Dodge Caliber

Dodge Caliber

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2007) Chrysler LLC (2008–2009) Chrysler Group (2010–2012)
Production	August 2006 - November 23, 2011
Model years	2007-2012
Assembly	Belvidere Assembly (Belvidere, Illinois, United States) Valencia (Carabobo, Venezuela)
Predecessor	Dodge Neon
Successor	Dodge Dart (2013)
Class	Compact
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler PM/MK platform
Engine	1.8 L GEMA I4 2.0 L GEMA I4 2.0 L Volkswagen diesel I4 2.4 L GEMA I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual Jatco CVT2 CVT
Wheelbase	103.7 in (2,630 mm)
Length	173.8 in (4,410 mm)
Width	68.8 in (1,750 mm)
Height	60.4 in (1,530 mm) SRT-4: 59.7 in (1,520 mm)
Curb weight	3,052 lb (1,384 kg)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Outlander Jeep Compass Jeep Patriot Mitsubishi RVR/Outlander Sport

The Dodge Caliber is a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler from model years 2007 to 2012 inclusively. It replaced the Neon, and went on sale in March of 2006. The Caliber has a five-door hatchback body, but because of its bulkier appearance, is sometimes considered both a station wagon or a crossover. It was however considered to be the smallest and the least expensive vehicle of the brand.

The Caliber concept was revealed at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and featured styling elements derivative of larger Dodge vehicles, such as a crosshair grille, rough border angles and flared fenders. The pre-production version has debuted on January 10, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show. Following the Caliber's success in North America in 2007, it became the first Dodge model to be sold in European and Australian markets since the discontinuation of the Dodge Colt in 1994.

The Caliber was discontinued on November 23, 2011, with the last models branded for the 2012 model year. Starting Summer 2012, it is replaced by the 2013 Dodge Dart.

Overview

Dodge Caliber show car revealed at 2005 SEMA

The Dodge Caliber offers a continuously variable transmission (dubbed CVT2 by Dodge) sourced from Jatco (a Nissan subsidiary), the second DaimlerChrysler model to employ this technology after the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It uses a four-cylinder 1.8-2.4 L GEMA gasoline engine, designed jointly by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai.

The car features an optional electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system with variable torque at speeds of 25 to 65 mph (40 to 105 km/h) for optimal handling.

The Caliber rides on a heavily modified GS platform, co-designed with Mitsubishi Motors. The modified GS platform is now called the JS platform by Chrysler for mid-size cars and PM/MK for compact cars. It shares a portion of the platform with the Mitsubishi Lancer, but is most similar to the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The Caliber has wheels that feature a 5-hole pattern with a 114.3 mm bolt circle.

The Caliber was built at the Belvidere Assembly (Illinois) plant, where its predecessor was produced.

The Caliber was an important vehicle for Chrysler in its quest to expand globally. The Caliber was one of Dodge's first modern offerings in Europe and in Asian markets such as Japan and Singapore, as it established new distribution channels there. It was also introduced in China in 2008 as Dodge's second modern vehicle offering in that market. Dodge vehicles were last officially sold in China during the World War II era. The introduction of the Caliber had marked the return of the Dodge brand to Australia, for the first time since the early 1970s.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Caliber an overall Good score in frontal crash testing. The Dodge Caliber was standard with side curtain airbags but torso side airbags were optional. The IIHS had scored the Caliber Marginal overall in their side impact test. However that Caliber was not equipped with the optional torso side airbag.

Models

Three models were available at the Caliber's launch, with a fourth available in mid-2006.

SE

Dodge Caliber SE (US)

The base SE model features front-wheel drive and a 1.8 L 148 hp (110 kW) GEMA I4 attached to a Magna Drivetrain T355 5-speed manual transmission. A 2.0 L 158 hp (118 kW) version of the engine paired with the CVT2 transmission was available as an option.

The standard configuration for the SE lacks air conditioning, power windows, door locks, or mirrors. The grille surround is body-colored, while that of all other models is chromed(US models) Canadian SXT and R/T feature body color grilles. The Caliber doesn't have a tachometer or assist handles, 15 in (38 cm) steel wheels with wheel covers are standard. Some options were not available on the SE.

SXT

Dodge Caliber SXT (Europe)

The SXT has the same engine choices as the SE but many more features are available as standard. Air conditioning is standard equipment at this level, including the Chill Zone beverage cooler inside the front lower glove compartment. The gauge cluster gains a tachometer and an (optional) trip computer. The driver's seat adds height adjustment, the passenger seat folds flat for load-carrying, and the rear seats reclines. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and remote keyless entry are included. The grille is chromed and 17 in (43 cm) steel wheels are standard, with 17 in (43 cm) aluminum wheels as an option. The cargo area light includes a removable and rechargeable flashlight while the front dome light incorporates two reading lamps.

Dodge Caliber (Japan spec)

Some Dodge publications mention a SXT Sport Wagon model, while others (e.g. the Dodge website) list a SXT "E" package with identical features. This consists of 17 in (43 cm) aluminum wheels, color-keyed cloth seat inserts, color-matched instrument panel trim, and fog lamps.

The UK SXT Sports model has 18 in (46 cm) alloy wheels, color-keyed cloth seats and instrument panel, and a 9-speaker audio system as standard; early UK models did not have the chrome grille. The UK SXT Sport was available with a Volkswagen 2.0 L diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

R/T

Dodge Caliber R/T

The R/T model has a 2.4 L 172 hp (128 kW) version of the GEMA engine, equipped with the CVT2 transmission, and programmed with an 'AutoStick' feature giving six simulated fixed ratios in a clutchless manual mode in addition to the standard CVT 'Drive' mode. All-wheel-drive was an option on the R/T model until 2009, but with automatic transmission only. 18 in (46 cm) aluminum wheels are standard, while chromed was an option. At launch, the CVT2 with all-wheel drive was the only powertrain combination available for the R/T. A front-wheel drive variant with the T355 5-speed manual transmission commenced production in late summer 2006. ABS is standard, and the suspension and steering are tuned for performance.

Externally, the R/T is distinguishable by body-color/chrome door handles (replacing black on other models), a chrome side molding, chromed exhaust tip, and front fog lights as standard, as well as R/T badging.

Internally, the car came as standard with color-keyed fabric seat inserts, leather seats being an option as on the SXT. Color-keyed instrument panel trim is also standard, as is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and speed control, and a cargo area cover (all options on the SXT).

SRT4

Dodge Caliber SRT4

The SRT4 model that was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, was a replacement for the original Neon-based SRT-4 produced by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. It was a hatchback set to compete with the Volkswagen GTI and the Mazdaspeed3. It features a 2.4 L DOHC 16V turbocharged I4 with dual variable valve timing (DVVT). It produces 285 hp (213 kW) at 6,400 rpm, and 265 lb·ft (359 N·m) of torque at 5,600 rpm using the Mitsubishi TD04HL4S-20 turbo. Edmunds had tested one on a chassis dynamometer and obtained 281 hp (210 kW) and 261 lb·ft (354 N·m) of torque at the wheels. Edmunds called the manufacturer's rating conservative; putting more power to the road than cars costing twice as much. The engine is mated to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission, and utilizes a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The Caliber SRT4 utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a multilink rear suspension. The SRT4 had used a large 13.4 in (34 cm) vented front disc brakes (from the Dodge Charger Police Pack version) with dual-piston calipers and 11.9 in (30 cm) rear single-piston disc brakes. It features four-wheel ABS, with electronic assistance. The wheels are 19 in (48 cm), five-spoke, SRT-stamped, painted aluminum. The car features Goodyear RSA 225/45R19 tires. Package options are polished aluminum wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, SIRIUS satellite radio with Kicker SRT livin' loud audio, EVIC with performance pages, Security alarm, and optional paint colors.

See also: Street and Racing Technology

Engines

Turbocharged 2.4 L I4 GEMA Engine (285 hp) Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Model	Year	Engine type	Power	Torque	Notes
SE, SXT	2007–2009	1.8 L GEMA I4	148 bhp (110 kW)	125 lb·ft (169 N·m)	5-Speed Manual, FWD
	2007–2011	2.0L GEMA I4	158 bhp (118 kW)	141 lb·ft (191 N·m)	CVT2 (2007–present), 5-Speed Manual (2010–2012), FWD
Diesel	2007–2011	2.0 L I4 turbo (from Volkswagen 170hp TDI)	138 bhp (103 kW)	229 lb·ft (310 N·m)	Europe & Australia only, FWD
R/T	2007–2011	2.4 L GEMA I4	172 bhp (128 kW)	165 lb·ft (224 N·m)	AWD: CVT2 (2007–2008), FWD: CVT2/5-Speed manual (2007–2011)
SRT-4	2008–2009	2.4 L GEMA I4 turbo ("Warhawk")	285 bhp (213 kW)	265 lb·ft (359 N·m)	6-Speed Getrag Manual, FWD

Total U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2008	84,158
2009	36,098
2010	45,082
2011	35,049

Updates

2009

For the 2009 model, the Caliber underwent a minor facelift. The plain plastic black-colored door handle available on base models were replaced by painted car-colored handles previously available only on R/T. In addition, the trunk was reduced in weight and simplified in opening. In the interior, all panels were made black instead of grey. The "DODGE" badge that was on top of the Ram logo at the middle was shifted to the left, while "CALIBER" badge was moved to the right from the left, both equal in font size. The car model title, previously indicated on the right, was moved to the bottom right of the gate lid.

2010

The 2010 model year was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. They features a refreshed interior design composed of metallic outlines and parts of glass to suppress the abundance of plastic materials on previous models, as well as the addition of an 8-way power drivers seat, heated mirrors, and an automatic climate control system previously available only on R/T. The dashboard also features the relocation of the glove box due to many customer complaints, which now occupies the spot over the radio panel and comprises a "push-open" lock instead of the previous "squeeze-and-pull" opening mechanism.

The 1.8 L engine was dropped from the SE and SXT models, and the SRT-4 model is discontinued. European market models receive a new 2.2 L diesel engine with 163 hp (122 kW) and 236-pound-foot (320 N·m) of torque that provides a combined city and highway fuel efficiency of 40.6 miles per US gallon (5.79 L/100 km; 48.8 mpg_-imp).

For the North-American markets, the models were renamed and re branded, with SE becoming "Heat", SXT — "Main street" and R/T — "Rush". Two more models were launched in 2010: a luxury all-included variant "Uptown" and a base variant "Express" in which the black plastic handles returned. "Express" was the only model not to feature the automatic climate control as an option, the "Heat" featured speed control, anti-brake system and electronic stability control, which were previously unavailable as options for SE. All models except "Express" featured 17 in. rims.

2011

The 2011 model brought six new paint schemes, standard stability control except on Express models, Sirius traffic when equipped with a navigation system, 18" chrome-clad wheels available on Uptown models (17" painted are standard), updated steering except on Express models, and new shocks and a thicker rear anti-roll bar on Rush and Heat models. The Caliber and the Nitro were the only two cars in the Dodge vehicle line-up to still feature the Ram logo on both fascia, rear and the steering wheel. For the Dodge Nitro, it was also featured in driver and passenger's floor mats. The logo was removed from the mats in Caliber with the 2009 model.

2012

For the model year 2012 the models were renamed back to SE, SXT and SXT+. The rest were discontinued. SXT+ will offer an automatic moonroof (in limited quantity), for which Chrysler planned a contest.

Discontinuation and future

The 2010 Caliber was the last model sold in Europe. The 2011 model ended production on November 23, 2011 in United States, with the remainder being sold as the 2012 model year Caliber in both US and Canada. A successor, which will revive the name Dart, based on Alfa Romeo Giulietta's platform, will go on sale starting July 2012 as the new 2013 compact vehicle in Dodge's lineup (revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit). According to Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, the new model is also planned to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Marketing

The Chrysler Group had announced a marketing plan for the first year of the car's production. The plan had included 20% of the budget going towards online marketing, a blitz of print ads and TV commercials.

References

• "Dodge Caliber: Small car offers big opportunity for Belvidere". Rockford Register Star. http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/BUSINESS05/101110017. Retrieved January 28, 2006. 
• Tony Swan. "Preview: Dodge Caliber SRT4". Car and Driver (May 2006): 40–44. 
• "Dodge Caliber SRT-4 on the dyno". http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=122859#8. 

External links

• Dodge Caliber Official Website
• Dodge Caliber at the Internet Movie Cars Database