chicago Show
Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler Group said: "The SRT-4 has been developed by Chrysler Group’s ‘Street Race Technology’ performance division. All SRT vehicles feature unique exterior details, lowered sports suspension, sports interior and a powerful engine - the all-new 2.4-litre turbocharged engine boasts a tyre-smoking 300 horsepower to deliver a level of power you’d expect from a V8!"
The SRT-4 is a performance version of the Dodge Caliber and offers 260 lb. ft. of torque from a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine to reach 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds.
The SRT-4 is a performance version of the Dodge Caliber and offers 260 lb. ft. of torque from a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine to reach 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds.
02-06-2006, 09:05 PM
#101
101 years of heartache...
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oh god no. this is going to be the new Neon SRT-4, both literally and figuratively. "My car can beat yours". Yes, but mine is better than yours in EVERY other way.
02-07-2006, 05:09 AM
#103
GEEZER
Pass.
02-07-2006, 07:40 AM
#104
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by aznkikaz
300 horsepower compact and it can only go 0-60 in under 6? 
Thats an estimate and conservative one at that. Its likely to get there in the low 5's.
I like the Caliber but really don't see a point to this for some reason.
02-07-2006, 12:26 PM
#108
'Big Daddy Diggler'
Love it or hate it, DCM takes chances and actually makes cars for enthusiasts. Look at all the cars they have dropped in the last few years that have been huge successes. They are doing the Nissan/Infiniti turn around. If Honda would grow some balls and drop some more power with some awd into their Acuras, then maybe people wouldnt cross shop the TL with the Accord.
02-07-2006, 12:38 PM
#109
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Originally Posted by titan
True. Though one can't help but wonder if it'll steal sales from it's company stablemate...
One of the guy on the PT forums has seen the new PT Cruiser and participated in a focus group to get more opinions about it. I cant wait.
02-08-2006, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by automobilemag
Only a month after unveiling the regular Caliber, Dodge already is trotting out the SRT version, the Caliber SRT4. The hot hatch features a turbocharged version of Chrysler's new 2.4-liter DOHC four. The engine makes 300 hp (at 6000 rpm) and 260 lb-ft of torque (at 2000-6000 rpm), which it sends through a six-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. The standard Caliber's optional all-wheel drive won't be offered on the SRT4, but the SRT4 does have a limited slip differential and equal-length half shafts. Chrysler claims the 3189-lb SRT4 can blast from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The suspension is 1/2-inch lower and also firmer than a standard Caliber's, and the brakes have been upgraded as well. Dodge goes for the tuner car look here with plenty of scoops and spoilers and standard 19-inch wheels. The style carries over to the interior with aggressively bolstered seats with suede inserts, a separate boost gauge, and a leather and faux carbon fiber steering wheel. The Neon SRT4 won its way into enthusiasts hearts with its rawness and performance. The Caliber SRT4 promises greater sophistication and a lot more power. We'll see whether it has the same hypnotic effect when it goes on sale a year from this spring.
02-08-2006, 04:31 PM
#114
Race Director
Originally Posted by dom
Thats an estimate and conservative one at that. Its likely to get there in the low 5's.
I like the Caliber but really don't see a point to this for some reason.
I like the Caliber but really don't see a point to this for some reason.
Seems like the "give em HP" method of marketing cars at DCX is working.
02-08-2006, 10:36 PM
#116
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somebody step up and kill it while it's young.
Anyone else feel it looks like some baby dinosaur? nasty pos, im my opinon
Anyone else feel it looks like some baby dinosaur? nasty pos, im my opinon
02-09-2006, 10:28 AM
#120
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Higher Caliber - - By BOB GRITZINGER - - Source: AUtoweek
The paint ought to be just about dry on the first batch of Dodge Calibers when Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology group reveals its paint-peeling version, the 2007 Caliber SRT4.
Making its world premiere at the Chicago Auto Show, SRT4 continues a legacy of a dozen performance-primed vehicles from SRT since 2002. The lineup includes the granddaddy of them all, the Viper SRT10, the Viper V10-powered Dodge Ram pickup, Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum/Dodge Charger SRT8s, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 and the most recent addition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Clearly, these SRT people can super-tune just about anything.
“We have SRT stamped on the butts of every one of our engineers,” assures Dan Knott, outgoing SRT director (replaced just this month by Kipp Owen). “We want the best performance at the best price.”
Caliber SRT4, which replaces the Neon-based SRT4 sold from 2003 to 2005, launches the company’s performance small-car formula to a new high. Under the hood (and functional hood scoop to direct cooling air into the engine bay), SRT4 features the first application of a turbocharged version of Chrysler’s global 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It makes 70 more ponies than the 2005 SRT4 (and 85 more than the first 2003 model). Power runs to the 19-inch front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transaxle.
Brakes are borrowed from Chrysler’s big cars like the 300C, with 13.3-inch vented front discs with dual-piston calipers and 11.8-inch single-piston rears. Suspension is lowered about one-half inch compared to a stock Caliber.
SRT folks say all the extra bits translate into these numbers: 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, sub-14-second quarter-mile times and 60 mph to 0 in 115 feet. All this, while still delivering an estimated 28 mpg on the highway.
“With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market,” says George Murphy, Chrysler senior vice president of global marketing.
Caliber SRT4 goes on sale in spring 2007.
Making its world premiere at the Chicago Auto Show, SRT4 continues a legacy of a dozen performance-primed vehicles from SRT since 2002. The lineup includes the granddaddy of them all, the Viper SRT10, the Viper V10-powered Dodge Ram pickup, Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum/Dodge Charger SRT8s, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 and the most recent addition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Clearly, these SRT people can super-tune just about anything.
“We have SRT stamped on the butts of every one of our engineers,” assures Dan Knott, outgoing SRT director (replaced just this month by Kipp Owen). “We want the best performance at the best price.”
Caliber SRT4, which replaces the Neon-based SRT4 sold from 2003 to 2005, launches the company’s performance small-car formula to a new high. Under the hood (and functional hood scoop to direct cooling air into the engine bay), SRT4 features the first application of a turbocharged version of Chrysler’s global 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It makes 70 more ponies than the 2005 SRT4 (and 85 more than the first 2003 model). Power runs to the 19-inch front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transaxle.
Brakes are borrowed from Chrysler’s big cars like the 300C, with 13.3-inch vented front discs with dual-piston calipers and 11.8-inch single-piston rears. Suspension is lowered about one-half inch compared to a stock Caliber.
SRT folks say all the extra bits translate into these numbers: 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, sub-14-second quarter-mile times and 60 mph to 0 in 115 feet. All this, while still delivering an estimated 28 mpg on the highway.
“With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market,” says George Murphy, Chrysler senior vice president of global marketing.
Caliber SRT4 goes on sale in spring 2007.