Caliber SRT-4 is here

[RAM MAN]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge roars into the Chicago auto show this week with the 300-horsepower 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 (http://www.edmunds.com/future/2007/dodge/calibersrt4/100650669/preview.html), which goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds and outperforms the original Dodge SRT-4 by 85 hp.

Dodge insiders told Inside Line that the turbocharged Caliber SRT-4 will be launched in spring 2007. Although pricing has not yet been determined, Dodge intends to keep the high-performance Caliber well under $25,000. And while Mopar will offer a slate of performance accessories for the SRT-4, insiders tell IL not to expect turbo upgrades because the vehicle is already in the top range of its capability. Suspension kits and other goodies will be available, however.

The Caliber SRT-4 is powered by the all-new aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder "World Engine," which was developed jointly by the Chrysler Group, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and makes 260 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says the Caliber SRT-4 will deliver at least 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Trevor Creed, Chrysler's senior vice president of design, said the Caliber SRT-4 was styled with a "much more aggressive look than the standard Dodge Caliber." An all-new front fascia incorporates functional performance features including ducts that direct air to cool the brakes and a wide center inlet that provides air flow to the radiator. The hood has a functional scoop. The Caliber SRT-4 also includes an integrated spoiler above the rear glass and a single 3.5-inch exhaust tip. Standard features include SRT-unique 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 19-inch Goodyear tires. The car will be available in four exterior colors: Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver, and Inferno Red.

The cabin is outfitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a carbon-fiber pattern on the upper portion, sport seating, and a center-stack-mounted shifter with a lift ring to engage reverse. Performance-oriented instrumentation includes a tachometer, a 200-mph speedometer, and a turbocharger boost gauge.

[Rammin03]

Should be fun from the start

Caliber SRT-4 Monster (http://www.drivesrt.com/en/dodge/caliber/)

[sgrizzle]

Functional hood scoop + extractors + brake cooling...

I'm impressed.

[Rammin03]

I was trying to figure a way to get the SRT-4 ACR they had here but I think I will wait....

[blackarmy]

wait a min. is the srt4 only going to be fwd? because im at the build your caliber thingy and it's giving me an option of awd for the r/t.

[sgrizzle]

wait a min. is the srt4 only going to be fwd? because im at the build your caliber thingy and it's giving me an option of awd for the r/t.

probably. Depends on whether the transfer case is even capable of handling that kinda hp/torque.

[BigRamDiesel]

Saturday March 10th Belvideere Assambly will hand build the first srt4 at the plant. I don't know if it is all wheel drive. Can find out next week.

Dennis

[bobem12]

wow the neons are fast with there hp rating but my god 300?!?! That thing will be FAST!!!

[want_2_be_low]

I know that all-wheel drive will at least be available (as per my dealer at least)

[BigRamDiesel]

The first Caliber srt4 went down ths assembly line today at the Belvidere plant. It was a black one. More to come.

[rice_eater]

wait a min. is the srt4 only going to be fwd? because im at the build your caliber thingy and it's giving me an option of awd for the r/t.
Doubtful the SRT version will have AWD as an option. The 6 speed transmission (the only one available for the SRT Caliber) has a factory LSD, hinting that it will only be FWD only (saves weight). The AWD option on the R/T is said to add some 150lbs i believe... light for an AWD system, (also hinting that the AWD system is not strong enought to handle 260lb/ft of torque) but still extra weight.

[J.W.]

how much heavier is the caliber than a neon?? If not much more i think this thing might be a holy terror...

[Elvisator]

Double Post...Doh

[Elvisator]

Neon - 2635 lbs

Caliber - 3039 lbs (R/T - 3308 lbs )

[J.W.]

wow, pretty hefty.....

[EVO_Mike]

I was hopeing that the Caliber SRT-4 would come with the AWD. With my Evo having the combination of AWD and turbo it's a hell of a ride, can't go wrong with it.

[rice_eater]

The caliber needs to go on a diet. 3000lbs+ is unacceptable for a "sport compact". Even the 2nd Gen neon was slightly porky IMO, of course i'm used to driving a 2500lb 1st Gen (thats even with weight adding options like AC, sunroof, full power, etc...)

.... the 2.4L turbo DOES fit in a 1st Gen, you know.... :D

[EVO_Mike]

The caliber needs to go on a diet. 3000lbs+ is unacceptable for a "sport compact".

Actually thats not bad at all for an AWD vehicle. :gr_patrio

[powerfulhemi]

I've driven 2 of these Pre-production SRT-4 cars, and the torque steer is just horrendous. Dangerous might be a better word. Word from Chrysler at the present time is that they are going to do away with the limited slip front diff. Don't know what that will do for torque steer, but it will make that high powered beast nearly impossible to hook up.

[mybrid]

(PMDS49) Caliber SRT4 has a Job #1 of 3/12/07 :party0003

Link http://www.arifleet.com/production.html

Can anyone on the inside verify this date?

[rice_eater]

Actually thats not bad at all for an AWD vehicle. :gr_patrio
No... Too bad the Caliber SRT-4 is a FWD vehicle, not an AWD vehicle. 3000+lbs is porky for a smallish FWD vehicle. Instead of maxing out power on the turbo (so buyers have to get a bigger turbo for more power, no stage kits) and offering suspension upgrades instead, DC should've just stuck their money into lightening the chassis. Less power + less weight = same performance, with a nice side dish of high cornering g-force and tossability. I mean come on, Chevy even got that much right (Corvette ZO6).

[rice_eater]

I've driven 2 of these Pre-production SRT-4 cars, and the torque steer is just horrendous. Dangerous might be a better word. Word from Chrysler at the present time is that they are going to do away with the limited slip front diff. Don't know what that will do for torque steer, but it will make that high powered beast nearly impossible to hook up.
A LSD helps eliminate torque steer by evenly distributing power between both front wheels. Without it torque steer gets WORSE, and like you said, good luck launching the thing. There is a limit as to how much power you can put through the front wheels and still expect them to do everything they need to... that is grip (forward, lateral and braking) AND steer. Unfortunately for the Caliber, that limit is widely known to be somewhere south of the 300hp range. Stupid design exhibit #1: 2006 Chevy Impala SS. "Hey guys, lets wedge a V8 into a FWD car and make it pump out 300hp!" :crazy: The guys over at GM wouldve put there money to better use building a RWD V6/V8 platform. IMO, Dodge shouldve either built a lightweight to semi-lightweight FWD vehicle putting out 220-250bhp (like the original SRT-4) or went full goose after the EVO/STi with a 300+hp AWD car, not stick a porky 300hp FWD car in the no-mans-land in between. Just my opinion though...

[powerfulhemi]

I agree with you 100%. Yes, that HP limit is somewhere around the 300 limit. Transferring so much power through those tiny little axle shafts does exhibit some interesting (and violent) steering wheel gyrations!! In second gear, when the turbo hits, this car will break the front wheels loose, no lie. I've done it more than once.
But now, in addition to being told by Chrysler that they are not going to use the limited slip, we are being told that Chrysler is having Getrag re-design something with the transaxle, hence the production delay until like next summer we are now told.
It's just one more example of Chryslers crappy planning and sub-par engineering. They'll band aid all the problems with the car, they'll release it, then there will be recall after recall, TSB after TSB, and ultimately there will end up being untold numbers of customers getting their vehicles bought back.
Chrysler, not unlike every other domestic manufacturer, is VERY cheap. We deal with all the BIG 3, and they want everything for nothing. Companies like Honda and Toyota, by comparison, are much more willing to spend a little extra to have a better product, and their engineering and planning for new products is very good.
In case you all are wondering, I work for the company who designs and manufactures the dual mass FW for the Caliber SRT-4. We currently have one here for clutch and dual mass tuning, even though we don't supply them the clutch anymore.

[hemi1569]

So Is the car insanely fast after it hooks up?

[rice_eater]

So Is the car insanely fast after it hooks up?
Define "insanely fast". It wont be beating any Vipers, and I have my doubts it will be any faster than the original SRT-4, possibly slower, and its guaruanteed to handle worse due to the higher center of gravity and curb weight.

[powerfulhemi]

I think it will be a little slower. I've read in some pre-production testing that ir is a hair slower in acceleration than the Neon. I've never driven a Neon SRT-4. I can't even imagine how much fun they must be!!! I want to buy one having never even driven it. I just like them better than the Caliber, and for the bang for the buck, you can NOT beat a Neon SRT-4.

[rahod]

I agree with you 100%. Yes, that HP limit is somewhere around the 300 limit. Transferring so much power through those tiny little axle shafts does exhibit some interesting (and violent) steering wheel gyrations!! In second gear, when the turbo hits, this car will break the front wheels loose, no lie. I've done it more than once.


My car (see my signature) has verified 261 HP to the front wheels (FWD)..that's around 300HP to the flywheel. Torque to the wheels is 243 ft/lb. I pretty much eliminated all torque steer using a NARLY front strut tower brace and a BIG front sway bar ...and I can spin the wheels in 1st and 2nd easily. NO limited slip either.
I'm surprised they took the limited slip out though. I read somewhere that the half shafts are gonna be VERY BEEFY..a plus. I'm really looking at the SRT as a replacement for my current ride. Hope they get the torque steer deal under control. I KNOW it can be done on a 300HP FWD car!

[dodgeneonACR98]

The RT is the Awd version. It's closer to 3400 lbs where the SRT is closer to 3000.

After looking over my brothers GF's Caliber RT I noticed it does not have much in the lines of a tranny anyhow! I doubt it would hold up to the torque. And adding another 3-400 Lbs don't help.

[grifter27]

I'm a dealer in Cartersville GA and I've already got my options picked out

[MYTsmylee]

Ha, i knew it. I was trying to figure out how they made such an increase (85hp) on basically the same engine. yea its aluminum so it lighter and a few other changes, but its actually a bit less displacement, although same 2.4L specs. This talk was the first I'd heard of no staged turbo upgrades, which to me means all they did was make it stage 3 from the factory and set it up so they could still warranty it. I'd be curious to know if the 300 hp rating is at the flywheel like its suppossed to be or if DCX underated it again like the Neon SRT-4. Various reviews have shown the the 0-60 times to be under 6 seconds, but barely. Certainly not faster than the Neon 5.3-5.7 depending on the review. Hey, its not easy to make a car thats like 600lbs heavier just as fast.
Just makes me glad i got mine (orange NEON SRT-4) before they were done, because even the stage 3 from mopar puts you @ 355hp, and there are nice after market uprades to put you over 400. Both of which would make the lighter Neon a clearcut winner and still second fastest Dodge has ever made.
Also a challenge, so many have asked for AWD but the R/T version is barely strong enough to handle it base engine. Sounds cheap to me, which is not a problem until you want to up it to something like 300hp. No cheap way to handle that and keep the car "well under $25,000."
Living in Oakland county (which is where tech center HQ is) I have seen a few "testers" and i'm still not convinced the looks will take acceptance, although it is an improvement from the ugly base trim.

[powerfulhemi]

The SRT-4 is back on the SRT website, and did everyone see the advertised torque is now down to 260?

[JeremyJ]

Just as a clarification, the second gen Neons weighed about 2550-2650lbs, but the SRT Neons were rated at just over 2900lbs. They also put out more like 250+hp at the crank (stock dynos showing 215-230hp at the wheels). A true comparison between the old SRT-4 and the new (assuming they didn't underrate the power of the new one) should look something like this:

2900lbs 250hp
VS.
3000lbs 300hp

They should be pretty close. I really think Dodge messed up by going with a portly 5-door as the replacement for the Neon in the first place, but that's a whole different discussion.

[chryslertruck]

Neon - 2635 lbs

Caliber - 3039 lbs (R/T - 3308 lbs )



the caliber may be a little heavy, but that what makes a great "little" car.....it not that "little".........I really like it.

[threetwos]

Man, very impressive for a family vehicle. For a performance FWD lightweight 2600 max. (and thats on the heavy side), it will get eaten alive by the turbo'd competition. The SRT-4 neon based car will eventually be sorely missed by the lt. wt. street racer. It is an impressive vehicle for whats its designed for much as the PT cruiser turbo. But get real, there's dudes in my city with first gen neons and 300 H.P. and srt-4's with 400 H.P. that both weigh under 2600# and some much lighter than that.It does provide some bitchin raw material to work with though and if you could get 400-500 H.P. outta one then.....Any one know any specs about the new "global" engine? Any forged parts? Is the block as strong as the SRT-4s block?

[dodgeneonACR98]

My brothers soon to be wife has an R/T Caliber and it's AWD! Arent all R/T's AWD?
That explains the extra 260 or so lbs over the others.

I have seen 1st gen ACR's knocked clean down to 2200 LBS!!! But they are lighter than a reg Neon to begin with. Also I hear that the Caliber is doing alright in the race scene! Only thing I think is that they could have used a little more power under the hood for the heavy vehicle and the big wheels...The R/T I seen had 17's or 18's on it.
They look nice and pretty but they gotta be slower than say a 15 or 16.

[threetwos]

My brothers soon to be wife has an R/T Caliber and it's AWD! Arent all R/T's AWD?
That explains the extra 260 or so lbs over the others.

I have seen 1st gen ACR's knocked clean down to 2200 LBS!!! But they are lighter than a reg Neon to begin with. Also I hear that the Caliber is doing alright in the race scene! Only thing I think is that they could have used a little more power under the hood for the heavy vehicle and the big wheels...The R/T I seen had 17's or 18's on it.
They look nice and pretty but they gotta be slower than say a 15 or 16. Other th I agree 100% They really are a cool vehicle and with all the competion for sales out there DC had to "appeal" to a larger audience so to speak, I applaud them for even having a performance package and the hopeful abundance of upgrades through Direct Connection. Its a kickass car for sure and can haul the whole crew. I drove an ACR like yours and kick myself for not buying that car.

[95moparracer]

i think compared to the base caliber the srt-4 one looks way good! for its size and for being a family car ( i would not call it a sport compact that for sure) its not to shabby! 300hp nice for the soccer mom image in my eyes! 6 speed tranny nice too! im sure alot of ppl will be trying to swap this motor/tranny into srt-4 neons! like it was posted before im betting no turbo upgrades due to they put the stage 3 set up on it! also said before the srt-4 stage 3 only puts out 350 on high octane with a exhaust! this is 300hp aint to bad for 91 octane and stock exhuast! but for 3000lbs hey can keep it honestly! 25000 for a 14-15 second car will suck! yea u guys say its only slightly heavier then the neon but think bout it 400lbs with 2 inch bigger rims with bigger tires = slower car! they should have beefed it up the awd set up for a awd 6 speed srt-4 caliber... now those would sell! and they wouldnt have a torque steer problem! eliminating the lsd .... crappy idea yea no torque steer do to no traction.... or worse torque steer do to no traction! i think dodge should have came up with better idea to replace the srt-4 ..... like a 2 door version of the srt-4 neon would have been pretty sweet! atleast in my opionon! lol just me 2cents

[RoyJ]

yea u guys say its only slightly heavier then the neon but think bout it 400lbs with 2 inch bigger rims with bigger tires = slower car!

Let's get this straight here. The SRT-4 Neon did NOT weight 2600 lbs, that's the regular neons. The iron block and many goodies put the SRT-4s at around 2950 lbs.

So, it's really not that much difference - 100 lbs give or take. We'll wait for some dyno numbers and time slips before making pre-judgements.

[threetwos]

If it's only 100 lbs. difference than that car will kick some serious butt. That motor on another thread made 700 H.P. to the wheels, Man! This thing is a potential rocket! I would put church group decals and kids decals all over it as I was eating some gm toyota and phord ass! Before I put my foot in my mouth again. It's the Turbo 2.4 SRT-4 motor? Right!

[hemi1569]

yeah

[threetwos]

ALL right then, let the bashing begin. Will it beat a SRT-4 "neon" ?

[hemi1569]

I would say yes, a stock one

[95moparracer]

stock for stock on paper... neon < caliber!

[MulesHemi]

where are these cars??? havent seen hide nor hair

[megrays]

Yesterday i talk with a few guys in Europe on a french forum and they are wating for their new Caliber ,Dodge enthusiast even over there!Cool :D

[Ironman2]

hey , nobody have seen a Caliber SRT4 yet ?me i saw one but at the Montreal Autoshow earlier this year.

[98redramsst]

we'll have to wait till its out to judge it. thats my opinion

[N8 Dawg]

damn I just saw a caliber yesterday...and it was the first one I have ever saw.....now that SRT-4 caliber looks pretty damn sweet.

[BigRamDiesel]

August 6th 2007 is the schedule production date.

[CentralTexHemi]

Hmmmm

[MulesHemi]

when and where tex?

[CentralTexHemi]

Cannot recall but that is how they are going to look and honestly that is probably the best looking color, the red looks ugly

[MulesHemi]

back in highschool i had a neon....so i craved for an srt-4 when they 1st came out......but now after having a v8 for so long.....i gotta have a hemi challenger

[sca]

IMHO the V8 days are counted! Everyone is going to turbo's, even BMW as they firmly believed in high reving engines naturally aspirated. You can't touch a turbo engine on a performance versus fuel economy basis!

[threetwos]

Turbos rule!!

[CentralTexHemi]

According to Dodge, four numbers are important when contemplating the significance of the Caliber SRT-4: 85, 125, 300 and 260. Eighty-five represents how much more horsepower the Caliber SRT-4 has than the Neon SRT-4 it replaces, which means it produces 125 hp per liter of displacement with a total output of 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and The prodigious amount of power provided by the turbocharged 2.4L VVT “World Engine” is chopped up and served by a six-speed manual and delivered via the front wheels, which has to be one scary fun sub-six-second ride to 60.


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.

Functional, Performance-oriented Exterior Design

Because there is only one chance to make a first impression, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 makes the most of it with muscular exterior styling.

“From the very first sketches of the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we wanted an aggressive, SRT-signature look,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “For example, because the intercooler is positioned so high behind the front grille, we moved the fascia slightly forward and extended the walls of the grille. The result is a much more aggressive look than the standard Dodge Caliber.”

An all-new front fascia below the signature Dodge crosshair grille incorporates functional performance features including ducts that direct air to cool the brakes and a wide center inlet that provides air flow to the radiator. Fog lamps are also set into the fascia, alongside brake ducts. The 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s hood incorporates a functional scoop that brings cooling air into the engine compartment and a pair of extractors that exhaust hot air.

“Exterior design that works as well as it looks is a requirement for all SRT vehicles,” said Creed. “The hood design includes the functionality of bringing cool air in and getting hot air out.”

The lowest portion of the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s fascia, which acts as an air dam to direct air around the front of the vehicle, wraps around to visually integrate with the radiused wheel wells and lower side-sill moldings.

The rear fascia continues the muscular, functional character of SRT vehicles, with lower vertical strakes that direct underbody air flow out the back of the vehicle, contributing to more stability at speed. A single, 3.5-inch exhaust tip exits from the right side of the fascia.

Aerodynamic efficiency is also aided by an integrated spoiler above the rear glass, which incorporates the Center High-mounted Stop Light (CHMSL). This spoiler, which is nearly 60 percent larger than that on the standard Dodge Caliber, is tuned for smoother air flow and downforce while maximizing the rear view.

Four exterior colors will be available on the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4: Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.

Race-inspired Interior Appointments

In the “business office” of the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, a new interpretation of traditional SRT themes is carried out.

“The 2007 Dodge Caliber interior is unique with sophisticated and contemporary appointments,” said Creed. “When we enhanced it with SRT cues, we followed design themes that had been successful with the previous Dodge SRT4, including the graphic design of the instruments, separate boost gauge, and silver finish on the center stack and interior trim.

“Overall, our strategy was to infuse the interior with performance-oriented enhancements to complement the Dodge Caliber SRT4’s aggressive exterior,” Creed added.

Unique SRT touches include sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts to hold occupants during spirited driving, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a “carbon fiber” pattern on the upper portion. The seats, steering wheel and leather shift boot feature contrasting stitching. Also unique to the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is an “alloy silver” finish on the instrument panel and shift bezel, and bright aluminum pedal pads that feature rubber studs for enhanced grip.

The center-stack-mounted shifter includes a lift ring to engage reverse, unique to the Dodge Caliber SRT4, as well as a leather-finished shift knob.

The instrument panel features three gauge “tunnels” outfitted with performance-oriented instrumentation, including a tachometer, 200-mph speedometer and water temperature and fuel gauges. A turbocharger boost gauge is located on the left side of the instrument panel.

For the enjoyment of audiophiles, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is equipped with a standard AM-FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer control. An available SRT/Kicker high-performance audio system includes 13 speakers in seven locations, powered by a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer.

Two communication options are available on the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4: UConnect™ Hands Free Communications System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The UConnect system uses Bluetooth® technology to provide hands-free wireless communication between the customer’s compatible cellular telephone and the vehicle’s outboard receiver. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless networking technology that is used to connect two or more devices together.

SIRIUS provides 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 customers with more than 120 streams of the best music, entertainment and information, coast to coast. SIRIUS channels include 100 percent commercial-free music, the most play-by-play sports, world-class news, as well as talk, comedy, women’s, family and kids’ programming, traffic and weather.

The interior of the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is offered in Dark/Light Slate Gray.

World-class Ride and Handling

Another hallmark of SRT’s balanced approach to performance is ride and handling characteristics that make a smooth transition from street to track.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique19-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear tires. Wheel hubs and bearings on all four corners are adapted from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for strength.

Upgrades to the standard 2007 Dodge Caliber’s MacPherson strut front suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates. Unique front and rear sway bars keep body roll to a minimum during hard cornering.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is uniquely calibrated for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to provide excellent directional stability in all driving modes. In addition, stability is enhanced with a ride height one-half inch lower than the standard 2007 Dodge Caliber.

Rack-and-pinion power steering is tuned to produce easier low-speed maneuvering, without compromising performance at speed. The overall steering ratio is 18.0:1.

Benchmark Braking

Benchmark braking is another ingredient in SRT’s performance recipe.

Although it’s a compact car, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 benefits from braking-system components designed for much larger, heavier cars. For example, front brake calipers were sourced from a premium brake system developed for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, while rear calipers were sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size cars. However, all are painted in signature Dodge SRT red. Vented brake rotors for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 are 340 x 28mm in front and 302 x 10mm in the rear.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was uniquely calibrated for the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s performance to maintain directional stability without wheel lockup.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Safety and Security Features:

Following are safety and security features in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4:

• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Offers enhanced protection for a range of occupants and is designed to identify the size of an occupant in the front passenger seat based primarily on weight

• Anti-lock Braking System: Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup, the ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions

• Auto-reverse Sun Roof: An advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof (to the open position)

• BeltAlert: This feature sounds a periodic chime to alert the driver and all occupants to fasten their seat belts

• Brake Assist: The vehicle senses a panic brake condition and applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance

• Brake/Park Interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied

• Constant Force Retractors (CFR): A mechanical device in each front seat belt is designed to mitigate the force of a seat belt according to the load or force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system and gradually release seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact

• Crumple Zones: An area of the vehicle that is designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, preventing transfer of that energy to occupants

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior

• Energy-absorbing Steering Column: Steering column contains two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide more energy absorption during an impact

• 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

• Height-adjustable Seat Belts: Allows passengers to lift and lower the shoulder belt to a comfortable level. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit

• HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver: HomeLink can store three separate radio-frequency codes to operate garage door openers, security gates, security lighting and other radio-controlled devices

• 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

• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): This system helps ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats

• Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures the conditions for activation or deactivation of the front passenger-side air bag based upon the weight of the occupant

• Octagonal Frame-rail Tips: Octagonal tips are designed to collapse rearward in a controlled manner during a frontal or offset front impact

• ParkSense Rear Back-up System: Assists with detecting stationary objects when driving at low speeds in Reverse. This system consists of visible (lights when the driver looks at the inside rearview mirror) and audible warnings

• Power-adjustable Pedals: Allows brake, accelerator and clutch pedals to move toward or away from the driver. This helps the driver achieve a safe and comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control

• Remote Keyless Entry: The remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system

• 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

• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: This utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security key code. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If the correct key is not used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds

• SmartBeam® Headlamps: Intelligent headlamp system that adjusts to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting

• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Available side-curtain air bags extend protection to front- and rear-seat outboard occupants. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where the side impact occurs

• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): This advanced system monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver to improper tire pressure conditions. Low pressure on any tire illuminates the amber warning indicator in the instrument cluster


Street- and Track-tested Quality

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product-creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new vehicles.

CDS emphasizes systems engineering, design and up-front planning to avoid time-consuming and costly trial and error, or changes during the later phases of the product development cycle. With CDS, all product and process planning is completed and fully integrated before production tooling begins.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 development also encompasses actual conditions, both on the street and on the race track.

To simulate real-world conditions, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 will have logged nearly 2 million customer-equivalent road miles by the time vehicles begin appearing in dealerships.

To ensure its track-ready character, extensive durability testing of the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will take place at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix; Texas Motorsports Ranch in Ft. Worth, Texas; and Nelson Ledges in Garrettsville, Ohio.

Process, Productivity Key to Manufacturing Excellence

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Group's Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber SE, SXT and R/T models.

Previously the home of the Dodge Neon, the plant recently underwent a multimillion-dollar upgrade to prepare for Caliber production.
A new body shop and other upgrades are part of a total program investment of $419 million that was announced in January 2005. The robotic body shop can build the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Caliber and potentially three other vehicles with no negative impact on production. Robots can make necessary tool changes automatically within cycle time, in about 45 seconds.
The 3.7 million-square-foot Belvidere Assembly Plant has approximately 1,700 employees represented by United Auto Worker's Union Locals 1268 and 1761. The plant began production of the Plymouth Fury and Dodge Monaco in 1965.

[CentralTexHemi]

Any more questions????

[BigRamDiesel]

No SRT-4 Production as of Today 06/21/07

[BaggedHemi22]

I've seen basically a shell of a caliber with the hood closed, and you could plainly see the intercooler becuase the grill was gone. This was at a GM/Dodge parts supplier near Detroit. I was in a program at GM for High School Seniors, we took a tour of GM's Warren tech center and stopped at this place on the way back. This was January of last year.

[BigBlue97]

when you see all of the things they've modified and adjusted in the new SRT-4 caliber, it makes sense that its a little heavier and a little awkward. brakes from a 300, wheel bearings etc from larger cars for strength, all these little things people overlook. this is a relatively small vehicle with ALOT of performance crammed into it. I like it! so what if its a little chunkey? you can make it loose some weight if you really are into taking your cars to the track. loose the passenger seats, the big wheels and tires, the spare, and all your McDonalds wrappers :) that should bring your weight down a tad :D

Dominick

[threetwos]

So what is the weight diff between the old srt-4 'neon' versus this new Caliber? I didnt see that in the article above.

[BigBlue97]

it wasnt mentioned in the article, but the boys in the past pages have said that an srt-4 neon was about 2900 lbs, and the new caliber is a tad over 3000 lbs.

[dev500]

Ugh why Dodge did you not put AWD in it....Still nice pocket rocket off the show room floor.

[95moparracer]

ud think dodge would have learned from the neon... awd was the way to go... they gave the r/t awd, and they werent as concerned with price as they were with the neon so they should have went awd or atleast rwd!

[sohc98]

We got a caliber srt-4 at my local dodge dealership i stopped by it the other day and it's ok looking. Id take the Neon srt anyday over it. I shoulda snapped a pic of it while i was their but maybe tomorrow ill get a pic of it.

[threetwos]

I tried everything I could think of 'influencing' my ol ladys decisions she still got the regular model. Damn it all! LOL I would love to have the SRT model. I wonder if it has the CVT trnasmission in the SRT model? AWD performance cars are going to be much heavier than a FWD only or RWD only car.

[sohc98]

heres a pic of the one here.

[RoyJ]

Not only does it look like shit, the performance sucks too.

Dodge, this is not 2002 any more. Cobalt SS is trapping 104 mph in the 1/4 mile and lapping the Ring in 8:22s. Pull up your sleeves and work harder Dodge!

[toycannon]

i don't know , the srt-4 definately has an in your face nose to it ...constant thumbs up on the highway , we traded our red daytona in on it ..its faster , handles better and cheaper to own .. cobalts a nice car too ..just one small problem with it ..its not a dodge lol

[toycannon]

heres a few pics of our new fugly rally car

[sohc98]

heres a few pics of our new fugly rally car

Hey toycannon i noticed that ur from wisconsin, where you at? Im in Superior WI, and thats a sweet lookin caliber if i had the money id take the one here home.

[toycannon]

thanks sohc , i'm down on the wi il border , car is a blast to drive !

[dk3921]

interesting...