Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Dodge
Startech tunes, accessorizes the Dodge Caliber
Brabus' tuning arm for American-branded vehicles, Startech, has started paying attention to Dodge's entrant in the European marketplace: the Caliber. The Euro Caliber, as you already know, can be had with Chrysler's VW-supplied 2.0L CRD. Startech's new control module, when installed, bumps peak output up 40 horses to 180 hp. Torque rises to 266 lb-ft between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. (The unmodified engine generates 229 lb ft). Acceleration to 62 mph drops to 8.6 sec -- a .7 sec improvement over stock.
Startech also drops the Caliber 30mm via the installation of new springs, and fits its smart-looking Monostar 5-spoke wheels in either 19" or 20" diameters. We like the look of the wheel/tire package, but there's much more in store. Still to come from the German tuners are a new sport exhaust with quad tips, Caliber aero kit, and an interior customization package. We'll bring you more on those when they're eventually released. If Startech's other work is any indication, the Caliber's going to be wearing some snappy new threads in no time.
(Pics, press release after the jump)
[Source: Startech]
PRESS RELEASE:
Exclusive STARTECH Accessories for the Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber in all its variations is among the most interesting products on the market. STARTECH offers an exclusive and extensive customization program for all models.
For the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers powerful and reliable power tuning that ups power output by 40 hp / 29.4 kW. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour, thanks to an included custom wire harness. Like the production models the STARTECH-tuned Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD meets EURO IV emission limits.
With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at just 4,000 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.Thus equipped sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds. Top speed of the tuned Caliber diesel model increases to 201 km/h.
For all engine variants STARTECH will soon offer a stainless-steel sport rear muffler with four tailpipes. It lends the Caliber not only a more striking rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.
STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.
Wheels make a car and STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.
To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that'll be introduced shortly.
The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models: The STARTECH Lifestyle interior package will go on sale in the near future.
Extravagant highlights can be added with striking STARTECH accessories: Polished aluminum serves as the material of choice for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 9:45AM (8/31/2006)
You can never go wrong with some classic five-spoke rims. And these are some good ones. But then I'm not much for chrome, which might be a necessity in the American market.
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jim 9:46AM (8/31/2006)
Woah...woah?! Forget the bling.. Where'd the DIESEL come from?! Idiots.. You'd think D-C would have a clue already?! They go thru all that effort for a minor market - and then stiff us?
F'm. They - Detroit - all deserve what they're getting. I hope there's 20,000 Durangos having birthdays in their holding lots. A pox on'm!
j i m
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RickDom 11:50AM (8/31/2006)
The diesel came from VW, Chrysler just packaged it.
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Marc 12:11PM (8/31/2006)
The Caliber looks better with a lower stance and the big rubber. Can't wait to see the body kit, but this one looks just as good if not better than the upcoming SRT version. Note to Dr. Z: we want diesel Calibers!!!
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PJ 12:26PM (8/31/2006)
It's really too bad Dodge couldn't bring that diesel to the States. From what I've read in European and Australian road tests, it's not only the most fuel-efficient engine in the range (duh), but also does 0-60 in the high 8-second range. That's significant, considering that even the R/T does 0-60 in the 10s.
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Jason 12:49PM (8/31/2006)
Someone needs to rip out and replace the horribly cheap dash / steering wheel and ban the CVT and put in a proper automatic that doesn't suck.
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Alex Nunez 1:20PM (8/31/2006)
Thanks to all who reminded us that the diesel is VW-supplied. I updated the post to reflect that as well.
-Alex
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Ryan 1:48PM (8/31/2006)
"6. Someone needs to rip out and replace the horribly cheap dash / steering wheel and ban the CVT and put in a proper automatic that doesn't suck.
Posted at 12:48PM on Aug 31st 2006 by Jason 0 stars"
OMG! I agree, our rental Caliber, that transmission is worthless, trust me it "spools" the engine all the way to 5-6k and it still is moving at the same pace.
When you are in the Caliber with the CVT transmission and the base engine, you can't help but think the car sounds like a sick dog.
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Richard Warren 2:53PM (8/31/2006)
#1 It is amazing the long life of the 5 spoke design, still looks pretty good on a variety of vehicles.
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Gregory Faulkner 4:53PM (9/26/2006)
Some that don't know what is going on in the diesel world can't understand why Americans aren't getting many diesel choices. It's pretty simple. It's not the manufacturers' fault. It overregulation! Our EPA and California Air Resource Board have made it nearly impossible for diesels to meet emission compliance in the States, even as diesels have reduced overall emissions by 50%, including a reduction in particulates of matter by almost 90% in one year. This means that manufacturers will produce diesel autos for Europe in 2007 that pollute 1/2 as much as 2006 models, but even as the U.S. allowed the cleanest 2006 models to be sold this year, they will not allow these much cleaner 2007s next year.
I would say we have a definite, anti-diesel regulatory bias in America. And Americans will be the ones to pay. Europeans can buy diesel cars that get 90 mpg and cost around $15,000, but in the U.S., we must wait on expensive hybrids and inefficient flexible-fueled vehicles to be developed to fight our addiction to oil. Not to mention, all diesels can use any blend of biodiesel--an alternative fuel for diesel engines--with no engine modifications or loss in fuel economy, and diesels emit as little as 20% less greenhouse gasses as comparable, spark-ignition engines. Go figure!
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