Spy Shots: Dodge Caliber SRT-4 in the wild
We just posted about this Dodge Caliber SRT-4 a couple of weeks ago and now we have some live shots to go along with the details. Jalopnik found pics of one sitting on a city street for all the world to see. Looks a lot like the photos we've seen already, but seeing one in the wild brings the reality of imminent production to a point. Chunky and mean, we can't forget that this little wagon is packing 300 hp. When we talked about the chats with the SRT team on CaliberForums.com, we were reminded that this Dodge will be a normal 2008 model year car, which means it will arrive "as the leaves change colors," according to one engineer. Unfortunately, the on-sale date can't be pinned down to a specific day this far out, so we'll have to be satisfied with an autumnal arrival. We're very eager for someone to get their hands on an SRT-4 to see how Dodge handles the torque steer issues that come with routing 300 horsepower through the front wheels. Click over to Jalopnik for several more photos in larger sizes.
[Source: Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Dandy 9:08AM (4/25/2007)
Looks better than the base Caliber, but it's still way too chunky. I miss compact cars that were actually compact.
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Aprime 9:13AM (4/25/2007)
Have you even been in one (or next to one)? I know it has the looks of a chubby car, but it isn't any bigger than a Corolla, really.
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akintz 9:50AM (4/25/2007)
I had a Caliber as a rental once and I don't care what kind of package they put in it or how much power they give it... I would never ever consider buying one and would never recommend one to a friend either.
I know there are a lot people who love them and many more who will probably like this version... but BLAH.
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Dandy 10:01AM (4/25/2007)
#2, No I have not been in one, but I have been next to them. I don't see why they have to sit so high. I'm not a fan of the high beltline craze.
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Thunder 10:02AM (4/25/2007)
I'd like Dodge to explain their logic in thinking the sport compact enthusiast wants a car they're supposed to be passionate about to look like a chopped and lowered minivan. They're lack of creativity with the same generic every Dodge has-to-have-it front-end styling (like most other bland automakers) is also underwhelming.
Give us something cool like the Conquest or first generation Eclipse and reduce the weight to under 2,900 pounds, actually 2,500 pounds or less would be even better and make it look good.
Otherwise I'll take the Lancer every time or even the new WRX (ouch) every time.
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Mike 10:16AM (4/25/2007)
Thunder, expect to pay about $7k more, minimum, for the WRX which will not match the performance...and at least $10k more for the STI.
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RoadRunnerSTi 10:24AM (4/25/2007)
#5 Hit the nail right on the head.
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judd 10:37AM (4/25/2007)
Time to steal those Hyundai designers because Chrysler, you need help with this one.
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the marais 11:06AM (4/25/2007)
The Chrysler Group has some ugly, ugly cars. Exhibit A is the Caliber. To me, and I cannot put my finger on it, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles have a slightly "trashy" look. Looks like they have chosen to be the "bad-ass" big-engine company in the era of $3.00 gas. They will most likely be the first company to mass-import Chinese cars into the United States! Hooray!
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Mr. Oak 11:06AM (4/25/2007)
They're lack of creativity with the same generic every Dodge has-to-have-it front-end styling (like most other bland automakers) is also underwhelming.
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I don't get this. No one ever slams:
Audi
BMW
Mercedes
Rolls Royce
Bently
To name a few for putting basically their signature grilles on their cars, What gives?
Chrysler, while this grille works for your trucks in it present form, you could refine the same for your cars.
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Mr. Oak 11:08AM (4/25/2007)
^^Bentley^^
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raj 11:14AM (4/25/2007)
it doesnt matter what u guys think about this car,,,,people will still buy it.......and it looks way better than matrix....
plus if toyota would have done same thing to their matrix u guys would have loved it,,no matter how ugly they would have build.....
also if jeep compass was that ugly why its beating Toyota Rav4 in sales in canada......because people dont care what u freekin guys think,,,,,everybody has their own taste.............
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SpaceWagoneer 11:27AM (4/25/2007)
#4 - Dandy, the Caliber is one of the first American cars to adopt the Euro space wagon or tall wagon model. The increasingly popular tall wagons are a result of several factors. One is the public's belief that a high seating position gives them more command of the road. Call it the SUV paradox. The other is that a high roofline and slightly raised body allow motorists to step straight into their vehicles rather than having to drop down into a seat like in a typical sedan. Makes getting in and out a lot easier. It also allows more interior volume for a given footprint, because less of the wheelbase is allocated to legroom. Vehicles like the Caliber, Matrix/Vibe, Mazda5, Chevy HHR, Kia Rondo, etc. all follow this formula for better or for worse.
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raj 11:17AM (4/25/2007)
#10 agreed with u................
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Chet 11:23AM (4/25/2007)
Can't wait to see this go mano-y-mano against the Mazdaspeed 3.
Remember that this is a hot hatch, not a sporty coupe. It's tall because subcompact cars are tall.
And as for making it 2500 pounds, or even 2900 pounds... you're dreaming. Cheap, lightweight, safe: choose any two.
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bernie 11:39AM (4/25/2007)
I haven't seen so many gaping orifices (orifi?) since I saw Saving Private Ryan on the big screen. How much air does one flying toaster need to collect?
When was the last time Chrysler or Jeep produced anything even remotely graceful or attractive? The Commander? Caliber? Trucks? Oh wait, they all look the same -- and they are FUGLY!
If Chrysler wants to get back on track they need to consider that most people with even a minimal sense of aesthetics wouldn't be caught dead in anything they build. Fire your designers and start over, dummies.
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Bob-omb 11:41AM (4/25/2007)
"the Caliber is one of the first American cars to adopt the Euro space wagon or tall wagon model."
Are you kidding me?
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Chase 11:50AM (4/25/2007)
Well I love the styling, and when I'm blowing your doors off and still getting around 30 mpg I'll be the one laughing. I don't see what all of you have against Chrysler and Dodge, I have always liked them and my Granddad worked for them so I will drive them till I die.
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ClutchCargo 1:32PM (4/25/2007)
The suv that is not an suv styling has grown on me. I still want feel ill when I set in one. all that light gray hard plastic. As a still bitter person that owned two Chrysler products in the 1990's. I will never go back. They burnt that bridge.
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Bryan 9:18PM (4/25/2007)
Instead of looking at this as a what I wouldn't buy because of your personal preference. Let's pretend for a second that you need a wagon type car and don't want a minivan. Now cross shop it with other wagon type vehicles. I think you will find that the price to performance ratio are great! It obviously fits a niche in the market, and for someone on a budget, that needs the space, but at the same time wants to be able to enjoy their car this is a great option!
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