2007 Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber is coming to replace the Neon - and it has bigger dreams of
global domination than the former entry-level Dodge sedan and coupe ever had.
The Caliber is the beginning of an ambitious program at Chrysler to make money
in the ultra-competitive U.S. compact segment by offering more than just a
refreshed econo-hatch. Not only will the Caliber appear in American showrooms,
it's headed to Europe as well. And its basic architecture will spawn at least
two brethren that will broaden the Chrysler Group small-car portfolio - while
spreading the cost of a brand-new vehicle family over both the Dodge and Jeep
brands.
The Caliber brings some potent hardware to the battle with Civics, Focuses and
Corollas. Its new three-engine lineup was co-developed with Hyundai Motor Co.
and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. for the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA),
while the continuously variable transaxle and all-wheel drive will put it at the
forefront of small-car technology.
At first glance, the Caliber seems better equipped to be successful - perhaps
even profitable - in a segment long dominated by Japanese cars.
International aspirations
It is no accident the concept versions of the Caliber and the related
Compass/Patriot Jeeps made their debut at the Geneva and Frankfurt shows last
year. The Caliber arrives outside North America later this year with both right-
and left-hand drive models and an optional turbodiesel engine. The Caliber
complies with all regulatory requirements, as well as offset crash tests in
Europe and Australia and front-impact compliance for Japan and Australia .
But it's at home where the Caliber will have the fiercest competition first. In
North America, the Caliber will compete in both the compact and mid-size car
segments and appeal to first-time new car purchasers, including those whose
first car may have been used, according to George Murphy, Senior Vice President
Global Marketing. It is aimed at the small and mid-size sport-tourer buyer as
well. The compact car segment has held at a steady 10- to 12-percent share of
the U.S. car market for the past few years, with 1.9 million units sold
annually. The sport-tourer segment is growing, with more than 800,000 units sold
each year. Small sport-tourer sales account for 40 percent of the total sport-tourer
segment and continue to grow, according to Dodge. The International C-car market
is much bigger, typically accounting for about 30 percent.
The styling challenge on the shared program is to provide enough difference from
Jeep Patriot and Compass versions. "With its bold styling and clever packaging,
the Caliber is pure Dodge," maintains Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of
Design, Chrysler Group. The crosshair grille is clearly Dodge and the sculpted
fender forms, broad shoulders and hood are recognizably Dodge, too. In profile a
black graphic accent runs into the length an integrated rear-roof spoiler,
creating what Dodge says is "a coupe-like visual quality" from the side view.
The hatchback, er, liftgate combines with four doors and split-folding rear
seats to provide flexibility for people or things. Interior space is 95.2 cu.
ft. (SAE), with 18.5 cu ft. of cargo room. Fold the rear seats flat and 48 cu.
ft. appear. A floor console sliding armrest moves forward three inches to
accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a pocket for storing a
cell phone or an MP3 player. In higher trim models, the rear seats recline 12
degrees, and the front passenger seat folds forward creating a table-like
surface. A cooled beverage storage bin that can hold up to four 20-ounce bottles
is available in air conditioning-equipped models.
VVT and CVT
Underneath, three engines with claimed class-leading power are available. The
base SE uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder bolted to a five-speed manual transaxle.
Optional are 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines and a CVT calibrated for "pleasing
engine response," says Dodge. The CVT sports an AutoStick feature that allows
for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. The CVT contributes
to a fuel economy improvement of six to eight percent compared with a
traditional four-speed automatic, says Dodge. All engines use variable valve
timing on both the intake and exhaust valves and intake manifold with flow
control valves, firsts for a Chrysler Group compact car. Combined, these
features produce more power, better fuel economy, and smoother, quieter
operation than engines without them, according to the company. Dodge says an
all-wheel drive model with traction and stability control will eventually
appear. And maybe, just maybe a turbocharged model could become, eventually, the
performance flagship.
Production of the Caliber begins in early 2006 at the newly refurbished
Belvidere (Ill. ) assembly plant. The new four-cylinders for this vehicle are
built in the GEMA plant in Michigan .
2007 Dodge Caliber
Base price: $13,985-$20,000 (est.)
Engine: 1.8-liter in-line four, 148 hp; 2.0-liter in-line four, 158 hp;
2.4-liter in-line four, 172 hp/165 lb-ft; 2.0-liter turbodiesel outside North
America
Transmission: Five-speed manual or continuously variable transaxle;
front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
Length x width x height: 173.8 x 68.8 x 60.4 inches
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches
Curb weight: 2966 lb (est., front-wheel-drive SE); 3308 lb (est., all-wheel
drive R/T)
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): N/A
Safety equipment: Dual front and side curtain airbags
Major standard equipment: Tilt steering; 15-inch tires; illuminated front cup
holders; center-console sliding armrest, with cellphone/MP3 player storage
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles