Indianapolis, Indiana - After witnessing the passion that members of Chrysler's Street and Racing Team (SRT) bring to their projects, I knew before driving it that their latest effort would shock and awe with blistering performance and outstanding value. The Caliber SRT4 has set a new performance benchmark in the entry-level pocket-rocket segment.
What's an SRT4?
For those not yet familiar with SRT, think race-inspired styling, handling, braking and powertrains. Now apply those ideals to Dodge's economical Caliber and voila, the SRT4 is bred and born. Massive air inlets define the car's snarling nose, directing air over the inter-cooler and front brakes while body skirting and a jumbo-size roof spoiler manage high-speed turbulence. A functional hood scoop draws cool air into the engine compartment as a pair of hood-mounted extractor scoops exhaust hot air.
In the cockpit, Viper'eque seats clutch the body like a Catholic nun clutching her rosary. Numerous other driver-oriented interior upgrades elevate the Caliber to SRT status. These include a large centre-mounted tachometer and a retro-looking turbo-boost gauge plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum foot-pedals with rubber grip studs.
Does a hopped-up Caliber deserve an SRT badge?
In a word, yes. That validation doesn't come easily. It was earned during a grueling day at the Putnam Road Course racetrack where the SRT boys allowed a group of foolhardy over-zealous auto journalists to experience the full capabilities of their little slugger. And let me assure you, we did.
Wicked powertrain
It begins with an SRT-engineered 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four capable of 285 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Not long ago these numbers were impressive for a V8, never mind a four-banger. In addition to turbocharging, magic applied by the engineers included improved cylinder-head flow and an increased compression ratio along with dual Variable Valve Timing. Additional engine modifications were undertaken to improve durability and high-rev reliability.
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What's an SRT4?
For those not yet familiar with SRT, think race-inspired styling, handling, braking and powertrains. Now apply those ideals to Dodge's economical Caliber and voila, the SRT4 is bred and born. Massive air inlets define the car's snarling nose, directing air over the inter-cooler and front brakes while body skirting and a jumbo-size roof spoiler manage high-speed turbulence. A functional hood scoop draws cool air into the engine compartment as a pair of hood-mounted extractor scoops exhaust hot air.
In the cockpit, Viper'eque seats clutch the body like a Catholic nun clutching her rosary. Numerous other driver-oriented interior upgrades elevate the Caliber to SRT status. These include a large centre-mounted tachometer and a retro-looking turbo-boost gauge plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum foot-pedals with rubber grip studs.
Does a hopped-up Caliber deserve an SRT badge?
In a word, yes. That validation doesn't come easily. It was earned during a grueling day at the Putnam Road Course racetrack where the SRT boys allowed a group of foolhardy over-zealous auto journalists to experience the full capabilities of their little slugger. And let me assure you, we did.
Wicked powertrain
It begins with an SRT-engineered 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four capable of 285 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Not long ago these numbers were impressive for a V8, never mind a four-banger. In addition to turbocharging, magic applied by the engineers included improved cylinder-head flow and an increased compression ratio along with dual Variable Valve Timing. Additional engine modifications were undertaken to improve durability and high-rev reliability.
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