Dodge Caliber
 | This article possibly contains original research. (June 2008) |
 | This article needs to be updated. (November 2010) |
| Dodge Caliber | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2007) Chrysler LLC (2008–2009) Chrysler Group (2010–present) |
| Production | 2006–present |
| Assembly | Belvidere Assembly (Belvidere, Illinois, United States) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler PM/MK platform |
| Related | Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Outlander Jeep Compass Jeep Patriot |
| Powertrain | |
| 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 |
| Dimensions | |
| 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) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge Neon |
The Dodge Caliber is a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler. It replaced the Neon, and went on sale in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. The Caliber has five doors and can be considered a hatchback, a station wagon (see Hatchback vs. Station wagon), or a CUV. It is roughly the size of a Neon, and it debuted globally at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show.[1] It features styling elements derivative of larger Dodge vehicles, such as a crosshair grille and large flared fenders. The Caliber is one of the first modern Dodge-branded vehicles for sale in the European, Asian, and Australasian markets. In North America, it was first shown on January 10, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show.
2011 will probably mark the last year for the Caliber, as it will most likely be discontinued in favor of a Fiat-based compact sedan/hatchback combo in order to meet with offers currently made by the competition.
Overview
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, heavily based on a prior Hyundai engine.
The car also 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.[2]
The Caliber is built at the Belvidere Assembly (Illinois) plant, where its predecessor was produced.
The Caliber is an important vehicle for Chrysler in its quest to expand globally. The Caliber was one of Dodge's first modern offerings in Europe. Dodge also introduced the Caliber as part of its launch lineup in Asian markets such as Japan and Singapore, as it established new distribution channels there. It was 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 has also marked the return of the Dodge brand to Australia, for the first time since the early 1970s.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Caliber an overall Good score in frontal crash testing. The Dodge Caliber comes standard with side curtain airbags but torso side airbags are optional. The IIHS scored the Caliber Marginal overall in their side impact test. However that Caliber was not equipped with the optional torso side airbag.[3]
Models
Three models were available at the Caliber's launch, with a fourth available in mid-2006.
SE
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 is available as an option.
The standard configuration for the SE lacks air conditioning, and does not have 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. There is no tachometer, and no assist handles. 15 in (38 cm) steel wheels with wheel covers are standard. Some options are not available on the SE.
SXT
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 recline. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and remote keyless entry are included. The grille surround 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.
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 gets 18 in (46 cm) alloy wheels, color-keyed cloth seats and instrument panel, and a 9-speaker audio system as standard; early UK models do not have the chrome grille. The UK SXT Sport is also available with a Volkswagen 2.0 L diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
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 are 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 comes 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
The SRT4 model, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, is a replacement for the original Neon-based SRT-4 produced by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. It is a hatchback set to compete with the likes of 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 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 high-performance MacPherson strut front suspension, and a performance-tuned multilink rear suspension. The SRT4 uses 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 include 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.
Engines
| Model | Year | Engine type | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE, SXT | 2007–2009 | 1.8 L GEMA I4 | 148 bhp (110 kW) | Template:Auto lbft | 5-Speed Manual, FWD |
| 2007–present | 2.0L GEMA I4 | 158 bhp (118 kW) | Template:Auto lbft | CVT2 (2007–present), 5-Speed Manual (2010–present), FWD | |
| Diesel | 2007–present | 2.0 L I4 turbo (from Volkswagen 170hp TDI) | 138 bhp (103 kW) | Template:Auto lbft | Europe & Australia only, FWD |
| R/T | 2007–present | 2.4 L GEMA I4 | 172 bhp (128 kW) | Template:Auto lbft | AWD: CVT2 (2007–2008), FWD: CVT2/5-Speed manual (2007–present) |
| SRT-4 | 2008–2009 | 2.4 L GEMA I4 turbo ("Warhawk") | 285 bhp (213 kW) | Template:Auto lbft | 6-Speed Getrag Manual, FWD |
Total American sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2008[4] | 84,158 |
| 2009[5] | 36,098 |
Updates
2009
For the 2009 model year, the Caliber underwent a minor facelift. The plain plastic black-coloured door handles available on base models were replaced by painted car-coloured handles previously available only on R/T. In addition, the trunklid 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 is shifted to the left, while "CALIBER" badge was moved to the right from the left, both equal in font size.
2010
The 2010 model year vehicles were unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. They featured 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 is 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-foot-pound-force (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).[6]
For the North-American markets, the models were also renamed and rebranded, with SE becoming "Heat", SXT — "Mainstreet" and R/T — "Rush". Two more models became available for 2010: a luxury all-included variant "Uptown" and a base variant "Express" (for which the black plastic handles were returned). "Express" is now the only model not to feature the automatic climate control as an option, but both it and "Heat" now feature available speed control, anti-brake system and electronic stability control, which all were previously unavailable as options for SE. All models except "Express" now also feature 17 in. rims.
Marketing
The Chrysler Group announced a marketing plan for the first year of the car's production. The plan included 20% of the budget going towards online marketing, a blitz of print ads and a number of television ads.
Dodge is marketing Caliber in a way that contrasts the Neon's introduction to the buying public. With Neon, the advertising campaign was based around its personable, appealing, "cuddly" looks. Examples of ads typically constituted a shot of the car front-on with a simple "Hi" hovering above it. In contrast, Caliber has been labeled as "Anything but cute" in its advertising campaign, with taglines or statements of "It's [the car] neither cuddly nor wuddly" or more bluntly "it scares the S*** out of me", stated by a fictional "cute" monkey named Binky.
Potential successor
According to multiple sources, for the 2012 model year the Caliber may be replaced by a four- and/or five-door vehicle based on a Fiat vehicle such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This future vehicle may be capable of achieving 40 mpg‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp).[7][8][9]
References
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2008) |
- ^ "Dodge Caliber Photo Gallery - 2005 Geneva Motor Show". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
- ^ "Wheel Products". Discount Tire Direct. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
- ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Caliber". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-08-24.
- ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
- ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam. "2010 Dodge Caliber gets new interior, Europe gets new diesel" autoblog, 1 September 2009, retrieved on 20 November 2009.
- ^ Wernle, Bradford (2010-10-28). "Chrysler spending $600M on Belvidere factory to build Fiat-based models | Manufacturing | Crain's Chicago Business". Chicagobusiness.com. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
- ^ "Chrysler to hit 40-m.p.g. goal | freep.com | Detroit Free Press". freep.com. 2010-10-28. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2010-02-15). "Geneva Preview: Alfa Romeo Giulietta to debut compact platform for future Chryslers — Autoblog Green". Green.autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
- "Dodge Caliber: Small car offers big opportunity for Belvidere". Rockford Register Star. Retrieved January 28, 2006.
- Tony Swan. "Preview: Dodge Caliber SRT4". Car and Driver (May 2006): 40–44.
- "Dodge Caliber SRT-4 on the dyno".
External links
