Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons
Chicago Auto Show: Dodge Caliber SRT-4 launch
John sent these photos to add to our earlier post on the latest addition to the Dodge SRT-4 line. A hot hatchback from the Big 3 - who'd have thought it? More after the jump - enjoy!
Yes, that's Dodge NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, who was selected by the lucky contestant in Dodge's new car "Driving Game" - a take-off on the TV game show "The Dating Game." I'm not making this up.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joe 4:18PM (2/08/2006)
AND NOW FROM DODGE:
The world's most powerful Pontiac Vibe.
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Joe Ego 4:18PM (2/08/2006)
The car looks really good in person, and the base pricing is outstanding. Hopefully it drives well and has a roomy/functional interior.
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Ross 4:26PM (2/08/2006)
The more pix I see of this thing, the more conflicted I feel.
Profile: nicely done. kinda retro, in a good way. way more purposeful than the vibe.
Snout: pug ugly. like a dumb, toothless redneck with his mouth hanging open.
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Jimbo 4:43PM (2/08/2006)
It's a station wagon.
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rodan32 5:03PM (2/08/2006)
Funny thing is, it's got more horsepower than my old Caprice wagon did.
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PeterJ 5:14PM (2/08/2006)
I agree with Ross in #2 about being more conflicted the more pictures I see of it...and I'm talking about all versions, not just the SRT-4. If that's still my impression after seeing it in-person, that will probably be a bad sign. There's so much to like about the overall package but my sense is that they pushed the family resemblence (to Durango, Magnum, etc...) a bit too far.
I don't get the criticism about this car resembling a Vibe or the disdain for compact 5-doors in general from some folks. Exactly what is there to hate about the Vibe's exterior styling really? It's got some issues with interior comfort and drivetrain, but IMO from the outside, it's extemely well-proportioned and has really aged well (something that can't be said for it's Matrix twin). I'm not saying they should discontinue compact sedans/coupes either, but 5 doors enhance the usefulness of this class of vehicle about 10-fold.
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AJ Ballou 5:22PM (2/08/2006)
I cast my vote with those who favor the Caliber. I'm glad to see five-door wagons finally catching on in America--the Euros have favored this body style for a while now. The Caliber is well-proportioned and pretty good looking, though the grill is too obviously "DODGE." Nothing subtle there, but what can you expect from an auto named after a munitions spec? The wheels on this SRT version fill the wheelwells nicely, the front air dam and chin spoiler are well integrated, and the hood scoop is subtle yet purposeful (much better than the scoop on the WRX, for instance). I do wish it would have AWD to put all that power more evenly on the pavement, but you can't have everything at this (hopefully) low price.
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Gunnar 5:24PM (2/08/2006)
OH MY GOD!!!!!!
Someone sat on my Caravan and patched it up with more power.
I wonder who they are marketing this car for. Dodge needs to change the front end to something else soon. I know it is their "look" but how long can it go on for?
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Gary 5:26PM (2/08/2006)
I don't think it's as ugly as many folks and might even venture to say it looks decent to good. But I'll save ultimate judgement until I see it in action and read some reviews. It seems like it will be tough to drive hard and fast because the power can't possily get to the ground. Only time and a few drives will tell.
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dude 5:38PM (2/08/2006)
How many chicks are going to check you out in that thing? If you want a reliable low priced sporty car then get yourself a scion tc, honda civic si, or acura rsx not this p.o.s.
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Da Dave 5:50PM (2/08/2006)
To Dude, who wants a Scion or Civic when they can get 300 horsepower and a very versatile interior. This is the best thing for Dodge and will surprise a lot of people onc ethey drive one, no matter what version. All trim levels will be priced very resasonable. This is a true Import fighter.
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RamSport47 5:53PM (2/08/2006)
#10...you've never owned a Dodge...and you can't judge this car as EVERYTHING is new
#4...Mazda 3 = Sport Hatch, Dodge Caliber = Wagon?
WTF...you are totally out of line...they are the same type of vehicle
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Secret Squirrel 6:04PM (2/08/2006)
I guess they've assumed all import tuners have had their kids and need a 5 seater crossover? Hate to break it to them but most are still beginning their families so... that means 2.5 Kids which should say you're gonna need a 3rd row! ;)
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Joe 6:05PM (2/08/2006)
As an owner of a Mazda Protege5 (its in my name, I aint the driver, but I was the purchaser) I was very excited for the smaller, compact hatch, not the bloated lines of the toyota matrix or the mark that its sister car the pontiac vibe attempted to fill. I think they were too big. I wanted something that was small, tight and peppy. To some extent the new 3 is counter to my wishes in a small hatch. I don't think i will like this one either for the same reasons. I think it will look ok in pictures ala thr vibe, but in person be too large and therefore not as enticing. I think I may be one of the few people in this world that sees the utility of the hatch as useful, but i would rather have less utility and tighter lines than more utility and a car that doesn't know if it is a small hatch or a sport-utility wannabe... so thats where i see it, which is why i made the comparo to the Vibe earlier...
-Joe
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Wes 7:30PM (2/08/2006)
Hot hatch from the big three. . . SVT Focus?
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frko 7:55PM (2/08/2006)
This new live pics makes the Caliber srt-4 look a lot better than the official ones, for sure it's growing on me.
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Brian W 8:10PM (2/08/2006)
A 300HP FWD station wagon? Looks like the Mercedes parts bin is empty, time for DCX to join GM.
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brian 8:13PM (2/08/2006)
looks like a smaller aztek from the rear.
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Frank 8:22PM (2/08/2006)
WOW!!! What a difference three little letters make. SRT.
Holy crap, this car looks ten times better than the base version. I hated the base version, didn't like the look, but now, it just looks bitchin. And 300HP? Hold on, I have to pick up my jaw.
The HATCHBACK is officially, well, back!!!
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CanadianJeepYJ 8:42PM (2/08/2006)
#17...you have to be high.
DCX should join GM...what does GM have that DCX needs.
The Colbalt SS rated at 205hp...hatch or no-hatch the SRT4 would blow the doors off of the SS.
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