2007 Dodge Caliber

2007 Dodge Caliber — A New 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 the capability and 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). For 2007, 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 2007 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 multistage 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 by 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 new design, five-star crash rating and all-new powertrain, Dodge Caliber is chock full of interior features rarely found on entry-level compact vehicles, including:

- Standard side-curtain air bags
- MusicGate Power™, 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 flashlight 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 that 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 (SXT and R/T models)
- 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline (SXT and R/T models)
- A vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both removable and washable
- YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric

Source - Dodge

High-caliber Performance: With 300 Horsepower, All-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to Dominate Sport-compact Market

- Tire-smoking 300 horsepower — 85 more than the original Dodge SRT4 — and 260 lb.-ft. of torque
- 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
- All-around performance of a true 'tuner car' right from the manufacturer
- Benchmark performance at the best price

Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group will take the SRT4 reputation to new heights with the introduction of the all-new, 300-horsepower 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4.
'The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission of offering benchmark performance for the best price,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market.'




'We couldn't wait to infuse Dodge Caliber with the SRT formula,' said Murphy. 'The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers a strong dose of all-around performance while delivering more than 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Our new SRT pocket rocket is going to be a hoot to drive.'

Street and Racing Technology
Since its inception in 2002, SRT has introduced 12 extreme-performance vehicles, including the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab TM , Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8.



The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4's formula begins with powertrain, essentially explained by four numbers: 85, 125, 300 and 260. The 85 is how much more horsepower than the original Dodge SRT4 is available, which results in 125 horsepower per liter for a total of 300 horsepower. The final number is 260, as in 260 lb.-ft. of tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque.

Standout Powertrain
The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is capable of a 0-60 mph time in under six seconds. How is that possible?

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber gets its motivation from an all-new 'World Engine' produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Mich. The World Engine is a family of small fuel- and emissions-efficient aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines co-developed by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

'The all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you'd expect from a V-8,' said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – Powertrain, SRT. 'With the engine in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we were able to take advantage of tried-and-true performance improvements, such as increased cylinder-head flow and higher compression ratio, as well as newer technologies such as Variable Valve Timing (VVT).'

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. Únique 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 heads are also a World Engine casting 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 57 mm 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 gases exit 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. Úsing 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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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 had to include 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.

Únique 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: ÚConnect TM Hands-free Communication System and SIRIÚS Satellite Radio.

The ÚConnect 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.

SIRIÚS provides 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 customers with more than 120 streams of the best music, entertainment and information, coast to coast. SIRIÚS 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-unique 19-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.

Úpgrades to the standard 2007 Dodge Caliber's MacPherson strut front suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates. Únique 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 28 mm in front and 302 x 10 mm 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.

Source - Dodge

Car Enthusiasts Invited to Tune In for Chance to Win Tuned Out Dodge Caliber SRT4

• Dodge survey shows women are more likely to give up a date night for their cars than men
• Tuners, their significant others, friends and family can register online at www.DodgeRÚTunedOut.com for a chance to win all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4




The rapidly growing industry of vehicle customization and tuning hit an all-time record high of $36.7 billion last year and is rapidly expanding from young adults to 'boomer tuners' and soccer moms who want to personalize their minivans, SÚVs and family vehicles. To help these tuners and tuners-in-training get the cool rides they are looking for without sacrificing their relationships, the Dodge brand is launching a search for the most 'tuned out' tuner.

Car enthusiasts, their significant others, friends and family are invited to register online at www.DodgeRÚTunedOut.com for a chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 for the tuner in their life. This high performance, race-inspired vehicle comes 'tuned' directly from the factory, which means tuners can spend less time working on their car and more time with their friends and family.



Get Tuned In and Sign Úp Now
Consumers can go online at www.DodgeRÚTunedOut.com, beginning Oct. 24 at 12:01 a.m. (EDT) until 5 p.m. (EST) on Nov. 15, to nominate themselves or their significant other for a chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. All participants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license.

During registration, participants will be asked to submit a 250-word essay answering the questions, 'Why are you or your significant other tuned out?' and 'How will an all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 help you or your significant other tune back in?'

An independent panel of judges will review all of the entries that are received and will select four finalists in honor of the Dodge Caliber SRT4. The finalists will be announced Nov. 29 and consumers will be invited to visit www.DodgeRÚTunedOut.com from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10 to vote for their favorite tuner or tuner-in-training. The results of the online voting will be combined with the judges' scores, and the tuner with the highest combined score will be awarded an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Tuner Roadblocks
With so many people tuned into the tuning trend, Dodge asked consumers what they considered to be the biggest roadblock to having a tuned out ride. Surprisingly, only 7 percent of tuners and tuners-in-training identified their relationship as being the biggest roadblock. Cost and lack of time, on the other hand, were identified by 41 and 34 percent of tuners, respectively, as being the biggest challenge to getting tuned out vehicles ready for the road.

Additional survey results showed:

• Putting the Grrrr in Garage – Seventeen percent of men say the garage is their favorite place to spend time at home.

• Tune Time – Americans spend approximately 18 billion hours a year tuning and maintaining their vehicles2.

• Tuner Vision – More than half of all men (63 percent) and more than one in three women (34 percent) say they are tuned in to cars and trucks.

Are You in Tune with Tuning?
Tuners and individuals interested in becoming tuners, can easily customize, personalize and tune out their vehicles by following a few simple steps:

• Safety First – Due to the technology and computer systems in today's vehicles, tuners should make sure that performance parts and components, including tire size, etc., are compatible with their vehicle and its computer system before making installations. Vehicles have many integrated systems and tuners need to be aware that making a small adjustment to one component could affect other parts of their vehicle.

• Tuner Taste – There are countless parts and accessories that tuners can buy to customize their vehicles. Mopar, Chrysler LLC's Global Service and Parts Division, has designed and manufactured an assortment of accessories and performance parts for the full-line of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products, including the Caliber SRT4. But before you begin making modifications, create a list of the things that are most important to you. If you're more concerned with design than performance, start there. Tuning is a hobby that highlights personal taste and style.

• Keep an Eye on Costs – Tuning can be an expensive hobby. Before making any adjustments to your vehicle, make sure you know what the associated costs will be. While there are many high impact, low cost accessories to help you personalize your vehicle, making changes to the vehicle's engine and performance parts can be very expensive. All tuners should remember customization is personal and if you plan on selling your vehicle after you've made adjustments, you may not get a full return on your investment.

About the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4
The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is for the enthusiast who wants the all-around performance of a true 'tuner car' right from the manufacturer. Powered by a turbocharged engine producing 285 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has 70 more horsepower than the original SRT. Priced at $22,995, which includes $560 destination, and a 0 – 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price.

Source - Dodge