Could a Diesel-Powered Caliber Truly be on the Way?
The little Dodge Caliber is ramping up to be the next big thing for DaimlerChrysler. Successor to the compact SX 2.0 (Neon) sedan, the model was recently confirmed for production and is scheduled to arrive in dealerships early 2006 for the 2007 model year. On this note,
DaimlerChrysler took the opportunity to announce several technical details concerning the car's powertrain, which should raise a few eyebrows and resolve some doubts as to the new model's competitiveness in its segment.
Not only will the Caliber improve Dodge's lot in Canada and the U.S., but the compact five-door is an important component of Chrysler Group's plan to establish Dodge on a global scale, i.e. outside of North America. In Europe and Asia, Chrysler Group builds and sells its abbreviated lineup of models as Chryslers and Jeeps. Even the Viper is badged a Chrysler, an odd sight for North Americans traveling overseas. Adding Dodge to its two more established brands would allow for a larger lineup of cars, minivans, SUVs, and even pickup trucks.
Eager to launch the Dodge name on a good foot, and to match the initial success of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and wagon, the Caliber was designed, engineered and built to European standards and tastes.
Considering the Caliber has taken on "global vehicle" status, it deserves a lineup of "global" engines. In North America and abroad, the Caliber will be offered with a 140-horsepower, 1.8-litre inline-four. This entry-level motor compares favourably to the SX 2.0 (Neon), whose 2.0-litre powerplant makes 132-horsepower. The middle flavour, and the one expected to make up the majority of the sales, is the 150-horsepower, 2.0-litre inline-four. The range-topping performance model will be powered by a large-displacement 2.4-litre engine with 170-horsepower. DaimlerChrysler says that the new engines consume five percent less fuel than equivalently sized four cylinder models from rival manufacturers.
The little Dodge Caliber is ramping up to be the next big thing for DaimlerChrysler. Successor to the compact SX 2.0 (Neon) sedan, the model was recently confirmed for production and is scheduled to arrive in dealerships early 2006 for the 2007 model year. On this note,
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| Successor to the compact SX 2.0 (Neon) sedan, the model was recentlyconfirmed for production and is scheduled to arrive in dealershipsearly 2006 for the 2007 model year. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Not only will the Caliber improve Dodge's lot in Canada and the U.S., but the compact five-door is an important component of Chrysler Group's plan to establish Dodge on a global scale, i.e. outside of North America. In Europe and Asia, Chrysler Group builds and sells its abbreviated lineup of models as Chryslers and Jeeps. Even the Viper is badged a Chrysler, an odd sight for North Americans traveling overseas. Adding Dodge to its two more established brands would allow for a larger lineup of cars, minivans, SUVs, and even pickup trucks.
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| The Caliber was designed, engineered and built to European standards and tastes. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Considering the Caliber has taken on "global vehicle" status, it deserves a lineup of "global" engines. In North America and abroad, the Caliber will be offered with a 140-horsepower, 1.8-litre inline-four. This entry-level motor compares favourably to the SX 2.0 (Neon), whose 2.0-litre powerplant makes 132-horsepower. The middle flavour, and the one expected to make up the majority of the sales, is the 150-horsepower, 2.0-litre inline-four. The range-topping performance model will be powered by a large-displacement 2.4-litre engine with 170-horsepower. DaimlerChrysler says that the new engines consume five percent less fuel than equivalently sized four cylinder models from rival manufacturers.