Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy
2007 Dodge Caliber details revealed
DaimlerChrysler has released some details on
the upcoming 2007 Dodge Caliber, its Neon replacement. The Caliber is scheduled to go on sale next year. Chrysler has
teamed up with Mitsubishi and Hyundai to develop the four cylinders that will be used in the Caliber. They have also
chosen to source the Caliber's new CVT transmission JATCO, a Japanese supplier. The Caliber will also feature a new
all-electronic AWD system that will provided power to the front wheels most of the time, diverting power only when
necessary to the rear. This way there is very little lost in the way of fuel economy.
The Asian connection may prove to be a winning one for the Caliber. Chrysler is investing a lot into its small car platform. The Caliber will likely be a combination of American style, Asian drive train, and European handling. This may be a winning combination for the global Caliber, which will also be sold with a diesel engine in other markets. The choice to use a CVT is a wise one, which should give terrific fuel economy and performance from the Calibers choice of engines. Also, knowing that the Caliber will feature AWD does open up the possibility that the next SRT4 will be AWD, despite Chryslers current defense for not making the Neon SRT4 AWD.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JustJase 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The CVT is an interesting choice, but I can't find any information about a manual transmission. They have to offer one, right???
I also read the CVT is going to be programmed to mimic a traditional automatic shift program. I have read about a few other cars (Euro/Asian market Honda Jazz has one) with similar CVT's with simulated shifts. It also seems very likely that they'll offer a diesel option here in the States.
I still can't get over just how handsome this vehicle looks. They are certainly on a roll with styling (although I'm not a big fan of the 300/Charger looks, they sell very well). I'm anxious to see how the Sebring/Stratus will turn out. Get a feeling it'll be a looker, too.
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Mark Weber 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
An earlier commentator said: "They'll try to spin it as more of a small SUV alternative and/or competitor to the HHR and PT Cruiser."
That's how I am starting to look at it too. I was interested in the HHR as something bigger than my current hatchback, a ZX3, but with a stronger engine and at least equivalent handling. Right now early reports are that the HHR is moderately, not stronger, powered (due to its weight) and that its handling is mild. Maybe the Calibre will hit the sweetspot. I hear the new engine could be a hottie. Not sure I trust a CVT, though.
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Joel A 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
JustJase, I think you nailed it. Many articles have stated that Mazda and Ford, for example, avoid the "hatchback" nomenclature for that very reason. And I'm too young to remember when owning a "hatchback" was not a kewl thing. To me, they look more like sensible alternatives to SUVs with some of them (i.e., Mazda3 5-door and even the upcoming Caliber) lookin' kewl.
And you're right about the Mazda6 5-door. They look very similar to the sedan unless you know where to look.
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charlesk 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
CVT? Gack. Please, please tell me that there will be a manual transmission as well.
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JWhite 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
FWIW, I believe that Hyundai did the initail block design which Chrysler group and possibly Mitsubishi then massaged to meet their requirements. This block design will be used for the 4 cyl engines used by DCX, Hyundai, and Mitsu through GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance or something like that)which they all provided money into for this project. The cyl. heads and manifolds will all be unique for each manufacturer from what I understand to allow each manufacturer to differentiate and create the desired experience for their models. Slightly OT: The new Sonata is the first car available with the new "world engine" block designed by the project.
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Jaymez 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Oh joy. Yet another new station wagon to add to the line-up.
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whofan 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I hope the new 4 cyl engines are as good or better than the old 2.2l and 2.5l engines of the past. I just replaced a headgasket on a 93 Sprit with over 155,000 miles on it 2.5l.
The car ran like new. Chrysler engineered some good engines. The 3.3 in my Voyager is smooth and snappy.
I hope Diamler stays the course with Chrysler. They are doing a better job than I could ever imagined.
I would love to see GM and Ford start to click like this.
The Caliber looks very nice and better than any car in its segment. Leave it to the Germans to give the american car buyer something to drool over. Can`t say that about any other company in my own opinion
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iQuack 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Seems that the Caliber will be a winner and deserves to be.
The design makes practical sense and looks great, too.
Expect strong demand for this car.
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nec240 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
On a naming note, why is Chrysler going ballistic with their vehicle naming scheme? Their arsenal now includes the Crossfire, the Firepower, and now the Caliber. I know, I know, "caliber" also means "degree of excellence", but still.
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JustJase 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I have only driven one car with a CVT, a '97 Honda Civic HX that a friend used to own. It's an unusual driving experience and, personally, I'd prefer a good old manual. The arguments for a CVT are improved economy and performance over a conventional automatic (no torque converter to rob power among other things).
In the referenced article, the Dodge exec mentioned that JATCO also supplies CVT to Nissan. Before deciding to use them as a supplier, they reviewed warranty claims against their transmissions. I've not heard any horror stories about CVT's yet, but they haven't been sold in huge numbers either. I also get a gut feeling that if any CVT's had major trouble, they've kept it quiet and made the customer happy. Last thing they'd need it bad PR, especially if it's the only transmission available on a specific car. Maybe I'm just being skeptical/paranoid.
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Poe 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I haven't warmed up to the looks of this thing yet (may never), but an SRT-4 version with AWD sounds pretty interesting! I'm going to try to keep an open mind until I see the final production version. I'd MUCH prefer a 2-door sports coupe version.
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iQuack 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The Saturn ION coupe and the 4 cylinder VUE originally used a CVT which has since been dropped. Anyone know specifically why?
I test drove the VUE CVT a couple of years ago and it was smooth and fast enough--reminded me of the first Dynaflow Buick (that'll date me;-)). The engine raced and the car caught up with it.
The Dynaflow was a notorious gas hog, but CVTs are said to be economical, so must be more efficient given the mechanical drive of the CVT and the fluid drive of Dynaflow.
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JustJase 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The Saturn ION CVT was dropped for '05 due to "reliablility concerns". I can't find any other information. The Vue AWD 4-cylinder had the CVT for '05 but begins using a conventional automatic for '06. Another oddity that Saturn (or any source I can find) doesn't explain is why the ION sedan used a 5-speed automatic for '03-'04 and then switch to a 4-speed for '05. Step backwards it would seem.
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Adam 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Ok... so the replacement for dodge's entry level sedan is an entry level truck? Lame. This is not a hatch, it's a truck. It's too tall to be a hatch.
AWD with that ground clearance and overall height = SUV.
I don't like it at all and think they should have at least made the neon's replacement another sedan instead of this pos. Oh well.. I'm hoping that new tiburon ends up RWD like they are saying, if so that could be a pretty hot car.
I'll be graduating college in 07 and that'll be time for a car... so many choices :-)
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Steve B. 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
It's refreshing to see people with actual opions, good or bad, instead of the usual "fugly" type remarks as of late.
This is a funky little ride, but it's growing on me. It looks like you may be able to Mercedes-ize this ride in a sense that the base model will be thousands less than the fully accessorized one with AWD and Nav systems. This pricing scheme worked for the 300 so far I guess, and it will keep the rental companies happy while giving my a reasonable AWD vehicle.
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Galley 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I've just added the Calibre to my wishlist.
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D. Sky 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I'll echo Jaymez and say "Oh Joy!" another "station-wagon" (or "estate wagon" or "car based SUV" or whatever you want to call it).
As someone who drives a Subaru Legacy wagon and really likes the look of it, the versatility of it, and the safety of it (compared to an SUV), I'm happy to see more options for these sorts of vehicles.
How come I never once saw anyone say "That's a GREAT SUV, but why isn't there a 4 door version with a trunk rather than that extra space?" but there is a set of people that slag hatchbacks/wagons? I guess the car company's marketing $$$'s did a great job convincing people that a hatchback that is oversized, heavy, with a high centre of gravity is WAY cooler!
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Jay 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The next couple of years are going to be very interesting for Americans in the small car market. I like the way this is heading...some interesting models are coming out with many different configurations and the Caliber is on my short list, especially if I can get one in AWD...
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Gordon Shumway 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Ballistic? Sounds like another great name for a car...
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md 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
wagons and hatchbacks make a lot more sense than their sedan counterparts. they are more versatile and offer more space, while still holdig the same characteristics of cars. why buy a crossover SUV such a CRV when things like this and the vibe/matrix are available?
#8, Joel A, i disagree about the couch comment. we brought home a 60 inch couch in the back of a 1987 VW Golf. i swear that old car could hold more than our all of our current vehicles combined.
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