2008 Dodge Caliber

2008 Dodge Caliber — Putting a Bold Slant on One of the World's Most Competitive Segments

Dodge Caliber redefines the entry-level vehicle by combining high value with bold styling, five-star safety ratings and many clever interior innovations. Dodge Caliber appeals to up-and-coming buyers around the world who want a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. Caliber gives them Dodge attitude packaged with capability that comes with available all-wheel drive, the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SÚV) and the affordability and fuel-efficiency of a compact car.
Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively), as well as excellent fuel efficiency. For 2008, Dodge Caliber is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration on the SE, SXT and R/T models. All-wheel-drive capability also is available on the R/T model.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber earned the Ú.S. government's highest five-star frontal crash test rating for both the driver and front passenger, thanks to the vehicle's solid, high-strength steel structure and more than 25 advanced safety and security features, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, standard side-curtain air bags and a standard driver's side inflatable knee blocker. In addition, 40 percent of Dodge Caliber's body structure, when measured by body mass, is constructed of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel, which reduce weight and provide excellent impact performance.

In addition to its bold design, five-star crash rating and fuel-efficient powertrain options, Dodge Caliber is chock full of interior features rarely found on entry-level compact vehicles, including:

• Standard side-curtain air bags

• MusicGate Power Sound Group, an available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities

• An available dual-purpose, self-recharging removable domelight mounted in the headliner above the cargo area that can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight (SXT and R/T models)

Chill Zone, a cooled-beverage storage bin can hold up to four 20-oz. bottles or cans (standard on air conditioning-equipped models)

• A floor console sliding armrest moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player

• An available 115-volt outlet in the center console can power small electronics (SXT and R/T models)

• Illuminated front cup holder rings glow blue-green to match other center-stack lighting

• Front passenger seat folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility and to accommodate long items (SXT and R/T models)

• 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline (SXT and R/T models)

• YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric (SXT and R/T models)

'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2008'

Exterior:

Interior:


• New Dark Slate Gray interior

• Chrome lock knobs on all models

• Interior chrome door handles on all models

• Chrome accents on heating and air conditioning knobs on all models

• Chrome accent ring on radio knobs on all models

• Chrome accents on cluster rings on all models

• SXT model adds standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, soft tonneau cover, YES Essentials premium seat fabric, floor mats, speed control and cabin air filtration system packaged with air conditioning

• SXT Sport Package adds standard fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and SIRIÚS Satellite radio

• R/T model adds standard heated front seats, SIRIÚS Satellite Radio, MusicGate Power Sound Group, Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System and floor mats

• SIRIÚS Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of radio programming

Powertrain:


Engine and transmission calibrations further refined for improved drivability and reduced powertrain noise
Packages:

Popular Equipment Group (which includes Power Equipment Group which includes power windows, windows, locks and remote keyless entry, soft tonneau cover, speed control and floor mats) available on SE model
Cabin air filtration system bundled with air conditioning available on SE model
Popular Equipment Group II (which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and SIRIÚS Satellite Radio) available on SXT model
Premium Sound Group (which includes MusicGate Power Sound Group system and Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System) available on SXT model
Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and Electronic Stability Program ESP) available on SXT and R/T models
ÚConnect® bundled with Driver Convenience Group (which includes Electronic Vehicle Information Center EVIC, HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and Tire Pressure Monitoring TPM system and ÚConnect hands-free communication system) on SXT and R/T models

DESIGN
Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SÚV. Caliber's sheer surface styling commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.

The Caliber has Dodge's imprint stamped into its DNA from the grille to the tailpipe. The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and defines its strong, muscular front view.

Sculpted fender forms, broad shoulders and a distinctive hood give Caliber its proud, powerful stance. Large, crystal headlamps and available fog lamps complement the Dodge grille and create an integrated look that completes Caliber's sporty appearance.

A black graphic design accent, which runs the length of the roof, melds into an integrated rear roof spoiler, creating a coupe-like visual quality from the side view. Únique glass-to-body proportions give the Dodge Caliber a tough, protective presence, and the forward sweep of the tailgate further emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile.

The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front. The black roof spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and large modular crystal taillamps fill Caliber's rear corners and provide distinct focal points of the car's rear-view design. Dodge's 'do more' philosophy is evident in Caliber's rear liftgate, which provides easy access to the vehicle's spacious interior.

ENGINEERING
As a compact car sold in markets around the world, the 2008 Dodge Caliber features innovative engines and transaxles that deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

Dodge Caliber's powertrain and drive systems offer many Chrysler LLC firsts in the compact car market. Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler's first compact car to offer all-wheel-drive capability and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.

Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively). Chrysler engineers met aggressive performance and fuel-economy targets through advanced cylinder-head port and intake manifold design. Technologies in Chrysler World Engines include dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves, both firsts for a Chrysler compact car and features typically found only on more expensive vehicles. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.

Dodge Caliber's CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an Auto Stick feature, available on the SXT model with the Sport Package and the R/T model, which allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 percent to 8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic.

Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler's first compact car with available electromagnetically controlled all-wheel drive with variable torque output, which gives customers year-round assurance, added performance and seamless, automatic operation.

PRODÚCT HIGHLIGHTS

Dodge Caliber redefines the compact, entry-level vehicle by combining high value with bold styling and efficient, flexible attributes consistent with active lifestyles
Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a continuously variable transaxle (CVT2). A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is available for markets outside North America
Dodge Caliber is Chrysler's first available all-wheel-drive C-segment vehicle. Dodge Caliber's available all-wheel-drive system gives customers year-round assurance, added performance and seamless, automatic operation
Caliber's bold crossover style is designed for global appeal and brings more emotion into the global compact car segment
A small car that acts big

The Dodge Caliber appeals to buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear
Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SÚV
The Dodge Caliber's unconventional two-box design provides space-efficient packaging with great proportions, while offering high value
Caliber's high H-point (about 4 inches higher than Dodge Neon) gives drivers a command-of-the-road seating position
Innovative features at an affordable price

Innovative Caliber features not typically found on a compact car include:
Available MusicGate Power Sound System, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with rear articulating speakers
Available Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin
Available removable and rechargeable cargo light
Standard illuminated cup holder rings
Standard center armrest with hidden cell phone/MP3 player holder
Available 115-volt power outlet in the center console
Standard 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
Available fold-flat front passenger seat
Standard safety features

Side-curtain air bags
Driver and front-passenger multi-stage air bags
Inflatable knee blocker

MODEL LINEÚP

2008 Dodge Caliber SE

Standard Features

Front-wheel drive
1.8-liter World Engine (148 horsepower 110 kW and 125 lb.-ft. 169 N•m of torque)
Five-speed manual transaxle
Side-curtain air bags
Inflatable knee blocker
Power rack-and-pinion steering
AM/FM single-disc CD stereo with auxiliary audio input jack
12-volt power outlet
Illuminated front cup holders
Center-console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers
Únique center-console flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
Outdoor temperature gauge
Satin Silver PRNDL bezel and instrument panel switches
Chrome interior door handles and lock knobs
Flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats
Manual windows and locks
Fabric seats
Two coat hooks
Tilt steering wheel
Dome and cargo lights
Carpeted load floor
Tie-down loops in cargo area
15-inch wheels and tires
Body-color grille, liftgate appliqué and fascia
Black door handles
Rear wiper
Rear defroster
Optional Features

2.0-liter World Engine (158 horsepower 117 kW and 141 lb.-ft. 191 N•m of torque)
Second-generation CVT2 (which includes standard Anti-lock Brake System ABS)
ABS (included standard with CVT2)
Air conditioning bundled with cabin air filtration system
Front-seat mounted side air bags
Chill Zone (an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included on air-conditioning-equipped vehicles)
Popular Equipment Group (which includes Power Equipment Group, soft tonneau cover, speed control and floor mats)
Power Group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors)
Engine block heater
SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio
2008 Dodge Caliber SXT

Standard Features

In addition to the standard features included on the SE model, the Dodge Caliber SXT adds:

60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline
Fold-flat front passenger seat
Dual-purpose rechargeable/removable flashlight
Map light
Air conditioning packaged with cabin air filtration system
Chill Zone
Power windows
Power mirrors
Power door locks
Floor mats
Speed control
YES Essentials premium seat fabric
Illuminated entry
Passenger assist handles
Remote keyless entry
Outdoor-temperature gauge
115-volt electrical outlet in the center console
Manual seat height adjuster
Standard black dual power mirrors
Body-color bodyside molding
Chrome grille
17-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires
Soft tonneau cover
Tachometer
Optional Features

Available options on the Dodge Caliber SXT beyond those offered on the SE model include:

Power sun roof
Security Group (which includes security alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)
Driver Convenience Group (which includes Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and Tire Pressure Monitoring TPM system and ÚConnect)
Six-CD full-map navigation system with global positioning system (GPS) display
Sport Package (which includes Auto Stick on CVT2 equipped vehicles, fog lamps, body-color grille and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels) and the Popular Equipment Group II (which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and SIRIÚS Satellite Radio)
Premium Sound Group (which includes MusicGate Power nine-speaker sound system and Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System)
Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)
ÚConnect bundled with Driver Convenience Group (which includes EVIC, HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror, TPM system and ÚConnect)
Trailer Tow Group
2008 Dodge Caliber R/T

Standard Features

Standard features on the Dodge Caliber R/T model, beyond those on the SE and SXT models, include:

2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (172 horsepower 128 kW and 165 lb.-ft. 223 N•m of torque)
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls
Sport-suspension
Performance steering
Four-wheel disc ABS
Speed control
Premium cloth seats with colored inserts
Heated front seats
MusicGate Power Sound Group
Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group
SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
Color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels
Chrome exhaust tip
Body-color sill moldings
Chrome-plated body-side moldings
Fog lamps
18-inch aluminum wheels
Optional Features

Optional features, in addition to those available on the Dodge Caliber SE and Dodge Caliber SXT models, include:

All-wheel drive
Auto Stick
18-inch chrome-clad wheels
ÚConnect bundled with Driver Convenience Group
Leather Interior Group (which includes heated leather seats and manual lumbar adjuster)
Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)

SAFETY AND SECÚRITY
Please refer to the safety glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

ABS
Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
Auto-reverse Sun Roof
BeltAlert
Brake Assist
Brake/Park Interlock
Child Seat Anchor System
Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
Crumple Zones
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Energy-absorbing Steering Column
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
Front Driver and Passenger Air Bags
Height-adjustable Seat Belts
HomeLink® Úniversal Home Security System Transceiver
Inflatable Knee Blocker
Interior Head-impact Protection
Knee Bolsters
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Octagonal Frame-rail Tips
Remote Keyless Entry
Removable/Rechargeable Flashlight
Seat-belt Pretensioners
Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
Side-curtain Air Bags
Supplemental Side Air Bags
TPM

COLOR AVAILABILITY

Surf Blue replaces Marine Blue (New)
Brilliant Black replaces Black Clear Coat (New)
Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat
Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Stone White Clear Coat

MANÚFACTÚRING INFORMATION

2008 model year production start: January 2007
Production location: Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.
1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engines: Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.
Five-speed manual transmission: Magna, Syracuse, N.Y.
CVT2: Jatco, Mexico

MARKET POSITION
The Dodge Caliber's bold styling and crossover design with innovative features and affordable performance will allow buyers to be active, do more and stand out

Demographics

Gender: 50 percent male/50 percent female
Age/Household:
Primary: 24-34 (Young singles and couples with an active lifestyle requiring a capable/versatile vehicle, but who traditionally reject conventionally styled small cars and 'cute utes' as uncool)
Secondary: 35-45 (40-something parental purchasers – who want a vehicle for their child that meets the safety and cost of ownership litmus test)
Median Annual Household Income: $45,000
Education: 35 percent college graduate

MARKET ADVANTAGES
Dodge Caliber offers the capability and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SÚV) combined with the affordability and fuel-efficiency of an entry-level compact car. Caliber also offers many clever interior features and flexibility not typically found on a compact car in its price class, including:

Standard side-curtain air bags on all models
Standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
Available Chill Zone beverage-cooler storage bin
Standard illuminated front cup holders
Standard sliding armrest that flips open to hold a cell phone or MP3 player
Available MusicGate Power Sound System, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating rear speakers on the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers swing down for tailgating and other activities
Available 115-volt outlet in the center console can power small electronics, including cell phone, MP3 player or lap top
Auxiliary audio input jack on the standard AM/FM radio/CD player allows the music from an MP3 player to be heard through the vehicle's speakers
Available removable/rechargeable LED flashlight mounted in the headliner
Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat with an available reclining rear seatback and fold-flat front-passenger seatback
Dodge Caliber features the family of World Engines that was tested to the equivalent of 15-million customer-equivalent miles to ensure a high level of real-world reliability

The four-cylinder World Engines feature dual-camshaft variable valve timing on all three models—1.8-liter (148 horsepower), 2.0-liter (158 horsepower) or 2.4-liter (172 horsepower)
Great fuel economy—an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg highway under 2008 EPA standards with the 1.8-liter World Engine
Available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) boosts Caliber's performance, drivability and improves fuel economy by 6 percent to 8 percent compared with a four-speed automatic
Dodge Caliber's styling sets it apart in the crowded compact car sea of sameness
Únmistakably Dodge with muscular hood, broad crosshair grille and large headlamps and taillamps
Available aggressive-looking 17- and 18-inch wheels
Available Sport Package allows consumers to customize their interior to a color of their choice Sport Package (which includes fog lamps and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels)

Source - Dodge

Seven 2008 Chrysler Vehicles Earn Five Stars In Government Crash Tests

Five stars earned for frontal- and side-impact crash protection for Jeep® Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Town & Country

The 2008 Jeep® Liberty, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2008 Dodge Nitro, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2008 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country received the Ú. S. government's highest safety ratings for frontal- and side-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
'Through a broad range of engineering technologies, Chrysler is offering its customers the safety they expect and deserve,' said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. 'Both passive and active safety systems enhance the inherent stability and safety we design into all of our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.'
When it comes to safety, Chrysler employs a twofold approach: conventional features such as pretensioning and load-limiting seat belt retractors and supplemental air bags are combined with accident-avoidance features including improved steering, handling and braking.





2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers technologies such as electronic limited slip differentials and Electronic Stability Program that help to contribute to the vehicle's on-road and off-road dynamics. Advanced multistage front and supplemental side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring system, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, SmartBeam® headlamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and rain-sensing wipers offer the latest innovation in occupant protection, safety and security on the road. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.


2008 Dodge Caliber
Reinforcing Chrysler's commitment to safety and security, the 2008 Dodge Caliber gives customers an outstanding level of technology in the value-conscious compact car segment. More than 25 advanced safety technologies are available including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags, optional seat-mounted supplemental side air bags, standard driver and passenger front air bags, available Electronic Stability Program and a tire-pressure monitoring system.



2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans are equipped with many standard safety and security items such as advanced, multi-stage driver and passenger air bags; all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection; driver and front-passenger knee blockers; Electronic Stability Program with traction control and brake assist; a patented energy-absorbing steering column and three Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchors. The new minivans also feature an Enhanced Accident Response System. This system switches on the interior lamps, unlocks doors, turns on hazard-flasher exterior lamps and turns the engine off by cutting off fuel in the event an impact causes air bag deployment. Other safety and security features include a rearview interior conversation mirror; power-adjustable pedals; remote, keyless, illuminated entry; power sliding passenger doors; power liftgate; tire pressure monitoring system; ParkSense® rear back-up assist system and ParkView® rear back-up camera.

2008 Chrysler Pacifica
Available safety and security features on the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica include standard supplemental three-row side-curtain airbags, driver and passenger-side knee blockers, advanced multi-stage air bags with occupant classification system, Electronic Stability Program, brake assist, patented energy absorbing steering column, available ParkSense rear park assist system and ParkView rear back-up camera.

Source - Dodge