The automotive scene is heating up in the Windy City with successive launches and world premieres of new breakthrough models and concept vehicles from various automakers as part of the ongoing 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Dodge, the eighth biggest selling brand in the world today, unleashed three innovative vehicles in the SUV, sport compact and pickup truck segments at the show. In the sport compact category, Dodge revealed the all-new Caliber ST4, which the company hopes will dominate the sport-compact market. Bearing the Chrysler Group’s SRT appendage short for Street and Racing Technology, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is equipped with 300 horsepower under the hood and promises to offer benchmark performance at the best price.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a high value entry level five-door vehicle offering the versatility and flexibility of an SUV and the fuel-economy and affordability of a compact car. The new sport compact boasts of an attractive and functional crossover exterior styling that distinctly resonates with the Dodge attitude in the signature crosshair grille and flared wheel arches. The sloping roofline and the “black graphic appliqué†running its length provide an aggressive and athletic stance. Overall, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 offers muscular exterior styling that will no doubt impress many buyers.
Under the hood, the Caliber SRT4 draws its power and performance from a 2.4 liter turbocharged ‘World Engine’ capable of 300 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque and a fuel mileage of 28 mpg on the highway. World Engines are a family of fuel efficient and low emission aluminum 4-cylinder engines jointly developed by the Chrysler Group, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Company. Being an SRT vehicle, the Caliber SRT4 also boasts of exceptional ride and handling. The upgraded Macpherson strut front suspension and Electronic Stability Program are designed to provide superb handling and balance. The Caliber SRT3 is also equipped with benchmark braking system, another key aspect of an SRT vehicle.
Inside, the performance-oriented theme continues in the Dodge Caliber SRT4’s sophisticated, racing-inspired interiors. Other Interior features of the Caliber SRT4 include sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts; leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber pattern; silver alloy finish in the instrument panel; bright aluminum pedal pads with rubber studs; center-stack-mounted shift included with lift ring and leather-finished shift knob. Entertainment is provided by a standard AM/FM radio as well as SIRIUS satellite receiver; multi-disc changer control and a high performance audio system with 13 speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer.
On the whole, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a very welcome addition to the highly competitive compact car market. It will appeal to first-time new car buyers as well as those who want a vehicle that is versatile enough as a people carrier but is attractive, affordable and delivers high performance as well. The Dodge Caliber will enter the US market with an MSRP of $13,985, lower than outgoing Dodge Neon. The Caliber will also be at the forefront of Dodge’s entry into the UK market, one of 150 countries where the all-American brand will make its debut.