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The Dodge Caliber SRT4

The Caliber SRT-4 production car

The production SRT-4 — see our test drive! — has 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque (our numbers turned out to be correct!), a massive increase over the original SRT-4 - though with greater weight, the new version will most likely be slower. That’s coming out of the 2.4 liter World Engine, with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. The price is very similar to the original SRT-4, at $22,995, but electronic stability control is included along with antilock brakes and brake lock differential, and a new performance metrics package is available (see the video below or our review for details).

dodge caliber SRT4

The 0-60 mph time is “in the low 6-second range.” 

How the Caliber SRT-4 is different from the stock Dodge Caliber

Erich Heuschele wrote in the Chrysler blog:

...we took a standard Caliber and dropped the front end 28-mm and the rear 22-mm. This made the halfshafts flatter to help torque steer. We actually have shorter dampers on the car so it has more jounce travel. We didn't just lower the car. We actually got back some of the jounce travel we lost.

It has 210-pound-per-inch springs in the front, 240 in the rear. That's pretty stiff. The Caliber and the Patriot, PM platform vehicles, like stiff springs. The base Caliber springs are more like 160 pounds per inch and the old SRT4 Neon was 175 in the front and 125 in the back. We've got 19 by 7 ½ inch cast wheels, 225/45-19 tires. The Goodyear Eagle RS-A is standard or the F1 is available. The RS-A is ... nearly as capable as the F1 tire. We did extensive tuning on those things. So you are not really giving up much performance with the four-season tire.

The brake system is using the 5.7L Dodge Charger police car front calipers. It is actually the export 300C 5.7L pads and the police car brake pads will go on. You can buy those from Mopar. Those are a little more track capable if your main focus with the car is at the track.

The rear brake is essentially a Sebring rear disc set up. We have pretty darn stiff calipers and I think a pretty good pedal feel. I think especially for a slider (floating calipers), this is the benchmark brake system for our segment.

The SRT4 has a much bigger master cylinder to push the fluid volume because we've got twin pistons on the front brakes. We have a unique ABS tuning, unique ESP tuning for the vehicle, but sway-bar wise we maintain the Caliber R/T 24-mm. We bump the rear sway bar from a 15 to an 18 mm.

The SRT4 only has front-wheel drive versus the all-wheel drive that is available on the R/T because the all-wheel R/T system is really a reactive system. It isn't capable of putting anywhere near the torque that we would want to put to the back wheels of the SRT4. To make AWD feel like a performance system, more than 50 percent of the torque needs to go to the back, and it needs to happen before the front wheels start to slip ... if we had started from scratch with an all-wheel drive performance system, we couldn't offer the vehicle at the kind of price point that we wanted to offer.

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 overview

Exterior styling includes a front fascia with functional brake cooling ducts and a larger grille opening. The hood has a functional air scoop. A large integrated spoiler above the rear glass is tuned for smoother air flow and lift reduction. Available exterior colors are Black, Sunburst Orange, Silver, and Inferno Red. The interior has sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, different instruments, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive "performance pages" that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance.

The Dodge Caliber SRT4's suspension is lowered 28mm in the front and 22mm in the rear, with unique tuning, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels, and Goodyear three- or four-season performance tires. Braking is delivered via four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with 340 x 28mm vented front rotors and 302 x 10mm rear rotors, with twin-piston aluminum front calipers. An electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six- speed transmission help put the power to the ground.

Standard features include a turbo boost gauge; Electronic Stability Program; advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags; supplemental side window curtain air bag; driver inflatable knee blocker; air conditioning with particulate and odor air filter and Chill Zone™; illuminated cup holders; 115-volt auxiliary power outlet; sliding armrest with cell phone holder; center-mounted tachometer; sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts; and SRT-unique 19- inch cast aluminum painted wheels.

Options include the Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud audio system (late availability) at $1,190; power-express open/close sun roof at $795; and 19 x 7.5-inch polished aluminum SRT wheels at $400.

It is still front wheel drive, manual transmission only. Cornering and braking figures are not available yet.

The Caliber SRT-4 concept car

Dodge Caliber SRT4 concept car engine and transmission

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 concept car is capable of a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds.  “The 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you’d expect from a V-8. With the engine in the 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),” said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – Powertrain, SRT. The 4.7 V8, even in High Output form, produces less power than this engine.

The aluminum 2.4-liter World Engine block was specially machined for increased water and oil flow.  Unique 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 head  is 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 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 57mm throttle body. (To clarify, the hood scoop is there to cool the engine and turbocharger. The WRX has an interesting alternative with the hood scoop cooling the intercooler!)

Fuel is provided by a high-flow pump feeding injectors developed specifically for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4.  An 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 gas exits 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.  Using 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.  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.

See our weblog for commentary (a new window will open if you allow that sort of thing.)

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 body and exterior

 “From the very first sketches of the 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 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 includes 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 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4: black, orange, silver, and bright red.

SRT4 cars - interior

Trevor Creed said, “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.”

Dodge Caliber SRT-4Unique 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.

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.  Also availabe are the UConnect™ Hands Free Communications System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The interior of the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is offered in Dark/Light Slate sd Gray.

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 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 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique19-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. 

Upgrades to the standard 2007 Dodge Caliber’s MacPherson strut front suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates. Unique 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.

Brakes for the Caliber SRT-4

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 28mm in front and 302 x 10mm in the rear.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was uniquely calibrated for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s performance to maintain directional stability without wheel lockup.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Safety and Security Features:

Dodge / Chrysler quality assurance

The 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product-creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new vehicles.

CDS emphasizes systems engineering, design and up-front planning to avoid time-consuming and costly trial and error, or changes during the later phases of the product development cycle.  With CDS, all product and process planning is completed and fully integrated before production tooling begins.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 development also encompasses actual conditions, both on the street and on the race track.

To simulate real-world conditions, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 will have logged nearly 2 million customer-equivalent road miles by the time vehicles begin appearing in dealerships. 

To ensure its track-ready character, extensive durability testing of the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will take place at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix; Texas Motorsports Ranch in Ft. Worth, Texas; and Nelson Ledges in Garrettsville, Ohio.

Belvidere plant:  production

The 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Group's Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber 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.

The 3.7 million-square-foot Belvidere Assembly Plant has approximately 1,700 employees represented by United Auto Worker's Union Locals 1268 and 1761. The plant began production of the Plymouth Fury and Dodge Monaco in 1965.

Other

“The 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.”

With true tuner performance and a great price, enthusiasts immediately took to the original 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 – more than the projected 7,500 per year. 

Preliminary Specifications for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4

 All dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 engine

Type and Description  Four cylinders in-line, tuned intake manifold with Electronic Active Charge Motion Control valves, dual counter-rotating balance shafts
Displacement 144 cu. in. (2360 cu. cm.)
Bore x Stroke 3.46  x 3.82 (88 x 97)
Valve System Chain-driven DOHC, 16 valves, electronically controlled dual Variable Valve Timing, direct-acting shimless mechanical bucket tappets
Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless
Construction  High-pressure die cast aluminum block with dry iron liners, cast aluminum cylinder heads, cast aluminum ladder frame, forged steel crankshaft
Compression Ratio 8.6:1
Power (SAE net, estimated) 300 bhp (223 kW) @ 6000 rpm (125 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated)  260 lb.-ft. (352 N•m) @ 2000-6000 rpm
Max. Engine Speed  6500 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity 5.0 qt. (4.7L) SAE 0W/40 Mobil 1 Synthetic
Coolant Capacity 7.2 qt. (6.8 L)
Emission Controls Twin catalytic converters, dual heated oxygen sensors and engine features
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy MPG City/Hwy 22/28

TRANSAXLE: MANUAL, GETRAG DMT-6

Description six-speed, fully synchronized, cable-operated, four-plane shifter with reverse lockout ring
1st 3.231
2nd 1.952
3rd 1.321
4th 0.971
5th 1.061
6th 0.886
Reverse 3.831
Final Drive Ratio  Gears 1-4: 4.063, gears 5,6: 2.955
Overall Top Gear 2.728

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Alternator 140A
Battery  700 CCA, maintenance-free
Wheelbase  103.7 (2635)
Track, Front 59.8 (1520)
Track, Rear 59.8 (1520)
Overall Length  173.8 (4413.9)
Overall Width  68.8 (1747.2)
Overall Height  60.4 (1533.1)
Ground Clearance 7.0 (178)
Frontal Area, sq. ft. (sq. m) 24.5 (2.28)
Drag Coefficient 0.4 (this is shockingly high for 2006! The first Neon was .32, and the Sundance was .42 ... the Plymouth Superbird was .28! as is the Toyota Yaris. Since the Caliber is listed at 0.375 - not good but not poor for a tall vehicle - we suspect something is wrong with the published number).
Curb Weight, lb. (estimated)  3189 (1447 kg)
Weight Distribution, F/R 58/42
Tires and wheels P255/45ZR19 Performance, Goodyear, 765 revs per mile (1,231 per km) on cast aluminum, 19 x 7.5 wheels. Note: JK pointed out that these rev-per-mile/km numbers cannot both be right since km are shorter than miles. We have a mail in to Chrysler (as of mid-2006).

ACCOMMODATIONS

Seating Capacity, F/R 2/3
Front Headroom without sun roof  40.0 (1015.6)
Leg Room  41.8 (1061.5)
Shoulder Room  54.2 (1377.8)
Hip Room  52.2 (1325.3)
Seat Travel Driver – 10.2 (260), passenger – 10.2 (260)
Driver  recliner angle up to 88 degrees
Passenger (76 fold flat/88 non-fold flat)
SAE Front Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m.) 52.4 (1.485)
Rear Seat Headroom 38.9 (989.3)
Leg Room 35.6 (905.1)
Knee Clearance 0.9 (21.8)
Shoulder Room  53.4 (1357.2)
Hip Room  49.6 (1260.8)
SAE Rear Seat Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m.) 42.8 (1.212)
SAE Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m.) 95.2 (2.697)
Cargo Volume Indexes.  
Rear Seats Up, cu. ft. (cu m.) 18.5 (0.525)
Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m.) 48.0 (1.36)
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m.)  113.9 (3.225)
Liftover Height 27.6 (701.4)

DODGE CALIBER SRT4 SUSPENSION, STEERING, AND BRAKES

Front Suspension Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension Multi-link-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers
Steering Type Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist
Overall Ratio 16.6:1
Turning Diameter 39.6 ft. (12 m)
Steering Turns 2.76
Brakes: Front 13.3 x 1.1 (340 x 28) vented disc with 2.2 (57) dual-piston floating caliper
Front Swept Area 223.52 sq. in. (1442.12 sq. cm)
Rear Size and Type 11.8 x 1.39 (302 x 10) solid disc with 1.4 (35) single-piston floating caliper
Rear Swept Area 138.64 sq. in. (894.6 sq. cm)
Power Assist Type 10 (254) single-diaphragm vacuum
Features Four wheel antilock; electronic stability program


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