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Upcoming Dodge Caliber to offer Competitive Drivetrain Options

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 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 cars powertrain, which should raise a few eyebrows and resolve some doubts as to the new models competitiveness in its segment.

Not only will the Caliber improve Dodges lot in the compact segment, but the compact five-door is an important component of Chrysler Groups 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

Successor to the compact Neon sedan, the model was recently confirmed for production and is scheduled to arrive in dealerships early 2006 for the 2007 model year. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

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-liter inline-four. This entry-level motor

The Caliber was designed, engineered and built to European standards and tastes. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

compares favorably to the Neon, whose 2.0-liter powerplant makes 132-horsepower. The middle flavor, and the one expected to make up the majority of the sales, is the 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four. The range-topping performance model will be powered by a large-displacement 2.4-liter engine with 170-horsepower. DaimlerChrysler says that the new engines consume five percent less fuel than equivalently sized four cylinder models from rival manufacturers. What makes these gasoline motors "global" is the fact that they were co-developed with partners of DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi Motors and Hyundai of Japan and South Korea respectively, pitched in. Because of the team effort, expect these motors to pop up in future Mitsubishis, Hyundais and Kias - the latter automaker owned by Hyundai. Production of these motors will take place across the globe, in North America,

What makes these gasoline motors "global" is the fact that they were co-developed with partners Hyundai and Mitsubishi. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Europe and Asia. It is expected that production will eventually exceed 1.5 million units per year.

As the Caliber will be a critically important model for Dodge, to help it get the upper edge in the lucrative European C-Segment (compact) marketplace it will be available with a 134-horsepower, 2.0-liter, common rail turbodiesel. Theres also the possibility that Dodge may offer the Caliber CRD in North America, after seeing the high demand for the CRD-powered Jeep Liberty compact SUV. It would be an excellent fuel-conserving alternative to the VW Golf/Jetta/New Beetle TDI, the only diesel-powered compact cars currently on sale in North America. Dodge, do you hear that? Its the sound of opportunity knocking and a chance to break the VW diesel monopoly...

Another big announcement for the Caliber is that it will be available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In addition to conventional manuals and automatics, the CVT will be the tool that enables the Caliber to attain best-in-class fuel economy. Chrysler says

It is possible that Calibers CVT will employ a paddle-shift or AutoStick manual mode with artificially fixed ratios. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

that the smart, ratio-adjusting unit can help save a further three percent. DCX has worked to improve the gearboxs feel, and it ensures customers that the next-generation unit will be "less annoying" than the current crop of CVTs. While details concerning the CVT have yet to be announced, it is possible that Calibers CVT will employ a paddle-shift or AutoStick manual mode with artificially fixed ratios, allowing the transmission to perform like a regular gearbox. This would help eliminate the common slipping clutch syndrome synonymous with CVTs.

With a new era of Dodge products already emerging, the Caliber further breaks from the past by snubbing compact car tradition. It will be offered in only one body style, a five-door tall hatchback design, similar to that of the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Aside from creating a unified standard body for global production, it offers greater versatility and brings styling in line with the brands popular Magnum sport wagon. The Caliber will also mimic the Magnum by offering an electronically controlled all-wheel drive option. Dodge is one of few entry-level brands to offer AWD in its cars, aside from Subaru and the aforementioned Toyota-Pontiac duo.

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