The 2010 Dodge R/T with automatic transmission only

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).

Renewed inside, the exterior of the

2010 Dodge Caliber remains the same, which is not a bad think actually.

“The Dodge Caliber is not your typical C-segment car. When we launched the Dodge Caliber only a few years ago, its bold style made a clear statement on the European roads, allowing owners to be active, stand out and do more,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

The exterior vision of the 2010 Dodge Caliber combines the five-door C-segment hatchback with the stance and the functionality of the SUVs.

New Dodge Caliber — Bold Five-door Hatchback With All-new Interior and Refined Diesel Engine for International Markets.

Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-segment hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers.

This all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 N•m (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine’s vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD.

 

 

The New model Dodge Caliber SRT4 2012

High-caliber Performance: with over 300 Horsepower, All-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 | super speed cars Poised to Dominate Sport compact Market

Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group takes its ultimate-performance reputation to new heights with the introduction of the all-new 223 kW (303 hp DIN) Dodge Caliber SRT4.

“The all-new 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 over 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market.”

Thanks to its true “tuner performance” right out of the box and a great price, enthusiasts in the USA immediately took to the original Neon-based Dodge SRT4, which was introduced in 2003 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the 2003-2005 model years, more than 25,000 Dodge SRT4s were sold.

“We couldn’t wait to infuse Dodge Caliber with the SRT formula and bring it to a European and international audience,” said Murphy. “The Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers a strong dose of all-round performance while delivering more than 28 miles per gallon on the highway in U.S. tests. Our new SRT pocket rocket is going to be a hoot to drive.”

For Europe and other markets outside North America, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will be available beginning in late 2007.

The all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere (Illinois, USA) Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber S, 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.

 

Dodge SXT Sport six-speed manual transmission

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.

You can argue the styling, but the Dodge Caliber is a contender in the increasingly popular field of small, relatively economical cars with versatility and a low price.

Way better than the Neon it replaced, the Caliber packs enough standard features that you could order one without options for $17,600 and have a perfectly fine little machine.

The one I tested added quite a bit more...the Security Group, Driver Convenience Group, Premium Sound Group, and a continuously variable transmission...and still wound up with a bottom line (including delivery charges) of $21,465. At that price, the plasticky interior is still forgiveable (more so at $17,600, of course)

Five-star frontal crash ratings (four stars for rollover) and an EPA 23 city/27 highway mile per gallon average don't hurt, either.

If Chrysler's looking for the future...they should consider taking this starting point and constantly refining it. They're not far off to begin with. 

 

Dodge Caliber completely SUV

well, and there are lots of Koreans to mop up those who place low cost above ability.

So Dodge, seeking to make an impression with the first of its proper right-hand-drive cars, is serving up an American take on he five-door hatch. It looks big, tall and SUV-ish and, in fact, on the road it has the outline of a Lexus RX.

And it’s as brash as Las Vegas, with its gulping grille, chunky lights, blocky wheelarches and black plastic fencing all around the roof. Definitely not a clone.

Inside, you have a tall, big-boss driving position, ideal for drivers who don’t want to be intimidated when sharing the highway with Kenworths and Chevy suburbans. The height also gives plenty of space for everyone else in the car.

There’s lots of tinsel – light plastics, bright colours, contrasting trims. And as it’s American, you don’t just get cup-holders but illuminated ones. And cooled bottle-holders.

The whole cabin is fairly tightly put together, an improvement on past US practice, but the plastics are the kind of thing you’d expect to find encasing a microwaveable apple pie.

To which dodge counters that the Caliber is cheap. It is too. You can get a 2.0 petrol with CVT auto, leather, cruise, alloys and air for £13,790. Oddly, a manual shifter is the same price, but that comes with just a 1.8 engine.

I tried the 2.0 CVT first. It’s a brand-new engine, a co-operative effort between Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It makes good output, VVT and a balance shaft, and good claimed economy. I had high hopes.

They were dashed. It’s noisy and completely devoid of charisma. The CVT isn’t a bad example of type, but it still makes a slow and noisy car. OK, let’s not despair, for there’s also the option of a diesel: VW’s modern 138bhp turbo unit, paired to a six-speed manual.

This is at least reasonably brisk, but it’s noisy and vibrates, and the clutch has an awful over-centre action – clearly the work of people entirely unused to both diesels and manuals. It’s also £1,500 more than a petrol.

There’s more. The steering has oddly inconsistent self-centring action and the ride seems soft but gets caught out by sharp bumps. But the fundamental handling and body control aren’t all that bad. The structure feels strong too.

Don’t think of it as a rival to a Focus, it’s far too coarse. But for people who own small SUVs, and therefore clearly don’t care about driving quality, the Caliber might make a weird kind of sense.