What the exchange rate taketh away, the exchange rate giveth, so while DaimlerChrysler is struggling to make a profit selling Mercedes models to North Americans, it is getting ready to make some money selling Dodge models to Europeans.
That is the plan, anyway, as the German company tries to build cars that will turn Dodge into a world brand. So a small group of influence-peddlers in London was shown the car on Friday.
The world that gathers at the Geneva Motor Show in early March will also see the Dodge Caliber, that ''hints at the future of next-generation Dodge C-segment vehicle'' while ''shattering the conventional definition of a compact car for the global market.''
A lot of weight to put on the shoulders of a five-door vehicle that is supposed to ''combine a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.''
Trevor Creed, the English-born designer who has revitalized the North American products of the German company, says the Caliber is ''pure Dodge,'' which means it has ''bold styling and clever packaging.''
Creed says this concept is a new slant on one of the world's most competitive segments, bringing ''emotion to the C-segment sea of sameness.'' He, too, said the concept car ''strongly hints'' at a future product, so we can expect to see something very much like it on the market here next year.
''Caliber's sheer surface styling commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand,'' Creed says, meaning ''bold, powerful, capable and street smart. This concept, painted stunning Sunburst Orange, would appeal to buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear.''
Creed says the Dodge imprint is ''stamped into the Caliber's DNA from the grille to the chrome exhaust pipe, and every body panel in between.''
The crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge, Creed says, and ''defines its strong, muscular front view. Wide, sculpted wheel forms, 19-inch wheels and tires, broad shoulders and bulging hood give Caliber its proud, powerful stance. Large, crystal headlamps and fog lights complement the chrome grille and create an integrated look that completes Caliber's modular appearance.''
The coupe-like shape that would pretty much seem impossible on an SUV shape is supposed to be the result of a black graphic appliqué running the length of the roof and melding into an integrated spoiler, though it's only visible from the side.
New and unique glass-to-body proportions give the Caliber concept a tough, protective presence, Creed maintains, while ''the forward sweep of the tailgate emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile. Chrome door handles and body-side moldings add a sense of style and polish that completes Caliber's machined exterior.''
The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front grille, Creed claims. ''The black roof spoiler with center high-mounted stop lamp, the chrome exhaust tail pipe, and large, modular crystal taillamps that fill Caliber's rear corners provide distinct focal points of Caliber's design.
That is the plan, anyway, as the German company tries to build cars that will turn Dodge into a world brand. So a small group of influence-peddlers in London was shown the car on Friday.
 |
| Dodge Caliber Concept (photo: DCX) |
A lot of weight to put on the shoulders of a five-door vehicle that is supposed to ''combine a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.''
Trevor Creed, the English-born designer who has revitalized the North American products of the German company, says the Caliber is ''pure Dodge,'' which means it has ''bold styling and clever packaging.''
Creed says this concept is a new slant on one of the world's most competitive segments, bringing ''emotion to the C-segment sea of sameness.'' He, too, said the concept car ''strongly hints'' at a future product, so we can expect to see something very much like it on the market here next year.
''Caliber's sheer surface styling commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand,'' Creed says, meaning ''bold, powerful, capable and street smart. This concept, painted stunning Sunburst Orange, would appeal to buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear.''
Creed says the Dodge imprint is ''stamped into the Caliber's DNA from the grille to the chrome exhaust pipe, and every body panel in between.''
 |
| Dodge Caliber Concept (photo: DCX) |
The coupe-like shape that would pretty much seem impossible on an SUV shape is supposed to be the result of a black graphic appliqué running the length of the roof and melding into an integrated spoiler, though it's only visible from the side.
New and unique glass-to-body proportions give the Caliber concept a tough, protective presence, Creed maintains, while ''the forward sweep of the tailgate emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile. Chrome door handles and body-side moldings add a sense of style and polish that completes Caliber's machined exterior.''
The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front grille, Creed claims. ''The black roof spoiler with center high-mounted stop lamp, the chrome exhaust tail pipe, and large, modular crystal taillamps that fill Caliber's rear corners provide distinct focal points of Caliber's design.