Dodge: Neon News
01-22-2005, 10:12 PM
#86
Duck Fuke!
Originally Posted by mclarenf3387
If someone made that look like a stock Neon, that might just be the ultimate sleeper.
Take off the stickers, the wing and put some steel wheels with hubs on it and nobody would know 
01-22-2005, 10:46 PM
#87
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Originally Posted by MADCAT
There’s no honour is driving a Neon. You’ll still be a laughing stock at 100 MPH!
My buddy's SRT4 is lowered, light tint, electric blue......and get's nonstop compliments on it (no not just from 15 year olds).
Lot's of people don't know what it is.
Laughing stock? Hardly.
01-23-2005, 12:08 AM
#88
Senior Moderator
How many of you guys check out the SRT4 when it drives by? I always do... its s sharp looking car.
But this version depends on price might be worth it. But then again maybe it might be cheaper to buy the base SRT4 and just mod it to your liking.
But this version depends on price might be worth it. But then again maybe it might be cheaper to buy the base SRT4 and just mod it to your liking.
01-23-2005, 12:52 AM
#89
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
How many of you guys check out the SRT4 when it drives by? I always do... its s sharp looking car.
But this version depends on price might be worth it. But then again maybe it might be cheaper to buy the base SRT4 and just mod it to your liking.
But this version depends on price might be worth it. But then again maybe it might be cheaper to buy the base SRT4 and just mod it to your liking.
01-23-2005, 09:07 AM
#91
GEEZER
its a Neon. Nuff said.
01-24-2005, 02:07 PM
#93
GEEZER
Originally Posted by Beltfed
Which rattles less than my Acura CL did....go figure.
01-24-2005, 04:20 PM
#94
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I think many people here that say "it's just a Neon" haven't driven one. I've driven my nephew's ‘04 SRT-4 on a few occasions and let me tell you it's a blast to drive, from the deep throaty exhaust to the Viper inspired seats this thing is an awesome car for the money. It is not your average Neon this thing hauls ass, handles pretty good, and the brakes are amazing for a $20K car. Sure it may not have the quality of an RSX, but once you hit the gas pedal it’ll make you forget about that. In the ¼ mile they can run anywhere from 13.8 to 14.1 @ 100 to 103MPH stock with a good driver. C&D ran 0-60 in 5.3s and 13.9s @ 103 MPH in the ¼ mile. It really is the best bang for the buck when it comes to performance.
Another cool thing about the SRT-4's is that they are very underrated, the 230HP and 250lb-ft manufacture rating is very misleading. Since they are known to put 225-230HP and 240-250lb-ft of torque at the wheels STOCK! SRT-4 also has a lot of potential, with the stock turbo with Stage 1 or 2 upgrades from Mopar, coupled with CAI, DP, higher flowing exhaust you can get up to 300WHP easily. Or if that isn’t enough power for you can always replace the stock turbo with a bigger one, get a bigger FMIC, add larger injectors, fuel pump, etc. and you can out down around 350 to 450WHP and all this with the stock internals. You could go even further but all that power starts to get out of hand for a FWD car to handle on street tires.
Honestly if I only had $20K to spend on a new performance car this would be it, and I could careless if it’s a Neon. BTW, my nephew’s SRT-4 has a little over 20K miles now and hasn’t had any problems yet and he takes it to the drag strip almost every weekend since he’s had it.
Another cool thing about the SRT-4's is that they are very underrated, the 230HP and 250lb-ft manufacture rating is very misleading. Since they are known to put 225-230HP and 240-250lb-ft of torque at the wheels STOCK! SRT-4 also has a lot of potential, with the stock turbo with Stage 1 or 2 upgrades from Mopar, coupled with CAI, DP, higher flowing exhaust you can get up to 300WHP easily. Or if that isn’t enough power for you can always replace the stock turbo with a bigger one, get a bigger FMIC, add larger injectors, fuel pump, etc. and you can out down around 350 to 450WHP and all this with the stock internals. You could go even further but all that power starts to get out of hand for a FWD car to handle on street tires.
Honestly if I only had $20K to spend on a new performance car this would be it, and I could careless if it’s a Neon. BTW, my nephew’s SRT-4 has a little over 20K miles now and hasn’t had any problems yet and he takes it to the drag strip almost every weekend since he’s had it.
01-24-2005, 04:27 PM
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all of the SRT-4 haters sound completely uneducated, uninformed, and just plain dumb....
every single respectable car reviewing magazine or agency has had tons and tons of praise for this beast. bottom line, the SRT-4 does what its meant to do FAR BETTER than anything else in its category and at the best price...its a knock out of the park home run. i remember when this car first was introduced, i had my CL-S at the time and i had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder for awhile knowing that i would lose in a race to a "lowly" neon...but after reading up on the car, driving one, getting more familar with it, i have nothing but respect for it....and any true car enthusaist has no CHOICE but to feel the same way.....
not only is the SRT-4 not even CLOSE to being "just a neon"
but it has already proven to be reliable, even under heavy modification.
there is VERY LITTLE one could say about this car that is negative...is it for everyone? no, not at all, but NO ONE can argue that the SRT-4 does not accomplish everything it set out to be and is simply THE best performance car for that price on the market today (and arguably EVER PRODUCED) the bang for the buck factor in that car is simply unmatched
every single respectable car reviewing magazine or agency has had tons and tons of praise for this beast. bottom line, the SRT-4 does what its meant to do FAR BETTER than anything else in its category and at the best price...its a knock out of the park home run. i remember when this car first was introduced, i had my CL-S at the time and i had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder for awhile knowing that i would lose in a race to a "lowly" neon...but after reading up on the car, driving one, getting more familar with it, i have nothing but respect for it....and any true car enthusaist has no CHOICE but to feel the same way.....
not only is the SRT-4 not even CLOSE to being "just a neon"
but it has already proven to be reliable, even under heavy modification.
there is VERY LITTLE one could say about this car that is negative...is it for everyone? no, not at all, but NO ONE can argue that the SRT-4 does not accomplish everything it set out to be and is simply THE best performance car for that price on the market today (and arguably EVER PRODUCED) the bang for the buck factor in that car is simply unmatched
01-25-2005, 12:53 PM
#96
'Big Daddy Diggler'
The SRT4 is hot. With the price and power they put down, you cant knock them for being based off a neon. Shit my Trans Am's interior is not as nice as my TL was, but i forget that everytime i feel the 345 ft lbs of tq when i hit the gas.
01-31-2005, 09:24 AM
#98
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Spy Shots: ’06 Dodge Neon Replacement - - Following up on some hot gas. - - by Brenda Priddy - - Source: The Car Connection
*****Spy Shot*****
Carrying styling cues over from the 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept, and built on the upcoming Mitsubishi GS (Lancer) platform, the Neon replacement is expected to arrive in late 2005, just in time for the 2006 model year.
Codenamed PM49, this five-door hatchback will share its platform with several other vehicles in the platform family. Two car-based SUVs based off this platform are expected to make it to production: one from Dodge and one from Jeep. Both will likely be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive will be offered as an option on all three of these vehicles. The next-generation PT Cruiser will also be riding on this platform, as well as the next Mitsubishi Outlander (which is expected to offer a V-6 option).
Currently the Jeep version is expected to be called Scout, and the Neon replacement, as shown here, was originally believed to be called the D80, but sources are now telling us that other names are under serious consideration.
The powerplants expected will be built in Dundee, Mich. , and are part of a Hyundai-DaimlerChrysler-Mitsubishi four-cylinder joint venture. The Neon replacement, as well as the Dodge and Jeep models, will be built in Belvedere, Ill. There is speculation that assembly of the next generation PT Cruiser may also be in Belvedere.
Other future vehicles on this platform include the next generation Dodge Stratus sedan and Chrysler’s Sebring sedan and convertible, although the coupe versions of these cars will be discontinued. Both the Stratus and Sebring will likely arrive for the 2007 model year and will be built in Sterling Heights, Mich.
We believe this new hatchback (we’re careful not to use the outgoing Neon name) will be introduced during the 2005 auto show circuit, but no firm date has been announced yet.
Codenamed PM49, this five-door hatchback will share its platform with several other vehicles in the platform family. Two car-based SUVs based off this platform are expected to make it to production: one from Dodge and one from Jeep. Both will likely be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive will be offered as an option on all three of these vehicles. The next-generation PT Cruiser will also be riding on this platform, as well as the next Mitsubishi Outlander (which is expected to offer a V-6 option).
Currently the Jeep version is expected to be called Scout, and the Neon replacement, as shown here, was originally believed to be called the D80, but sources are now telling us that other names are under serious consideration.
The powerplants expected will be built in Dundee, Mich. , and are part of a Hyundai-DaimlerChrysler-Mitsubishi four-cylinder joint venture. The Neon replacement, as well as the Dodge and Jeep models, will be built in Belvedere, Ill. There is speculation that assembly of the next generation PT Cruiser may also be in Belvedere.
Other future vehicles on this platform include the next generation Dodge Stratus sedan and Chrysler’s Sebring sedan and convertible, although the coupe versions of these cars will be discontinued. Both the Stratus and Sebring will likely arrive for the 2007 model year and will be built in Sterling Heights, Mich.
We believe this new hatchback (we’re careful not to use the outgoing Neon name) will be introduced during the 2005 auto show circuit, but no firm date has been announced yet.
01-31-2005, 09:32 AM
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In this article from AMS Dieter Zetsche is quoted as noting that the Neon replacement, called Caliber will be shown in Geneva in March.
02-01-2005, 02:52 PM
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Thats becasue they LOOK GOOD, this is love it/hate it styling. and it looks to plastic. Not like the old Dodge Chargers that the grille looked so mean and made of steel.
Originally Posted by charliemike
Funny no one says that about Audi, BMW, & Mercedes 
02-01-2005, 02:53 PM
#111
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Originally Posted by MADCAT
Thats becasue they LOOK GOOD, this is love it/hate it styling. and it looks to plastic. Not like the old Dodge Chargers that the grille looked so mean and made of steel.
" indeed.Audi grills=
02-01-2005, 03:05 PM
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And they aren't millions of M-B/Audis/BMW running around so it make it exculisve, while the dodge will be everywhere making that styling look boring real quick.
Originally Posted by gocubsgo55
EXACTLY my thoughts. "SAD " indeed.
Audi grills=
" indeed.Audi grills=
02-01-2005, 03:48 PM
#113
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by MADCAT
And they aren't millions of M-B/Audis/BMW running around so it make it exculisve, while the dodge will be everywhere making that styling look boring real quick.
03-01-2005, 07:35 PM
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No sedan planned for next Neon; five-door Dodge Caliber Geneva concept signals new direction - - By RICK KRANZ | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
Dodge has no plan for a sedan version of the Neon replacement.
The Dodge Caliber concept debuting this week at the Geneva auto show reveals the styling theme for the five-door vehicle that will replace the Neon next year. The car will be assembled in Belvidere, Ill., for sale in North America and Europe.
The current-generation Neon is a four-door sedan only. The previous generation also offered a two-door model.
While the Neon replacement will have five doors, Dodge will resist calling the vehicle a hatchback or station wagon. Marketing and advertising messages will focus on styling, performance, features and interior flexibility.
Chrysler group CEO Dieter Zetsche said the automaker will offer a five-door model in place of a four-door for two reasons.
"One is that, at least financially, neither the first- nor the second-generation Neon was extremely successful, so there was no need to repeat this experience," Zetsche said.
Second, he said, this is a way "to set ourselves apart and to clearly lead the way in styling" and offer "a tremendous amount of utility -- so you will have all this functionality."
Zetsche was interviewed here on Feb. 20 before the start of the Daytona 500 race.
Chrysler executives said Caliber is the likely name for the new vehicle.
The strategy of avoiding labeling the vehicle as a hatchback or wagon is a response to the disappointing launch of the Chrysler Pacifica in 2003. The automaker tried to explain in marketing and advertising that the Pacifica was a blend of sedan, minivan and SUV. The result was confusing to potential buyers, and that contributed to the vehicle's disappointing sales, said Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler group executive vice president of global sales and marketing.
With the Pacifica, he said, Chrysler spent too much time explaining "what segment it fits in and what you call it. I don't think we told people enough what the product actually can do and what it is all about."
Eberhardt said that for the Neon replacement the automaker will "communicate product benefits and why-buys" and not spend time explaining what it is.
The Neon replacement is being developed from the next-generation Mitsubishi front-drive Lancer platform. Industry sources say at least two other vehicles are expected to be produced off that platform and assembled in Belvidere.
The Dodge Caliber concept debuting this week at the Geneva auto show reveals the styling theme for the five-door vehicle that will replace the Neon next year. The car will be assembled in Belvidere, Ill., for sale in North America and Europe.
The current-generation Neon is a four-door sedan only. The previous generation also offered a two-door model.
While the Neon replacement will have five doors, Dodge will resist calling the vehicle a hatchback or station wagon. Marketing and advertising messages will focus on styling, performance, features and interior flexibility.
Chrysler group CEO Dieter Zetsche said the automaker will offer a five-door model in place of a four-door for two reasons.
"One is that, at least financially, neither the first- nor the second-generation Neon was extremely successful, so there was no need to repeat this experience," Zetsche said.
Second, he said, this is a way "to set ourselves apart and to clearly lead the way in styling" and offer "a tremendous amount of utility -- so you will have all this functionality."
Zetsche was interviewed here on Feb. 20 before the start of the Daytona 500 race.
Chrysler executives said Caliber is the likely name for the new vehicle.
The strategy of avoiding labeling the vehicle as a hatchback or wagon is a response to the disappointing launch of the Chrysler Pacifica in 2003. The automaker tried to explain in marketing and advertising that the Pacifica was a blend of sedan, minivan and SUV. The result was confusing to potential buyers, and that contributed to the vehicle's disappointing sales, said Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler group executive vice president of global sales and marketing.
With the Pacifica, he said, Chrysler spent too much time explaining "what segment it fits in and what you call it. I don't think we told people enough what the product actually can do and what it is all about."
Eberhardt said that for the Neon replacement the automaker will "communicate product benefits and why-buys" and not spend time explaining what it is.
The Neon replacement is being developed from the next-generation Mitsubishi front-drive Lancer platform. Industry sources say at least two other vehicles are expected to be produced off that platform and assembled in Belvidere.
03-01-2005, 11:31 PM
#117
fap fap fap
Originally Posted by bigman
i think i see more 3 series and a4's in one day than i have seen SRT's in the 2 years they have been out.
03-03-2005, 09:00 AM
#118
Race Director
The thing about the Caliber is that in real life it's such a different car - I certainly didn't think compact sedan when I saw it at the show today. It seems that it's aimed more at the European market than US.
It's a risk for DCX, but things are working out with the 300/Magnum.
It's a risk for DCX, but things are working out with the 300/Magnum.
