2007 Dodge Caliber Powertrain

[RAM MAN]

2007 Dodge Caliber Powertrain is a New Slant in One of the World’s Most Competitive Segmentshttp://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/images/icons/print.gif (http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/print.do?id=1508) http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/images/icons/download.gif (http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/pdf.do?id=1508) Firsts for the Chrysler Group Include the Use of a Continuously Variable Transmission, Application of the World Engines and All-Wheel Drive Availability in the C Segment


New-generation continuously variable transmission, CVT2, will give customers improved performance and fuel economy
Chrysler Group’s first electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system provides all-weather driving security and added handling performance
2.0-liter turbo diesel with 2000-bar direct injection will deliver excellent performance and fuel economy for markets outside of North America
Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 8, 2005 - Confirming production of the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, the Chrysler Group today announced that the powertrain choices for the vehicle will be engineered to meet the demands of global customers. The Dodge Caliber will feature innovative engines and transmissions to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

“We focused on customer benefits during the selection and development of the Dodge Caliber engines and transmissions, targeting the hottest issues in the C segment: fuel economy, reliability, performance and value,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer a continuously variable transmission, the World Engine family of four-cylinder gasoline engines, a new 2.0-liter diesel engine and all-wheel drive.”

New Generation Continuously Variable Transmission – CVT2
The all-new Dodge Caliber will use the newest generation of continuously variable transmissions, CVT2, offering several advantages compared with previous CVTs.

“Chrysler Group’s CVT2 has been calibrated to delight customers with pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an AutoStick® feature that allows for manual control and the simulation of six stepped gears,” said Ridenour.

Through the use of electronic controls, the Chrysler Group CVT2 provides a familiar feel while delivering improved fuel economy. For example, drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.

Chrysler Group’s CVT2 contributes a 6-8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. Eliminating upshifts allows the transmission to engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped transmissions and results in more efficient operation, especially during city driving.

Customers will notice that CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transmission. Optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30-60 mph range, improve passing maneuvers and contribute to a responsive feel.

Chrysler Group’s CVT2 makes it possible to continuously vary the transmission ratio, providing an infinite number of gear ratios. This allows the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range. The transmission uses two V pulleys and a steel push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.

All-Wheel Drive
“In addition to being the first all-wheel-drive C-segment vehicle from the Chrysler Group, Dodge Caliber will also use the first electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with variable torque output ever offered on any Chrysler Group passenger car,” said Ridenour. “An electronically controlled coupling manages torque split from front to rear with no driver input needed for smooth and automatic performance.”

The system works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed, which optimizes fuel economy. All-wheel drive is also used between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to ensure precise handling during performance driving. All-wheel drive will be available on vehicles sold in North America.

World Engine
Fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder market. The Chrysler Group World Engine family is targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five percent compared with the engines they replace – rivaling the best four-cylinder engines in the world.

“The engines will be built through a joint venture and, simply stated, the World Engine program allows us to build premium features into our engines without a premium price,” said Ridenour. “We set and met high standards in key customer attributes: fuel economy, refinements, durability, quality and performance for our gasoline engine offerings.”

Chrysler Group brought its engineering expertise to the World Engine program in the areas of cylinder port and intake manifold design using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. Chrysler Group engineers led the development work on dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), as well as an integrated 2:1 oil pump/balance shaft assembly. Chrysler Group also refined the engines for exceptional smoothness and sound quality, resulting in a pleasant engine feel and sound for the customer.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available with all three displacements in the World Engine family: 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. Performance objectives are targeted to match the best in the segment – 140, 150 and 170 hp, respectively.

2.0-liter Turbo Diesel
For Europe and other key diesel markets, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber will also be available with an advanced 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.

“The advanced diesel engine is technology readily available today that can dramatically reduce the amount of crude oil consumed worldwide,” said Ridenour. “This is well known in Europe where, in today’s competitive environment, customers are looking for modern diesel engines with outstanding performance and efficiency. Nearly 50 percent of all passenger vehicles sold in Europe are powered by diesel engines. For the Chrysler Group, approximately 60 percent of vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered.”

The 2.0-liter engine is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically controlled, allowing precise management of each combustion cycle with the optimum quantity of fuel. This system can operate at pressures up to 2000 bar, leading to finer atomization of fuel, high power and torque and optimal fuel efficiency. The turbo diesel engine is expected to position the Dodge Caliber sold in Europe among the best in its class for power, torque and towing capacity. Maximum power is estimated at 134 hp DIN (100 kW), and peak torque is estimated at 229 lb.-ft. (310 N•m).

[sgrizzle]

I love my truck but I'm almost thinking maybe I need a cliber with the 2.4, CVT2, and autostick for my "driving to work" car.

[garou]

lt sounds like a great car, very fuel efficient (which helps with high fuel prices) and good performance. Arround how much will the caliber cost?

[rar219]

The probable hit cost price will start under $20,000. My guess, $17,000 or more.

[bobem12]

why is the diesel available only in markets outside of north america? DC would sell the $hit outta those, imo!!!

[98MagnumDakota]

2.0-liter turbo diesel with 2000-bar direct injection will deliver excellent performance and fuel economy for markets outside of North America
WTH, we arnt good enough to get the diesel?

[Monkey Bus]

IT's just another example of boardroom decision makers that are out of touch with what the American public really wants.

I want the diesel too.....dammit!

[Renaultlover]

So far. I don't like it, I don't like it, I don't like it. This is what they do to replace the Neon. Boxy-The front-end looks like a Ram Truck and ,worst of all, am I reading into this that they will not offer a 5-Speed Manual Transmission? Boo! From where the hell now is DCX coming up with these ideas, anyway?

[jrandis04]

isn't the motor part hydia? if so, why would anyone want a korean pos???

[FYI101]

actually i read that motor is part of VW

[66coronet]

isn't the motor part hydia? if so, why would anyone want a korean pos???


World Engine Delivers World Class Performance and Value


*World-class four-cylinder engines will deliver an exceptional combination of fuel efficiency, quality and performance.
*Horsepower and torque ratings rival today’s V-6 engines.
*First U.S. application of variable valve timing for entry-level Chrysler Group vehicles.

Dundee, Mich, Oct 03, 2005-The new family of four-cylinder World Engines produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plants will deliver an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement, performance and durability.

“These four-cylinder engines will achieve five percent improved fuel efficiency over the engines they replace, while rivaling the horsepower and torque ratings of many V-6 engines,” said Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda.

GEMA is producing 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines jointly developed by GEMA partners DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The Dundee-built engines will initially appear in the 2007 Dodge Caliber, available in the first quarter of 2006. Each company will use the same base engines, but can tailor aspects such as intake and exhaust to fit their respective brands and vehicles.

Aggressive performance and fuel economy targets are achieved through advanced cylinder head port and intake manifold design. These technologies include dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves — technologies currently found only on more expensive performance and luxury engines in the American market. The horsepower and torque targets are among the best four-cylinder engines – 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque for the 2.4-liter.

Because fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder market, the World Engines are targeted to raise efficiency 5 percent over the engines they replace. These technologies also enable the engine to meet the ultra-clean ULEV II emissions standards.

GEMA set a high standard for sound quality and minimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). To meet these targets, engineers addressed NVH through several unique measures, including an isolated valve cover and a damped oil pan to reduce sound at the top and bottom of the engine. A variety of select-fit parts also aid in the minimization of NVH, while engine idle smoothness is improved through dual VVT technology and the flow control valve intake manifold.

“In addition to these unique attributes, these engines will deliver world-class quality and durability,” LaSorda said. “These engines have benefited from the contributions and commitment of all three partners.”

Hyundai led the development of the base engine, and the Chrysler Group made significant engineering contributions to the engine design. Through the involvement of all three automakers, durability testing for World Engine includes 15 million customer-equivalent miles. Additionally, partners have shared best practices and lessons learned from past and current experiences, resulting in improved refinement, quality and durability.

[66coronet]

The probable hit cost price will start under $20,000. My guess, $17,000 or more.


Dodge's own Web site now allows built-to-order Caliber simulations, giving us the following news:

Base price is under $14,000 (estimated), with the R/T starting at under $18,000 - not far from projections.
A hybrid option was posted for an extra $3,360, but this appears to have been pulled. We don't think any hybrid will be available at least until 2008. We're still reserving judgement on the GM-Chrysler-BMW hybrid system's effectiveness. The only design in the marketplace that really works, according to guru Evan Boberg, is the Toyota system.
A turbodiesel is actually shown at $5,155 - this would be a Volkswagen engine - it's probably only for export models.
All wheel drive is shown at $3,000
An important disclaimer is also shown, noting that these options, pricing information, and specifications are very much subject to change, and that the prices "are for survey purposes only and do not represent an offer to sell." The site mentions a four speed transmission rather than the CVT known to be offered.

[want_2_be_low]

I was at the dealer a few weeks ago (to see how much for them to install sirius)... They will be coming out with a high performance one... All wheel drive and turbo'd from what he told me...

Also, I'm pretty sure that a lot of the efficient engines from over seas don't make it here because they don't meet the emissions stuff over here. At least that's what i've read/heard on SPEED channel.

[66coronet]

2007 Tier II clamps down hard on NOx emissions. Euro standards have typically focused on CO and particulates.

AutoWeek | Published 10/17/05, 12:00 am et

Dodge is studying "what it takes" to market the 2007 Caliber with a diesel engine in the United States. The company will sell a diesel Caliber in Europe.
"The study will take another 30 to 45 days," Landry says. "That's the good news. The bad news is the engine itself will take a couple of years. It has to be crashed."
The Caliber's diesel engine is not adapted for the United States, he says.

[66coronet]

VW will be dumping its line of TDI diesels by 2007 and switching to a common-rail design for all of its oil-burners, with annual production of the new engines totaling over 2 million units. This announcement can probably be taken as evidence that mechanical diesel injection has reached its practical limits, despite the relatively high level of refinement that VW has achieved using the technology. Indeed, there will probably be a number of faithful TDI owners who see no reason to give up the system that has brought respectable power and refinement to passenger-car diesels.

Current TDI products sold here in the states uses a four-port radial injection pump, driven off the timing belt, to achieve the 20,000 PSI or so needed for directly injecting fuel into the cylinder, while VW diesel engines sold elsewhere are available with an innovative system that uses one pump assembly per cylinder. Both systems rely on complex electromechanical and electrohydraulic means to control the volume and timing of fuel delivery. It's expensive, somewhat finicky (a diesel mechanic in a good mood is indeed quite rare), and doesn't offer the exacting control over the injection sequence that's required to meet upcoming emissions targets and customer expectations.

Common-rail injection systems operate much like standard gasoline port injection systems, with a single pump pressuring one or more fuel rails (depending on the physical layout of the engine, there's usually one rail per cylinder bank), and electrically-actuated injectors providing precise control over fuel delivery. The main difference is the pressures involved - 20,000 PSI and beyond, compared to 40-55 PSI for a typical port injection system. Obviously, it takes one heck of an electromechanical injector to open and close at such pressures, but the technology has come a long ways in recent years, and such systems are quickly obsolescing mechanical injection pumps just as EFI replaced carburetors two decades ago. This system is far less complex from a mechanical standpoint, and things such as multi-pulse fuel delivery become easy to implement.


The P-D system can control injection timing better than the old distributor-pump system and it can make more injection pressure than the old distributor-pump system (on par with common-rail), but I can see where certain things engine designers would like to be able to do, aren't compatible with the current P-D system.

P-D is only capable of injecting fuel while the plunger is being pushed down by the cam lobe. If you want to start approaching HCCI operating conditions (known to be better for emissions), you need to inject fuel earlier in the compression stroke. P-D doesn't have the flexibility to allow this.

Also, there are some cases where the new exhaust aftertreatment might require the exhaust temperature to be raised. With common-rail, you can inject fuel later in the power stroke or even during the exhaust stroke. P-D can't do that. The '96 Passat TDI had an extra injector in the exhaust system to (sorta) do this, and us owners of that particular model know how well THAT worked ... ! ! !

Also, P-D isn't capable of controlling the injection pressure independently of the engine speed. Common-rail systems have a fuel pressure regulator. P-D just pushes the plunger down and the injection pressure "is what it is".

[66coronet]

AutoWeek | Published 10/27/05, 12:00 am et
DETROIT -- Dodge's target audience for the 2007 Dodge Caliber will be second-time car buyers.

The Caliber will not go head-to-head with cheap, entry-level models. That marks a change from the Neon, which it replaces.

"Caliber is bigger than your typical small car," Steven Landry, Dodge vice president of marketing and product planning, told Automotive News. "It has a lot of standard features you typically wouldn't find on a small car.

"We are focusing on a demographic of people that it is not their first car. It is probably their second vehicle."

The Caliber, a five-door hatchback, will go on sale in the first quarter of 2006, Landry says.

Dodge is in the final stages of pricing the vehicle, Landry says.

The Caliber likely will be priced around $17,000. The 2005 Neon starts at $14,295, including shipping.

The Caliber will be the first vehicle equipped with the Chrysler group's new generation of 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.

A continuously variable transmission will improve fuel economy over a conventional four-speed automatic, the company says. An AutoStick feature allows manual driving and the simulation of six gears.

The Caliber also will offer electronically controlled all-wheel drive. The system works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed.

The Caliber's primary domestic competitor is the Pontiac Vibe, and its import rival is the Mazda3, Landry says. College-educated 25-to-35-year olds with an annual household income of $40,000 are the primary target, he says.

Given the Caliber's demographic, the Internet will play a huge role in selling it, Landry says.

"We are going to use the Internet a lot on Caliber, maybe more than any launch we have done," he says.

Consumers who bought a Neon within the last four years and still own the vehicle will be targeted through direct mail.

[66coronet]

10 September 2003
ENGINE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN VOLKSWAGEN AG AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG

Delivery of 120,000 Turbodieselengines annually

Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler have agreed to form a partnership concerning the delivery of 120,000 2.0-liter-four-valve diesel engines (100 kW/136 hp) a year. The first deliveries will be made in 2005; the agreement runs until 2013.

The engines are targeted for use in Chrysler brand vehicles as well as in future models of DaimlerChrysler's alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors (MMC). These passenger cars will be marketed exclusively in Europe.

allpar sight = 2.0 VW diesel 134hp 229lb-ft / 310Nm

Also used in the VW passat and Golf gen V

From the about cars web sight.
Colin Hefferon drove both the 2004 Passat 4Motion and the new 5th Generation 2004 Golf sedan, equipped with the 2.0L TDI, on a variety of roads around Wolfsburg. It was truly a treat. And, by the way, if you think two litres is too small an engine for US roads, think again. In the Passat, it almost felt like there was a V-8 under the hood and in the lighter Golf, all I can say is "try it." Forget about the numbers... you won't believe what the seat of your pants is telling you."

[66coronet]

Dec 22 2005, 04:18 PM
the first production mules are rolling off the line

Oct 7 2005
Here is some Cailber production information.

- Volume production will start on Monday, January 9th 2006. A single shift will initially be used, producing around 2600 vehicles per week.

- A second shift will be added the last week of March, increasing capacity to 5000+ vehicles per week.

- 2007 will be a long model year, running about 18 months. The 2008 models will not start production until July 2007 and will arrive in showrooms in August/September 2007.

- Total estimated production for the 2007 model year Caliber will be around 370,000 units.

[want_2_be_low]

It'd be cool to see a turbodiesel... Then have BullyDog, Banks, or EDGE come out with a programmer.... Little 5 door wagon with a sh!t load of black smoke coming out of the exhaust...

[66coronet]

2007 Caliber base PMDL49

(updated 10/07/05)

Front wheel drive
1.8L 4-cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine (140HP)
2.0L 4-cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine (optional) (150 HP)
5-speed manual transmission
CVT2 transmission (optional)
Air conditioning (optional)
AM/FM CD radio w/four speakers
AM/FM CD six-disc MP3 radio w/six speakers (optional)
Caliber badge
Cargo lamp
Cloth low-back bucket seats
Body color grille and fascias
Electroluminescent gauges
Fixed glass for liftgate door
Fold-flat load floor
Halogen headlamps
Keyless entry/Sentry key
Locks, manual
Mirrors, manual
Power accessory delay
Power rack and pinion steering
Rear seat heat ducts
Rear view day & night mirror
Side air bags (optional)
Sirius satellite radio (optional)
Sliding sun visors w/mirrors
Sunroof (optional, with express open-close)
Tilt steering column
Tire, compact spare
Tires P205/70R15 BSW AS
Touring suspension
Vinyl load floor covering
Wheels 15x6.0 steel
Windows, manual
Windows, power, driver one-touch up (optional)
Wiper, rear window
Wipers, variable intermittent
12V auxiliary power outlet


2007 Caliber SXT PMDH49

Features & options (in addition to or in place of base model features)

Front wheel drive
1.8L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine (140HP)
2.0L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine (optional) (150 HP)
5-speed manual NVG transmission
CVT2 transmission (optional)
Air conditioning (optional)
AM/FM CD w/changer control (standard)
AM/FM CD six-disc MP3 radio six speakers w/subwoofer (optional)
Audio system nine speaker premium w/subwoofer (optional)
Adjustable liftgate speakers (incl. with premium system)
Badge - SXT
Black-out tape, B-pillar applique
Chrome color grille w/body color fascias
Flexible seating package
HomeLink (optional)
Instrument panel cooler (optional)
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Lighted cupholders
Luggage cover (soft)
Passenger grab handles
Passenger fold-flat front seat
Power locks, speed sensitive
Power rack and pinion steering
Power mirrors
Rear seat split 60/40, fold/recline (optional)
Rechargeable interior removeable lamp
Remote audio steering wheel controls
Sirius satellite radio (optional)
Sliding armrest with cell phone bracket
Sport package, interior, w/two-tone seats (optional)
Tire pressure monitoring display (optional)
Tires P215/60R17 BSW AS Touring
Touring suspension
Vinyl load floor covering
Wheels 17x6.5 aluminum (optional)
Windows, power, driver one-touch up
110V auxiliary power outlet


2007 Caliber R/T PMEX49

Features & options (in addition to or in place of base/SXT model features)

Front Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive (electronically controlled)
2.4L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine (170HP)
5-speed manual T-355 transmission
CVT2 transmission (optional) with optional Autostick
Air conditioning
Black-out tape, B-pillar applique
Brake Assist
Bright interior accents
Bright instrument panel switches
Cabin air filter (optional)
Chrome exhaust tip
Chrome color bodyside molding
Chrome color grille with body color fascias
Daytime Running Lamps (optional)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Fog lamps
Heated front seats
Leather trimmed bucket seats
Leather interior package
Performance tuned steering
Remote audio steering wheel controls
R/T badge
Sport suspension
Tires P215/55R18 BSW AS performance
Wheels 18x7.0 aluminum
Wheels 18x7.0 chrome (optional)

[want_2_be_low]

Hey, it's snowing in here...

[rice_eater]

It'd be cool to see a turbodiesel... Then have BullyDog, Banks, or EDGE come out with a programmer.... Little 5 door wagon with a sh!t load of black smoke coming out of the exhaust...
:thatfunny :thatfunny :thatfunny

[AP]

I placed the info in the wrong place!!! Sorry!! Also, If I think about it. I'll give ya a picture of a un machined bare I-4 World Engine from my work.


Green Machines News
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Background
I-4 WORLD ENGINES
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) Plants
Dundee, Michigan

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Technology: Variable Valve Timing
Fuel Economy Improvement: 5%


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The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA), which represents DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, has developed a new line of I-4 engines that utilize dual variable valve timing (VVT). This technology varies the timing of the engine's intake and exhaust valves (as opposed to other VVT engines which often vary only the exhaust valve timing) thereby improving fuel economy by 5% over current I-4 engines. These engines will be the first US built engines to utilize dual-VVT technology and will be available in 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter, and 2.4-liter displacements.

The World Engines will be built at two new GEMA plants in Dundee, Michigan. Together the two plants will create 500 new UAW organized jobs. The first of the plants is responsible for $700 million in investment, and began production of the engines in October 2005. The second is currently under construction and will begin production in late 2006. Each plant is expected to produce 420,000 engines annually.

The new engines will likely be offered in most DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mistsubishi vehicles that utilize I-4 engines and will be replacing engines that are currently produced in Mexico. The first vehicle to use the engine will be the Dodge Caliber, which is expected to have a 20% fuel-economy increase over its predecessor, the Dodge Neon.

Washington Post Story: New Engine Plant Marks a New Deal for Auto Industry


Source: DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Back to Advanced Technology page


Green Machines Tour - A project of the Ecology Center - 117 N. Division - Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - 764.731.3186 - info@greenmachinestour.org

The Ecology Center is a non profit environmental advocacy organization that works for healthy communities,
clean products and clean production. Staff are organized as members of UAW Local 174.

[n-gin]

If the variable speed trans is anything like the older ones evpect to see a lot of these being rebuilt. I wonder how hard its going to be to pull the tranies.
I guess we sacrafice durability for comfort.

[66coronet]

http://www.americancarfans.com/news/2050809.002/2050809.002.1M.jpg

How hard is it to change the tranny. I suppose like any FWD vehical.

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/chrysler_cont_var.jpg

[n-gin]

Well if its the same it should take 30 minutes to get it on the ground. The question is now if you can service the belts in the car or do you have space between body and trans. Another question is what kind of frame dose it have? If the engine and trans is mounted to the body or does it mount to a frame. If it is mounted to a frame then you have to drop the cradle. Oh well I guess we'll soon find out.

[rhino18]

from earlier post:
The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available with all three displacements in the World Engine family: 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. Performance objectives are targeted to match the best in the segment – 140, 150 and 170 hp, respectively.

does anyone know of any data for these (3) engines? reliability, warranty? on other cars? fuel ratings? torque curves? trying to balance hp vs economics vs fun vs cost

looking to buy one of the first cars in the area...is the old concern of not buying one of the first production vehicles still a concern these days?

[HankL]

In other press releases it has been written that the CVT for the Caliber/Nitro is built by Jatco, the transmission subsidary of Nissan/Renault, at a new USA plant. A larger version of this CVT is already in the Nissan Murano.

Keep in mind that ex-Chrysler Vice President Wolfgang Bernard's new job is CEO of Volkswagon.

Zetsche and Bernard are good friends still, and have been putting out press releases saying that DCX and Volkswagon are going to do a Minivan deal as well as VW selling TDI diesels for the Caliber.

All the hype about how the Caliber is going to get great MPG is nice, but notice that it has a poor aerodynamic Cd of 0.4 compared to the old Neon that had a Cd=.32 ?

[66coronet]

from earlier post:
The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available with all three displacements in the World Engine family: 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. Performance objectives are targeted to match the best in the segment – 140, 150 and 170 hp, respectively.

does anyone know of any data for these (3) engines? reliability, warranty? on other cars? fuel ratings? torque curves? trying to balance hp vs economics vs fun vs cost

looking to buy one of the first cars in the area...is the old concern of not buying one of the first production vehicles still a concern these days?
As you probably know, DCX & hyundai & mitsubishi got together to engineer this motor. But mostly Hyundai on the base block. On the heads and fuel system all 3 companys have thier own way of doing things. So currently Hyundai is using the world motor in the sonona. Caliber will be the first to use the motors for DCX. Not sure of mitsubishi's progress. As for warrenty. You will need to see the dodge web sight (http://www.dodge.com/caliber/vehicle.html). On other vehicals; caliber 2007, patriot2007, compass2007, avenger 2008, sebring 2008, & pt cruiser 2008 or 2009. Fuel ratings- got to wait till dodge releases it on thier web sight.
The only other info I have is allpar (http://www.allpar.com/mopar/world-engine.html), dodge boy (http://www.*************/news/worldengines/index.htm) (which is word for word from DCX web sight news release)
From dodge.com:
2.4L = 173hp @ 6,000 164 lb-ft @ 4,400
2.0L = 150hp @ 6,400 135 lb-ft @ 5,200
1.8L = 143hp @ 6,400 124 lb-ft @ 5,500

[66coronet]

In other press releases it has been written that the CVT for the Caliber/Nitro is built by Jatco, the transmission subsidary of Nissan/Renault, at a new USA plant. A larger version of this CVT is already in the Nissan Murano.

Keep in mind that ex-Chrysler Vice President Wolfgang Bernard's new job is CEO of Volkswagon.

Zetsche and Bernard are good friends still, and have been putting out press releases saying that DCX and Volkswagon are going to do a Minivan deal as well as VW selling TDI diesels for the Caliber.

All the hype about how the Caliber is going to get great MPG is nice, but notice that it has a poor aerodynamic Cd of 0.4 compared to the old Neon that had a Cd=.32 ?

Some of your info is right and some is wrong. Lets start with the dodge (http://www.dodge.com/en/nitro/features/performance/index.html) Nitro (http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/dodge/nitro.html).
"The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Dodge Nitro 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine."
"The four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the 3.7-liter V-6 Dodge Nitro and standard on the 3.7-liter V-6 Dodge Nitro SLT."
"The five-speed automatic transmission is mated to the Dodge Nitro R/T
4.0-liter V-6 engine."

As for CVTs for north american market and other markets.
JATCO Mexico, S.A. de C.V.. (http://www.jatco.co.jp/ENGLISH/NEWS/2006/060113E.html) Location: Aguascalientes City, Aguascalientes State, Mexico

JATCO will Supply Continuously Variable Transmissions to Chrysler Group (http://www.jatco.co.jp/ENGLISH/NEWS/2005/050817e.htm)

Jatco is 82 percent owned by Nissan, with Mitsubishi owning the other 18 percent. (http://www.conway.com/ssinsider/pwatch/pw030616.htm)

As for CVT's, they will be used in the caliber, compass, patriot. Maybe also avenger (stratus replacement) and sebring. Plus most likely the dodge champ (VW polo) [geneva car show] and dodge hornet (smart/mitsubishi colt). (so far the last 2 is just rumors)
As for VW 2.0L TDI: caliber, compass, patriot. So far.

As for fuel mileage. No clue yet.