Or should I say what the MS3 should have been... I'm sure everyone is going to slam the looks of the Caliber, but it's growing on me and the practicality of a small hatch is tempting and the performance will be impressive. I also think if you lose the front grill it would make a huge improvement.

"Dodge Caliber SRT4 boosts 300hp !!


The outgoing Neon SRT-4 was a pocket rocket. Now as Neon has been replaced by Caliber, the new SRT4 is also revealed. At a glance, the Caliber SRT4 seems using the same engine as its predecessor - both of them are turbocharged 2.4-litre four-pot, but in fact they have no relationship at all. Like the regular Caliber, the new SRT4 employs the new World Engine jointly developed by Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It differs from the old Mitsubishi-based engine by using all aluminum construction, twin-cam, dual VVT and twin-balancer shafts. A turbocharger and intercooler boosts its power to an astonishing 300hp at 6000rpm, while a flat torque curve returns 260 lbft continuously from 2000 to 6000rpm. This is far more than Neon SRT-4 (215hp initially, then upgraded to 230hp finally).

The new engine mates with a 6-speed gearbox instead of the previous 5-speeder. Best of all, it finally got a limited-slip differential to help transferring the power through its front wheels to the road. Yes, this is the most powerful front-drive hot hatch in the world. For comparison, Alfa Romeo 147GTA has "only" 250hp.

Brakes are equally impressive because they come from the 300C Hemi. The front discs measure 340mm diameter while the rear discs measure 302mm. 19-inch wheels are shod with 225/45 tires."

http://www.dodge.com/caliber/caliber_srt4.html

Yeah it's ugly. IMO
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WTF is it? An SUV?

And even more importantly....how much does that thing weigh?

I'm not a fan of the looks, sorry. I guess I'm spoiled by the RX-8's 10/10 asthetics.

Fast it shall be...good looking it shant...lol

I'm confused by this car, what is it trying to be a small suv, small sadan, a wagon, a cross over veh....gosh, I just dont agree with the style of the car. It will be fast but fwd still sucks, why can't they make a new SRT-4 like Mitsu is doing a new EVO. The concept EVO looks REALLY GOOD...the SRT-4 will be better quality wise and performance wise, but I like sports cars not sport wagons/suv's/cross over veh...etc etc.

It should do well for them...but we will se if enough people will like the looks, I'll bet they wont care since alot of people just care about those straights regardless of how it looks getting there.

Just my thoughts on it.

I found that it's called a CUW, "Crossover Utility Wagon". And weighs 3300+ lbs. 0-60 in 5.9.

Ew.

I don't care WHAT they think they are calling it, a wagon is a FREAKEN WAGON...PERIOD!

By the way...300HP and it's only getting 5.9???? That has to be wrong or conservative...

khtm...oohhh, I'm not mad at you buddy...lol, I'm just yelling at the "name" system now a days.

no LSD is gonna cure torque steer w/ 300hp to the front wheels

I don't care WHAT they think they are calling it, a wagon is a FREAKEN WAGON...PERIOD!

By the way...300HP and it's only getting 5.9???? That has to be wrong or conservative...

Conservative, keep in mind the last SRT-4 did 0-60 as fast as 5.3. Also, I look at it as a hatch and like that part of it, seems something very few Americans can appreciate though.

All the Dodges are starting to look like each other...

The funny part is the Caliber, Outlander (or maybe its the Endeavor) and Evo X will share the same platform. The sportback shown below is based on the same platform as well (essentially a hatch version of the Concept X). Amazing what a little sheetmetal can do.

http://carsmedia.ign.com/cars/image/article/643/643703/190805-c-mit-_1124484367.jpg

http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/05-1414_3121.jpg


And look at the intakes and vents on the hood:

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_tokyo/gallerys/mitsu_conceptx/images/19.jpg
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/05-1414_3065.jpg

All the Dodges are starting to look like each other...

Like trucks... You can blame BMW for all the manufacturers trying to make their car lines look similar across the board and adopting corporate grills.

I don't care WHAT they think they are calling it, a wagon is a FREAKEN WAGON...PERIOD!

By the way...300HP and it's only getting 5.9???? That has to be wrong or conservative...
The weight?

I found that it's called a CUW, "Crossover Utility Wagon". And weighs 3300+ lbs. 0-60 in 5.9.

Ew.

Everyone is reporting 3189 not 3300+

Everyone is reporting 3189 not 3300+
The numbers dont make sense

The numbers dont make sense

Are we supposed to guess what you mean by that or do you plan on explaining yourself?

Well I think he means that for 3189lb vehicle with 300 hp it should be faster than a 5.9 sec 0-60.
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Well I think he means that for 3189lb vehicle with 300 hp it should be faster than a 5.9 sec 0-60.

That's just a conservative manufacturers claim, it will most likely be much faster than that.

Pretty cool idea. It would look a lot better without the dodge grill. I don't know who it's supposed to appeal to though? the tuner market or the supermarket crowd? maybe both. I like seeing cars like this in NA though.

I dunno... quality and reliablilty concerns keep me away from DCX, but if this thing had AWD I'd at least test drive one. FWD... bah... might as well consider a GTI or *shudder* Civic Si.

As far as the wagon thing... wagons rocks. don't knock 'em until you've owned one. My Familia S-Wagon (Protege5) is great for picking up my bicycle on rainy days, carrying boxes and other junk. My old Honda Ascot had a bigger trunk, but couldn't do all of that. The tight handling on my wagon also helps... just wish it had a stick and some balls. Oh well... next car...

Where were all these out-of-the-box fast, cheap cars when I was 20, and I cared only about horsepower over looks?

Everyone is reporting 3189 not 3300+

The weight?

With those numbers it SHOULD be much faster than that so we will have to wait for test results.

Just think of it (this still does not make sense to me), the Mustang get's 13.5's in the 1/4 mile comming in at 3,500 pounds so the SRT-4 weighing much less "should" be significantly faster but then again I am yet to understand how the Mustang pulls off those numbers considering it's weight.

No offense to the wagon people, but for me...I just can't stand them. I like the utility of the RX8's rear seats and big trunk (minus the small opening) so I can understand wanting a fast car that also is useful to carry stuff but I just can't come to grips with the wagon look.

well there's one pic that states AWD, is that not on the SRT trim level?

Can't say I like that thing all too much. Looks like they mashed some nondescript small SUV up with a Vibe and came out with - well, you can see. Maybe I'll like it more in person, but for now, I'm not terribly impressed.

Its straight fugly. The front end looks like a dodge ram.

I can't say it's any uglier than the Neon though.... mission accomplished Dodge

eeew and its FWD. WTF.

^well, it's always been fwd...so that's pretty much been the plan for the SRT-4.

^well, it's always been fwd...so that's pretty much been the plan for the SRT-4.
I know but dont you think 300hp in a fwd format a little excessive?

Everyone is reporting 3189 not 3300+
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Dodge/specs/2007-dodge-caliber-preview/1654/

http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/caliber.html

Ahhh I guess the R/T AWD version is 3308? Whatever that is...is that a different flavour of SRT4?

I know but dont you think 300hp in a fwd format a little excessive?

Oh I know, I agree...not only don't I dislike FWD but 300HP to the front wheels can't be good...lol.

If they come out with a AWD version then it would be MUCH better. While most of us don't like the style, I still kudos to Dodge for actually making the SRT-4!

They've already got an AWD Caliber so why aren't they going to offer a version of the SRT4 in AWD? Please don't say extra weight. It would be faster regardless of the extra 200lbs or so. I think people would be willing to pay a little extra for that.

My guess is that this car is designed for the dragstrip racer. AWD Trannies are not built for excessive hard launches and are more expensive to replace.

it's got a CVT transmission.
Looks like an AWD on the R/T,

With those numbers it SHOULD be much faster than that so we will have to wait for test results.

Just think of it (this still does not make sense to me), the Mustang get's 13.5's in the 1/4 mile comming in at 3,500 pounds so the SRT-4 weighing much less "should" be significantly faster but then again I am yet to understand how the Mustang pulls off those numbers considering it's weight.

No offense to the wagon people, but for me...I just can't stand them. I like the utility of the RX8's rear seats and big trunk (minus the small opening) so I can understand wanting a fast car that also is useful to carry stuff but I just can't come to grips with the wagon look.

The Mustang dynos well. The power curve is also different than the old pushrod motors and probably the old OHC ones too. I haven't driven one yet, but everyone I know that has said that it's very linear. Missing that good old American V8 low-end tire melting grunt, but I'm betting that it's helping that 1/4mi time.

THe wagon thing... like I said... after you've owned one... you'll see. Imagine your family can have only 1 car. Think you're still going to get an 8? Sure you can get a sedan, but what happens when you want to take home that new tv you bought?

Chrysler could have done better with the front of the caliber, but it's got the family look to it... so I guess I can't be helped. The side and rear don't look bad to me at all. Like I said... if it was AWD instead of FWD... I could seriously consider one...

I don't care if it had 3000 hp. It's still ugly and power means nothing if that's all you have going for you. I could name a few different cars right now that fit that profile but I won't. It'll turn into a flame war.

I don't care if it had 3000 hp. It's still ugly and power means nothing if that's all you have going for you. I could name a few different cars right now that fit that profile but I won't. It'll turn into a flame war.

We all know which ones you're talking about ;-)

Japan8...yeah, I don't mean any disrespect for the wagon's and I understand they have their use. I think I rather have a sports-suv than a wagon...but that's me.

My theory with the Mustang is...it's got MOJO...lol

If we could tap into MOJO, the aftermarket companies would be all over that...lol.

I don't care if it had 3000 hp. It's still ugly and power means nothing if that's all you have going for you. I could name a few different cars right now that fit that profile but I won't. It'll turn into a flame war.

Beauty however is subjective whereas power and performance are not. Somewhere out there someone finds the Pontiac Aztec or the old Gremlin beautiful. Most obviously do not but it’s a wholly subjective matter. The Caliber SRT4 provides power and functionality and lacks in the beauty dept IMO. The 8 has high marks in the beauty dept but is moderate in power and functionality. There will always be trade offs. I commend Dodge for at least pushing the envelope with design. When you do that you are going to polarize and not appeal to all.

Why I wouldn’t buy it I think it well sell well for Dodge.

Im one of those folks who like both the Aztec and the Gremlin:) i had a freind who had a chevy 350 dropped into this green gremlin- beauty and BEAST:D:

i hated the pacer tho;)

Im one of those folks who like both the Aztec

They do exist!! :lol:

not the 1st time ive said it either:)

http://www.rx8club.com/search.php?searchid=1229749

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=607&highlight=fender+flares

Japan8...yeah, I don't mean any disrespect for the wagon's and I understand they have their use. I think I rather have a sports-suv than a wagon...but that's me.

My theory with the Mustang is...it's got MOJO...lol

If we could tap into MOJO, the aftermarket companies would be all over that...lol.


Ever driven a V70R? You may change your mind about sports-wagons....I know I did. Luckily my wife likes driving SUV's....so I was able to get the 8 instead.....but I was real close to buying a V70R. The looks sucked IMO....but the performance was unreal for a wagon.

it's got a CVT transmission.
Looks like an AWD on the R/T,


CVT transmissions are really nice.....unfortunately manufacturers are putting in artificial shift points because people are not ready for true CVT. I had the opportunity to drive a Ford Five Hundred (pre-production) with the CVT trans and no artificial shift points........it was weird (think driving a boat on the street). I thought that I could get used to it.....but PD decided artificial shift points would help sales because most people would not like the 'no-shift' feeling.

Yeah, i've driven the Saturn ION w/CVT a few years ago and it does weird you out a bit. Many people that bought them took the car in to the shop thinking something was wrong with the tranny.

So the only thing that the caliber SRT-4 has over the MS3 is power. That's the arguement? I prefer my regular 3 HB over a Neon SRT-4 any day. If we look at refinement, build quality, and especially handling characteristics, the MS3 will most likely trump the SRT-4.

So the only thing that the caliber SRT-4 has over the MS3 is power. That's the arguement? I prefer my regular 3 HB over a Neon SRT-4 any day. If we look at refinement, build quality, and especially handling characteristics, the MS3 will most likely trump the SRT-4.

That's all speculation since neither car has been released yet. All we know is the SRT-4 will be faster, we don't know how the rest of the story unfolds.

That's all speculation since neither car has been released yet. All we know is the SRT-4 will be faster, we don't know how the rest of the story unfolds.


To me, It will unfold like this.

The ms3 will look, handle and feel better. While the srt-4 will be faster and have the aftermarket support that the ms3 can only dream of.

Ever driven a V70R? You may change your mind about sports-wagons....I know I did. Luckily my wife likes driving SUV's....so I was able to get the 8 instead.....but I was real close to buying a V70R. The looks sucked IMO....but the performance was unreal for a wagon.

Sure, I know...BMW and Merc have really fast wagons, but the look of thoese cars will forever keep me away.

You know, it's not that I only care about looks...cause I don't, but fast ugly is still ugly. I'd rather have quick pretty than fast ugly.

But like they always say, looks are subjective...

Sure, I know...BMW and Merc have really fast wagons, but the look of thoese cars will forever keep me away.

You know, it's not that I only care about looks...cause I don't, but fast ugly is still ugly. I'd rather have quick pretty than fast ugly.

But like they always say, looks are subjective...


I agree with you about the looks vs power.....that is why I am not a huge fan of the EVO or STI. I respect the performance....but I hate the look. Although the V70R is really ugly IMO.....it is the ultimate sleeper. Not many people will think you have 300hp and AWD when you pull up in that FUGLY wagon. Volvo needs to give the V70 line-up a face-lift (or should I say ass lift) like the V50....then I may reconsider the sports-wagon.....for my wife :D: cause my next ride is gonna be a Shelby GT500.....unless PTP finally builds a turbo kit worth keeping the 8 around.

looks like a rx8

if thats the engine thats going to be in the EVO X then id be very impressed... but i thought EVO has to be 2.0 liter to qualify for the rally races. or are they going to have 2 versions of the EVO X like the situation with the STI.

I agree with you about the looks vs power.....that is why I am not a huge fan of the EVO or STI. I respect the performance....but I hate the look.

Exactly how I feel, I respect all those cars (SRT-4, EVO, and STI) for what they can do performance wise but considering how little I actually get to push my car (with traffic, cops, and that pesky thing called traffic laws...lol) I'm not the type that is sold by HP alone...I got to look at that thing and be seen in it...lol, so I do care about looks also.

Look at the EVO X concept, trust me if that was around when I was shopping around the RX8 would have had HUGE competition...or if the Camaro concept was around it also would have given the RX8 huge competition.

Not to disrespect my lovely 8, it beat out ALOT of other cars but I have to be honest.

looks like a rx8

if thats the engine thats going to be in the EVO X then id be very impressed... but i thought EVO has to be 2.0 liter to qualify for the rally races. or are they going to have 2 versions of the EVO X like the situation with the STI.

Mitsu is out of WRC for now and WRC is adding a bunch of new limitations so I don't know if even the existing Evo IX would qualify anymore. Hopefully the Evo X will be able to add another 20 or so hp off of that block.

I've sat in the regular Caliber. It feels large fromm the driver's seat, much like a 3/4 scale Durango. The design of the instrument panel and doors and location of the windshield all contribute to the "small SUV" feel. Huge headroom, but low-mounted squishy seats. The SRT should get unique front seats, though.

I wouldn't expect sporty handling.

Bump because Moostafa is an inconsiderate noob that likes to waste bandwidth. :lol2:

Haha, you're just mad cause you started the thread and nobody has posted in awhile. I'll delete mine.

Any idea what the pricing for the Caliber SRT-4 is going to be? When is it going on sale? Same for the MS3...

Any idea what the pricing for the Caliber SRT-4 is going to be? When is it going on sale? Same for the MS3...

No pricing release from Chrysler yet. I'm going to guess 22-24k depending on options. Rumors of a release date range from Spring of '06 to early next year. I do know they're not even starting to build them yet so it's still at the very least a few months away, I'm guessing Fall.

Oh, I thought the thread was bumbed cuase they changed the looks....lol, oh well...

Come on....EVO X concept.....

Any idea what the pricing for the Caliber SRT-4 is going to be? When is it going on sale? Same for the MS3...

C&D is estimating $22,000 for the Caliber, with an on-sale date starting around this time next year.

In case you hadn't seen it yet, the new C&D has a 7-car comparo of $15,000 compacts (which includes the Caliber) and also a featured article on the SRT-4 version. They did not like the base Caliber; it finished 6th out of 7th, beating only the Suzuki Reno and losing out to the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio5, Nissan Versa, and Honda Fit. Here are their closing remarks:

Dodge hopes to sell the Caliber in 98 countries. But as it stands, this sharp-edged box feels like it's seven-eighths of the way through development - as if it needs more Caliberation

They have higher hopes for the SRT-4 version, mostly due to the high output turbo engine. However, they conclude that article with the following:

Which brings us back to the sequel issue. The SRT gang won't say so, but the Caliber doesn't look like a candidate for racing preparation. Although the static ride height is a half-inch lower than the standard Caliber's, it still rides higher than the Neon. That, plus its high profile, adds up to a high center of gravity, and the higher curb weight doesn't help, either. Looking at it from the street-machine perspective, there's also a question, in our minds at least, whether the blocky styling is going to seduce the tuner crowd.

I saw a Caliber up close last weekend at a Dodge dealership. It was fugly. So was the Neon though and PVO managed to make the SRT-4 Neon an aggressive looking car IMHO. Hopefully the SRT-4 Caliber can pull it off too.

<sighs>