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.

 

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

 

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Do...-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?

 

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,

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

i hated the pacer tho

 

They do exist!!

 

not the 1st time ive said it either

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

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...=fender+flares

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.