2007 Dodge Caliber

[SuperGLS]

The Caliber is the replacement to the Neon. It'll use the Dodge version of the Theta (World Engine). The interesting part is that it will be available with AWD. That's interesting because it'll be the same size as the Elantra, and it's possible that Hyundai would sell a model with AWD as well. Anyway, it's all just speculation at this point.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Industry/Industry_News/07_Dodge_Caliber_Bets_On_CVT_AWD.S175.A9044.html

[VTElantra]

It looks like it has some good choices for a motor, but I dont know how killing off a car that has been around for 10 years will go. I like the Neon myself, my family has owned like a total of 6 of them all different years and no problems.

[mrhoaf]

a couple interesting points....

-"...The Caliber will come only in a two-box bodystyle that borrows design elements from sport-utility vehicles, the larger Dodge Magnum, and the hatchbacks of the 1970s and 1980s. Chrysler has no plans for a three-box sedan model..."

hatch ONLY... interesting gamble.....

-"...the engine will come in three different variants. The 1.8-liter version will produce 140 horsepower with 125 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter version will produce 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.4-liter version will deliver 170 horsepower with 165 lb-ft of torque..."

140 out of the 1.8? very nice!

I also thought it interesting that they're going to be using a CVT..... I'd love to see this technology finally reach it's true potential.... I love driving a Manual through the twisties, but a well-designed and well-programmed CVT would be able to perform much better....

[2GTS]

Pictures here http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=12765

[evan938]

:puke: that is more ugly than that friggin scion car

[Elkane7533]

I think it looks awesome. Would definitely consider it when I get a new car next summer for grad school.

[SuperGLS]

I kind of like the look as well.

[kylemorg]

Personally, I don't like the size of the grille in relation to the car. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of the front end on the Subaru Forester (which I don't like either). That's just me, though.

The engine outputs sound pretty nice, tho.

[VTElantra]

I think it looks pretty good. I probably wont buy one in the near future, but if there able to keep the price down towards $13,000 US, like the neon they'll have a good seller on there hands.

[hyunelan2]

IMO, another PT Cruiser wannabe. And an ugly one at that. Still, looks better than the Chevy HHR.

Anyone know what they're doing with the PT Cruiser? Since it's neon-based, with them killing the neon, how does that affect the PT? Maybe the general idea is for the Caliber to fill both those niches?
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2006/Dodge/100502320/20024970-E.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2006/Dodge/100502320/20024971-E.jpg

[Steve]

Interesting how there's three engines mentioned. All I know is that the best small car Dodge has ever made is about to bite it, the ACR version of the 2005 SRT-4.

[OAR]

Looks fat and Heavy. I prefer the Scion then HHR then maybe this.

No word on an SRT model?

[Kenshin]

Looks like the illegitimate child of a Dodge Magnum and a Pontiac Aztek... I agree about the Grille being too big. :pukeface:

[mrhoaf]

I really like the look. I still find it interesting that the neon (sedan) will be replaced by a hatch.... the only hatches Americans seem to like these days are called SUVs... It also looks like it's larger than the Neon, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a smaller sedan reliesed... along the lines of the rio/accent/aveo/etc....

as for the PT, i imagine that it will be redesigned using this new platform... basically becomming Chrysler's version of the car.

[jyfgt]

grosss looking but i like the engine options

[SuperGLS]

I hadn't thought about the PT replacement. Interesting.

As for an SRT version, nope, no word. I would imagine they would simply turbo one of the available engines. Which also brings to the table lots of questions concerning the Theta engine that Hyundai is using.

[hyunelan2]

Engine update (and this is Hyundai-relevant, so pay attention):

"Power will come from three different four-cylinder engines displacing 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liters. According to the Dodge enthusiast site allpar.com, the engines will deliver 140, 150 and 170 horsepower respectively and may send their power through a continuously variable transmission. The prospect of a diesel engine in the U.S. lineup is also a strong possibility as is a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter engine.

Although these displacements may look familiar to current Neon and Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, the engines in the Caliber will be the first application of Chrysler's "world engine" co-developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. High-tech features will include variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust ports and a variable intake manifold. Compared to the current engines, these new power plants will not only offer more power, but they'll do it with 5-percent less fuel and reduced emissions."

[TheKoreanSaab]

To me it looks like a magnum front end on a pontaic Vibe body. I hate the Neon except the SRT-4. They are pretty ugly cars....wow Dodge manages to **** themselves one more time. The TP cruiser, No more Avenger, and now they are going to get rid of there best selling car with a car with a face only a mother could love.....wow they are screwing themselves like Hyundai!!!

[hyunelan2]

wow they are screwing themselves like Hyundai!!!

Whacha talkin' 'bout Willis? Hyundai is having record sales quarter after quarter... I wouldn't call that scewing themselves.

The important thing is we may start seeing modification parts for the World Engine that Hyundai will also use and even factory turbos for the 2.4L

Oh, and there will be a Caliber SRT-4

[only1db]

this is going to be pretty big!!

can we say an AWD 2.4 Turbo Tib or XD??? how badass would that be!! i would be trading my sh!t in a heartbeat!! LOL! and you know that the aftermarket would support it...so there would be plenty of parts! the only thing would be that it would no longer be unique to do up a hyundai...but i guess with glory comes the fame! it would still be cool to drive a AWD Turbo hyundai! cant wait to see this progress!

[Doohickie]

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/concepts/D/dodge/02-medium/dodge-caliber-fside-s.jpg
Ugly if you ask me. I agree with the comment that the grill is oversized; looks like they tried to make it look like part of the Ram pickup family, not a car. The rest of the car tries to hard to be sporty and is overstyled in the same way many Pontiacs are. If they cleaned up the lines and gave it a tighter grill it would appeal to me more.

[g35doc]

So does that mean that the next gen elantra will most likely have a 2.0L producing 150hp/140tq?
The 170hp 2.4L would be awesome IMO, but I highly doubt it considering that's more power than the sonata's I4.

[SuperGLS]

Well, there is suppose to be enough difference between the Mitsu/Dodge and Hyundai versions of the Theta to make different numbers, but who knows yet, since only Hyundai is using it so far. However, it doesn't seem unlikely that the numbers for the Elantra would be similar for the 2.0l. Also, I think that the 2.4l Theta is still an option for a version of the Elantra (not when it debuts).

[pjc6281]

I dunno, the cvt transmisson is kinda weak i thought, i know in the nissan mureno that has the cvt, they say dont tow with it. Now modding and putting a turbo on that transmisson might hurt it.

[SuperGLS]

Some new info (thanks to TCC):

he Chrysler Group held its final press conference of the Detroit show, pulling the wraps off the new Caliber, a tall-roof small car that will start at only $13,985-including destination charge-which amounts to $410 below the Neon. The Caliber offers three different four-cylinder engines from the automaker's new World Engine family, ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 liters, along with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The new hatchback has several innovative features including a rechargeable flashlight, a liftgate-mounted speaker system for tailgating, and a chilled compartment large enough for soda bottles. Eberhardt said that the Caliber is "simply the best way to package all the features."

[Doohickie]

I dunno, the cvt transmisson is kinda weak i thought, i know in the nissan mureno that has the cvt, they say dont tow with it. Now modding and putting a turbo on that transmisson might hurt it.Just because I single instance of CVT is not rated for towing does not mean that CVTs are wimpy in general. Like any other new gizmo, real world experience in production will lead to refinements in design and implementation.

Back on topic: I wonder if the Caliber will look as cheap on the inside as Neons do? The whole interior of a Neon looks like one giant injection molded piece of plastic, complete with mold seam.

[g35doc]

Some new info (thanks to TCC):

he Chrysler Group held its final press conference of the Detroit show, pulling the wraps off the new Caliber, a tall-roof small car that will start at only $13,985-including destination charge-which amounts to $410 below the Neon. The Caliber offers three different four-cylinder engines from the automaker's new World Engine family, ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 liters, along with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The new hatchback has several innovative features including a rechargeable flashlight, a liftgate-mounted speaker system for tailgating, and a chilled compartment large enough for soda bottles. Eberhardt said that the Caliber is "simply the best way to package all the features."

Oh, man if the new elantra has the 170hp/165tq 2.4L as an option, sign me up. :abovelol:

[hyunelan2]

Although I hope it does, I don't think it will, since that would infringe on the power of the Sonata's 2.4l Theta. I think it will stick to a 2.0l to keep the gas milage up.

[GHoosdum]

Some photos from the Detroit Auto Show, courtesy of edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=108867)... seems to look a bit more understated in styling here than previously. Maybe it's just the color difference, or maybe I'm just getting used to it.

[th003g]

damn is it me or are the interiors in these new cars getting cheaper and cheaper by the year....the grille is a dodge thing... its an attempt to tie all of their cars together with one styling cue... looks like an american pontiac Vibe to me... vibe /matrix I consider them Japanese not

[robs02elantra]

Yeah, I'm completely with you on the interior!! I don't know why they keep throwing them together, when the imports have it so together. You would think that one "North American" car manufacturer planning guy would have sat in at least one import in his (or her) life to figure that they have got it COMPLETELY WRONG! Geepers.

[big_rob]

my former co-worker is now a dodge/chrysler/jeep salesman, they had one of these at his dealership yesterday, the 1.8 140hp, he said the overall power was ruther unimpressive, but he was surprised by how tightly it handled, said the cornering on it was great, and the steering wheel gave u a good feel for the road. i have yet to drive one, but he said he would give it a 7-8 out of 10, once u take the low price into consideration. he said it is goin to be a remarkable value, now lets just hope it doesnt have those infamous tranny problems when it comes out

[th003g]

funny thing is i went on autoweek forums and people were bashing the azera in comparison to a lucerne...LOL typical middle american buy american blindly type of thinking... lol i don't knwo why gm and all the other american car companies can call their new generation interiors revolutionary and cutting edge when you look at the last gen cars of asian and european manufacturers and they still look more modern than those of these new american cars....
lacrosse:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2005/Buick/100377822/20024754-E.jpg
lucerne:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2006/Buick/100487860/20023289-E.jpg
cobalt:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2005/Chevrolet/100301254/028804-E.jpg
impala:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2006/Chevrolet/100412183/20022709-E.jpg
other offenders : chrysler 300 and family, dodge magnum, ford fusion and all associated variants, 500 etc....especially pontiac which still thinks bubbly shaped grey plastic interiors are the sexy....(see G6)
don't even get me started on their SUVs' (commander :pukeface: )
just watch a commercial for the new gm suv's: new revolutinary luxury interior...
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/roadtest/07.chevrolet.tahoe.lt/07.chevrolet.tahoe.int.500.jpg
why is it luxury... because it has a waterfall style console...
its like they associate revolutionary with the idea that a t-square is the best way to design an interior.... save for nissan and the new cheaper honda Fit.... whose interior materials seem to have been lifted from my beloved dodge raider (88 vintage) pick any asian or european car and I gaurantee it to have a better interior design and quality than a comparable american car....

but I digress....anything is better than neon

[Nerraux]

-"...the engine will come in three different variants. The 1.8-liter version will produce 140 horsepower with 125 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter version will produce 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.4-liter version will deliver 170 horsepower with 165 lb-ft of torque..."

140 out of the 1.8? very nice!

Um...I thought 140 was what they have always gotten out of the Neon 1.8...I'm nearly certain that's what my '98 was rated at, anyway

As for the style, I dig it. Count me in.

[Doohickie]

The other pictures (red exterior) actually make it attractive. Probably because there are no shots of that butt-ugly grill.

[mrhoaf]

Um...I thought 140 was what they have always gotten out of the Neon 1.8...I'm nearly certain that's what my '98 was rated at, anyway

As for the style, I dig it. Count me in.

Neons have been 2.0's all along as far as I know...


I like the looks too.... If I felt like I could trust an entry-level "domestic" car, I'd consider it once the XD is paid off... Unfortunately, my parents '05 PT hasn't done anything to help change my opinion...

[Nerraux]

You may be right, but I thought they had a 1.8 & a 2 all along. The 2 was the SXT, everything else was 1.8. *shrug* perhaps I just need to lay off the pipe.

[hyunelan2]

I checked MSN autos, all Neons 1995-2004 were 2.0L cars, except for the SRT-4 trim, which was a 2.4L.

[GHoosdum]

The other pictures (red exterior) actually make it attractive. Probably because there are no shots of that butt-ugly grill.

I think it's the color - the car must just look better in red than that burnt orange. The grille didn't bother me, but the general looks seemed too edgy in the orange. In red, for some reason the styling looks a bit less blunt and a little more curvaceous. But like you guys said, the interior does seem really cheap.

[SuperGLS]

SRT Version info from TCC:

The new Caliber may satisfy world econocar shoppers, but the lusty new SRT4 edition takes a different tack. "It's everything a tuner could want, no assembly required," says George Murphy, Chrysler Group VP of global marketing. To the stock Caliber, Dodge straps on a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Caliber R/T for a rousing 300 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the SRT4 scoots to 60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds, Dodge says. The Caliber body gets dressed up with front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a single exhaust tip, along with a hatch-mounted spoiler and 19-inch wheels. In the cabin, Dodge yanks out the base seats and installs sport buckets with contrast stitching. New gauges include a 200-mph speedometer, and more realistically, a boost and water temperature gauge. A 13-speaker audio system is optional, as are Sirius radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

--------------

A turbo world engine (Theta) making 300 HP... ahh, the possibilities.

[Nerraux]

"It's everything a tuner could want, no assembly required," without assembly involved, a tuner wouldn't want it. If only more executives knew enough to keep their mouths shut.

[pjc6281]

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/08/aye-carumba-dodge-unloads-the-300-hp-caliber-srt-4/

[hyunelan2]

Ok, all that's important about this right now is that the 300hp is coming from the 2.4L World Engine (that was developed with Hyundai).

EDIT: oops, forgot to paste:

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is capable of a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber gets its motivation from an all-new “World Engine” produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Mich. The World Engine is a family of small fuel- and emissions-efficient aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines co-developed by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

“The all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you’d expect from a V-8,” said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – Powertrain, SRT. “With the engine in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we were able to take advantage of tried-and-true performance improvements, such as increased cylinder-head flow and higher compression ratio, as well as newer technologies such as Variable Valve Timing (VVT).”

To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration, the aluminum 2.4-liter World Engine block is specially machined for increased water and oil flow. Unique cast pistons travel within iron cylinder liners, and are cooled by oil squirters and affixed to forged connecting rods for high-revving reliability.

Tri-metal bearings are used for the connecting rods and crankshaft for high-performance durability. A unique oil pump/balance shaft module keeps the reciprocating assembly well-lubricated and running smoothly. An external cooler keeps oil temperatures within a safe range.

The aluminum cylinder head is equipped with unique high-temperature exhaust valves. VVT uses computer mapping to open and close intake and exhaust valves at optimal points for efficient combustion and flow. The camshaft and micro-alloy steel crankshaft, shared with the non-turbocharged 2.4-liter World Engine, are fully capable of high-horsepower loads.

Free-flow induction begins with an all-new air cleaner assembly that draws through an opening in a front crossmember for proximity to cool air. The air is then compressed in a TD04 turbocharger specially configured for the engine’s inlet and outlet packaging requirements, and sent through an intercooler to a 57mm throttle body.

Fuel is provided by a high-flow pump feeding injectors developed specifically for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4. An all-new engine management system designed by Siemens -- the Global Powertrain Engine Controller -- keeps the powerplant running at maximum efficiency and power.

On the exhaust side, spent gas exits through a free-flow system that features two catalytic converters – one immediately downstream from the turbo, and another further along the 3-inch single-pipe exhaust system. Using two catalytic converters in this way provides significantly better “light-off” for decreased emissions. As with the previous-generation Dodge SRT4, the exhaust is tuned for maximum performance while meeting federal noise regulations.

Power is transferred through a dual-mass flywheel to the six-speed manual transmission. The dual-mass flywheel consists of two flywheels sandwiching internal springs that are specially tuned to reduce noise and vibration. The GF DMT-6 six-speed transmission, equipped with a limited-slip differential for uniform side-to-side power transfer, is capable of handling up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

Torque is sent to the Dodge Caliber SRT4’s wheels through equal-length halfshafts sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for their larger size and power-handling capability.

[pjc6281]

Interesting that the engine is has VVT and is turboed, people are always screamish about the vvt and forced induction. If it has 300hp i guess valve overlap isnt a problem with that engine.

[Doohickie]

I saw one of them on the road today. I was underwhelmed. My earlier comment stands: I looks like a compact car going to a costume ball as an SUV.

[hyunelan2]

Oh yea, the car totally sucks in appearance - and is cramped as hell. The SRT4, however... 300hp out of a 2.4L... OEM! With the same engine Hyundai has on the shelf! Awesome!

[Estopatitiana]

am i the only one that would rather have a neon srt-4 than this


0-60 under six seconds is impressive though

[GitLow02GT]

am i the only one that would rather have a neon srt-4 than this


0-60 under six seconds is impressive though

i agree, i'd take the neon all day over the calibur, i saw one at school the other day and i made this face :abovelol:

[1SweetV6]

I went to the bottom of that page, here is a VERY neat safty feature.

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): In the event of an impact, this system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and access occupants by automatically turning on interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. The system also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine

Inflatable Knee Blocker: The inflatable knee blocker is an air bag that deploys whenever the driver’s primary air bag deploys, helping position the driver relative to the primary air bag

• Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line, instrument panel, windshield and rear window headers, roof and side rail structures, and shoulder-belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head-impact forces

• Knee Bolsters: The steering column, lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are reinforced to protect unbelted occupants during frontal impacts. They both restrain and position the occupant properly and enable air bags to work effectively

Seat-belt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, which reduces the forward movement of an occupant’s head and torso

[Maxwell]

The Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe only come in this style and are strong sellers and versatile to live with. The Elantra, Mazda 3, Focus, Spectra, all have a similar package but also offer a 3 box version, so the package style is well established and popular. The styling is love it or hate it from a details perspective but the minivan and suv market have established the Wagon style
and with 4 cylinder economy it WILL be a hit. With the performance options avalible on the Caliber the reality for us Elantra owners is simple, it doesn't matter what you think of the front end styling you won't be seeing much of that angle.

[02ChiantiGT]

I went and checked the Caliber out when the came out a few weeks ago. They had a SE Base model for $15,300, auto, air and cooler in glove compartment. No power, cd player or anything like that, and steel wheels. The also had an SXT with power for $17,900, to high if you ask me.

[GHoosdum]

Honestly, that is too high. I just don't see the value being there in the compacts being offered by the American auto manufacturers. At least not compared to walking out the door of the Hyundai dealership with a fully-loaded GT 5spd for $13,100...

[pjc6281]

Is this the same NA engine as the new sonata, and if so ......Why does it make 10hp more than the new sonata does?

[GHoosdum]

I believe that the long block is much the same between manufacturers, but there is variation in the intake/exhaust manifolds, along with the computer tuning.

[hyunelan2]

I think the 2.4 in the new Sonata is the 'theta' engine, which is different than the 'world' engine... I could be mistaken though?

[CTele02]

Theta = World Engine just dodge uses a different CVVT program.

[SuperGLS]

Yeah, Ctele and GHoo are right on this one. Same engine, just with different technology as concerned with the intake and exhaust timing.

[mrhoaf]

I test drove a Caliber today, and I liked it. I'm going to be switching over to an automatic with my next purchase, and the Caliber's CVT is pretty interesting. It's weird to drive a car that isn't shifting. (and yes, I went for teh clutch a couple times on my 20 min or so drive) The RPMS build slowly, and sometimes they don't really climb much at all... you just go faster.

I drove a SXT model which is the middle of the line (SE, SXT, RT... with SRT-4 to follow later) and it seemed to handle well on the stock 17"s when i whipped it around a round-a-bout... but I have to admit that I didn't really get much of a chance to test it... I don't know of any good roads around here.

The 2.0 seemed to have enough power, although between getting used tot eh CVT, driving on city streets, and the sales monkey in the passenger seat ( :angryfire ) I didn't really get to test that either...

My Brother-in-law was with me and stuck in the back seat for the test drive and was dissapointed in the leg room (knee room specifically) and head room, although the seat back reclines and he said that fixed that issue. I liked that the seat height was adjustable...

The car I drove had the Boston Acoustics speaker upgrade with a sub and the flip-down speakers in the hatch. It sounded pretty good, but I didn't have a CD with me to really test it. One thing that bugged me though. All 3 Calibers on the lot had the 6 disc changer stereo, but it doesn't have the line-in jack on the front. If it has line-in on the back or if they offer iPod integration, that would be OK, but I find it odd that only the base radio has the jack... I mean, the center console has a freakin' MP3 player holder built in!

Overall, this car has made my short list. I still need to drive it again before signing for one, but I'm definately considering buying one.

[Vampyrate]

so wait... this car has ears?!? wonder what it listens to... jfwyg

anyway, i think its funny how such an ugly car can get such power, i would take the srt-4 or even a base neon over this car anyday... bad move dodge, you just lost points with me