High-Caliber Performance: With 300 Horsepower, All-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to Dominate Sport-compact Market

August 31, 2006 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - 

Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group takes the SRT4 reputation to new heights with the introduction of the all-new, 300-horsepower 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s formula begins with the powertrain, essentially explained by four numbers: 85, 125, 300 and 260. The 85 is how much more horsepower is available compared with the original Dodge SRT4, which results in 125 horsepower per liter for a total of 300 horsepower (224 kW). The final number is 260, as in 260 lb.-ft. (353 N•m) of tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque. Those numbers add up to a 0-60-mph time of under 6 seconds.

“With signature SRT all-around performance, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a true tuner car right from the manufacturer,” said Kipp Owen, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. “It will offer another signature trait of SRT: best performance for the best price.”

“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”

New Models

  • High-performance version of the all-new five-door hatchback Dodge Caliber with an all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine

Exterior

  • Aggressive SRT-signature look
  • An all-new front fascia with functional brake and radiator air cooling ducts
  • Fog lamps
  • Functional air scoop and exhaust extractors in the hood to cool engine compartment
  • Lower vertical strakes in rear fascia direct underbody air flow
  • Large integrated spoiler above rear glass tuned for smoother air flow and downforce
  • Available four exterior colors: Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red

Interior

  • SRT race-inspired graphic design, including instruments, separate turbocharger boost gauge and silver finish on center stack and interior trim
  • Performance-oriented instrumentation in three gauge “tunnels” include tachometer, 200-mph speedometer, water temperature and fuel gauges
  • Sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with "carbon fiber" pattern on upper portion
  • "Alloy Silver" finish on instrument panel and shift bezel
  • Center-stack-mounted shifter with leather-finished shift knob
  • Standard AM-FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer control
  • Available SRT/Kicker high-performance audio system with 13 speakers, 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer
  • Available UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
  • Available SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • Interior colors: Dark/Light Slate Gray

Powertrain / Chassis

  • Turbocharged 2.4-liter I4 World Engine
  • Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
  • Aluminum engine block and cylinder head
  • High compression ratio (8.6:1)
  • Unique cast pistons cooled by oil squirters
  • Tuned exhaust with two catalytic converters
  • Siemens Global Powertrain Engine Controller
  • GF DMT-6 six-speed manual transmission
  • Limited slip differential
  • SRT-unique 19-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear tires
  • Wheel hubs and bearings adapted from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for strength
  • Upgraded MacPherson strut front suspension includes new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates
  • Unique front and rear sway bars
  • Uniquely calibrated Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Rack-and-pinion power steering tuned for easy low-speed maneuvering, uncompromising performance at speed
  • 18.0:1 overall steering ratio
  • Heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes with vented brake rotors: 340 x 28 mm in front, 302 x 10 mm rear

Safety & Security

  • Advanced multi-stage air bags
  • Anti-lock braking system
  • Auto-reverse sun roof with advanced sensing system automatically reverses the sun roof to the open position
  • BeltAlert, sounds a periodic chime to alert the driver and all occupants to fasten their seat belts
  • Brake Assist senses panic brake condition and applies maximum braking power
  • Brake/park Interlock prevents shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
  • Constant Force Retractors (CFR) limits the force of the belt system and gradually releases seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact
  • Crumple zones designed to compress during an accident to absorb energy from an impact
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP) aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by controlling oversteer and understeer
  • Energy-absorbing steering column
  • Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) automatically turns on interior lighting, unlocks doors and shuts off fuel flow after air bag deployment
  • Height-adjustable seat belts
  • HomeLink universal home security system transceiver
  • Inflatable knee blocker, an air bag that helps position the driver relative to the primary air bag
  • Interior head impact
  • Knee bolsters
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
  • Occupant Classification System (OCS) determines deployment of the front passenger air bag based on occupant weight
  • Octagonal frame-rail tips designed to collapse rearward in a controlled manner during a frontal or offset front impact
  • ParkSense® Rear Back-up System assists in detecting stationary objects when driving at low speeds in Reverse
  • Power-adjustable brake, accelerator and clutch pedals to move toward or away from the driver
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Seat-belt pretensioners
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer assures only authorized keys will operate the engine
  • SmartBeam® Headlamps adjust to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting
  • Supplemental side-curtain air bags
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM), advanced system alerts driver to improper tire pressure conditions

DESIGN

Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group: “From the very first sketches of the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we wanted an aggressive, SRT-signature look featuring its bold grille, hood scoops and intercooler and brake-cooling ducts. The result is a much more aggressive look than the standard Dodge Caliber.”

An all-new front fascia below the signature Dodge crosshair grille incorporates functional performance features including an air dam, ducts that direct air to cool the brakes and a wide center inlet that provides air flow to the radiator. 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.

The rear fascia features lower vertical strakes that direct underbody air flow out the back of the vehicle, contributing to more stability at speed. Aerodynamic efficiency is also aided by an integrated spoiler above the rear glass. The spoiler is nearly 60 percent larger than that on the standard Dodge Caliber, and is tuned for smoother air flow and downforce while maximizing the rear view.

Inside, unique 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. 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.

ENGINEERING

Kipp Owen, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group: “From its 300-horsepower, turbocharged World Engine to its race-bred suspension and incredible braking, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 combines SRT performance with the Dodge Caliber’s innovative packaging and appointments.”

The 2007 Dodge Caliber’s all-new World Engine is produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance facility in Dundee, Mich. The engine’s aluminum 2.4-liter block is specially machined for increased water and oil flow, and its aluminum cylinder head is equipped with unique high-temperature exhaust valves and variable valve timing for efficient combustion and flow.

Power goes to a six-speed manual transmission equipped with a limited-slip differential for uniform side-to-side power transfer, which is capable of handling up to 300 lb.-ft. (407 N•m) of torque.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear tires. 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 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.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 benefits from braking-system components sourced from mid-size and larger cars. Vented brake rotors for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 are 340 mm x 28 mm in front and 302 mm x 10 mm in the rear.

The anti-lock brake system was uniquely calibrated for the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s performance to maintain directional stability without wheel lockup.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

High-caliber performance (300 horsepower – 85 more than original Dodge SRT4): benchmark performance at the best price

Dodge Caliber SRT4 dominates the sport-compact performance market

  • Powered by an SRT-engineered, 2.4-liter, intercooled, turbocharged engine that produces 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has 85 more horsepower than the original SRT4
  • SRT performance enhancements include a six-speed transmission, limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, unique front and rear sway bars and 19-inch SRT wheels
  • The Dodge Caliber SRT4 offers class-leading performance and utility at an incredible value

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is for the enthusiast who wants the all-around performance of a true tuner car right from the manufacturer

  • SRT performance: 0-60-mph in under 6 seconds
  • Standout powertrain capable of tire-shredding horsepower and torque; functional, performance-oriented exterior design with all-new front and rear fascias with cooling ducts, functional hood scoop with air extractors, and rear deck lid spoiler; race-inspired interior appointments that include deeply bolstered seating and comprehensive instrumentation; benchmark braking; and world-class ride and handling characteristics make the Dodge Caliber SRT4 at home on the track or street

Dodge Caliber SRT4 is developed under the credo “Race inspired, street legal”

  • Building on the success of the original Dodge SRT4, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 sets a new benchmark in the sport-compact performance market

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

  • Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
  • Auto-reverse Sun Roof
  • BeltAlert
  • Brake Assist
  • Constant Force Retractors
  • Crumple Zones
  • Electronic Stability Program
  • Energy-absorbing Steering Column
  • Enhanced Accident Response System
  • Height-adjustable Seat Belts
  • HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
  • Inflatable Knee Blocker
  • Interior Head-impact Protection
  • Knee Bolsters
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
  • Occupant Classification System
  • Octagonal Frame-rail Tips
  • ParkSense Rear Back-up System
  • Power-adjustable Pedals
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Seat-belt Pretensioners
  • Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer
  • Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

COLOR AVAILABILITY

  • Brilliant Black
  • Sunburst Orange
  • Bright Silver
  • Inferno Red

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

  • 2007 model year production start: spring 2007
  • Production location: Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.
  • 2.4-liter I-4 engine: Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance engine plant in Dundee, Mich.
  • Six-speed manual transmission: Getrag transmission plant in Cologne, Germany

MARKET POSITION
Dodge Caliber SRT4 sets a new benchmark in the sport-compact performance market, with its SRT attributes of functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, race-inspired interior appointments, benchmark braking and an SRT-engineered, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that creates 300 horsepower (224 kW) resulting in a 0-60-mph time in under 6 seconds.

Demographics

  • Gender: Primarily male
  • Median Age: 35
  • Annual Household Income: $45,000 to $60,000
  • Education: 35 percent college graduates

MARKET ADVANTAGES

  • High-caliber performance: 300 horsepower (224 kW) — 85 hp more than original Dodge SRT4, resulting in a 0-60-mph time in under 6 seconds
  • Benchmark performance at the best price
  • Dominates the sport-compact performance market
  • The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is for the enthusiast who wants the all-around performance of a true “tuner car” right from the manufacturer

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