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.

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

INTRODUCTION:Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-§egmènt hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SÚV. It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers.

HIGHLIGHTS:• All-new 2.2-liter Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine delivers 16 percent more power and 3 percent more torque, while reducing fuel consumption by 5 percent and CO2 emissions by 3 percent

• All-new interior design features a cleaner, more refined design theme, highlighted by detailed chromed accents, soft-touch premium materials and additional storage spaces

• Sport Appearance package includes new 18-inch polished aluminum wheels

• Versatile interior featuring innovative Úconnect™ Navigation, MusicGate Power™ articulating liftgate speakers and Chill Zone™ cooled-beverage storage bin

SPECIFICATION:This all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 N•m (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine's vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD.

Two World Engine offerings (2.0- and 2.4-liter) deliver power and refinement thanks to dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without them. The 2.0-liter World Engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine, delivering 4 percent more power (115 kW /156 hp DIN) and 13 percent more torque (190 N•m / 140 lb.-ft.). For even greater performance, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 N•m (162 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Safety and security features include:

• Seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags

• First- and second-row side-curtain air bags

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist and all-speed traction control

• Driver and front-passenger active head restraints

• Úconnect Phone

• Úconnect Navigation with voice commands

• Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM)