2012 Dodge Caliber

2012 Dodge Caliber

2012 Dodge Caliber

2012 Dodge Caliber

A redesigned Dodge Caliber compact car is near the top of the to-do list for the new Chrysler Group LLC and its Italian partner, Fiat Auto. The replacement, which may get a new name, is expected to start sale in calendar 2011 as an early 2012 model, timing that would make it the American automaker's first post-bankruptcy product to reach consumers. Despite dual design citizenship, the new compact will be produced at one of Chrysler's remaining plants in North America, though the choice is apparently not decided yet.

Various sources indicate the 2012 Dodge Caliber will be built on Fiat's C-Evo platform, a new architecture that can be varied somewhat in length and width to host a variety of "C-segment" vehicles, meaning compact cars and crossover SUVs of the same general size as the Ford Focus and new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Designed for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, C-Evo gets its first outing with the 2011 Alfa Romeo Milano, a sporty 4-door hatchback from the Fiat-owned upscale brand famous for sports cars. The new Caliber will reportedly be sold only as a 4-door sedan, unlike Milano and today's Caliber, but we think a hatchback might be reinstated at some point to woo younger "active lifestyle" buyers attracted to the likes of the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB. Whatever the body styles, all models should be front-wheel drive.

Styling for the 2012 Dodge Caliber will be fashioned by Chrysler designers in Auburn Hills, Michigan, though probably with input from Fiat's team in Turin. While earlier speculation had Dodge visuals being applied to the conservative Fiat Linea compact sedan (sold in Eastern Europe, South America, and the Middle East), we'd guess the reloaded Caliber will look more dynamic, with a slightly wedgy profile, crisp lower-body lines, and Dodge's signature "gunsight" grille. Interior design should also be unique despite using a number of Fiat-designed parts, and we'd guess materials quality will go up another notch from the upgraded 2010 Caliber cabin.