The Dodge SRT4's job has always been simple: to crush the imported competition by offering the most power for the least amount of money in its class. Originally derived from the Neon, the SRT4 badge has now corrupted the sensible Caliber with chrome 'nineteens', a large hatch spoiler, triple-vented hood, fantastic SRT sport seats and a revised front end with fog lamps and brake ducts.
Power to burn
Unfortunately for your driver's license, this machine is just as fast as it looks. All show and all go, engineers have bolted a turbocharger and intercooler to the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, sending output skyward to a whopping 285 horsepower. They're all sent to the front wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox.
Torque steer? Very much. At full throttle, SRT4 may remind drivers of walking a powerful dog that wants to run off in every direction at once. Two firm hands on the wheel are required to keep the car pointing straight.
Turbo lag is pronounced, but things get interesting quickly once it kicks in. It's hard not to open up the SRT4 through every gear, though doing so could put you into demerit-point range by the end of second gear. It accelerates on a level that will entice foul language from most passengers, and there's enough torque to spin the tires from highway speeds if the pavement is wet.
Shameless performance
Tempting sound effects from the turbocharger enter the cabin when the windows are down, coaxing further bad behavior. Drivers may often wonder if they'll leave the car with their license intact.
For all of its power, the engine isn't terrible on fuel. It drinks premium, though at a respectable rate averaging about 11 L/100 km when pushed. Highway mileage drops off to about 9 L/100 km at real-life speeds.
Off to the races?
Handling and brake upgrades match the acceleration, meaning the race-ready SRT is as happy tearing down a drag strip as it is around a road course. Simultaneously, a flexible and roomy interior make this machine a perfect match for shoppers wanting to take part in weekend racing.
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| Unfortunately for your driver's license, this machine is just as fast as it looks. |
Power to burn
Unfortunately for your driver's license, this machine is just as fast as it looks. All show and all go, engineers have bolted a turbocharger and intercooler to the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, sending output skyward to a whopping 285 horsepower. They're all sent to the front wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox.
Torque steer? Very much. At full throttle, SRT4 may remind drivers of walking a powerful dog that wants to run off in every direction at once. Two firm hands on the wheel are required to keep the car pointing straight.
Turbo lag is pronounced, but things get interesting quickly once it kicks in. It's hard not to open up the SRT4 through every gear, though doing so could put you into demerit-point range by the end of second gear. It accelerates on a level that will entice foul language from most passengers, and there's enough torque to spin the tires from highway speeds if the pavement is wet.
Shameless performance
Tempting sound effects from the turbocharger enter the cabin when the windows are down, coaxing further bad behavior. Drivers may often wonder if they'll leave the car with their license intact.
For all of its power, the engine isn't terrible on fuel. It drinks premium, though at a respectable rate averaging about 11 L/100 km when pushed. Highway mileage drops off to about 9 L/100 km at real-life speeds.
Off to the races?
Handling and brake upgrades match the acceleration, meaning the race-ready SRT is as happy tearing down a drag strip as it is around a road course. Simultaneously, a flexible and roomy interior make this machine a perfect match for shoppers wanting to take part in weekend racing.
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| Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged, 285 horsepower. |