Filed under: Car Buying, Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, Dodge
Dodge Caliber SRT4 starts at $22,995
Click image for photo gallery
If you're looking for new, interesting, and not-too-expensive ways to immolate front tires at a prodigious rate, Dodge's compact rocketship, the Caliber SRT4, will arrive at dealers with a price tag of $22,995, the automaker has announced. In addition to the 285-horsepower/265 lb-ft turbo four tucked behind the Caliber's pugnacious mug, that sum also nets buyers the full suite of SRT performance modifications (6-speed Getrag DMT6 manual, SRT bodywork, 19" painted wheels, brake and suspension upgrades, etc.) plus an interior that features bolstered SRT-branded sport seats, a unique gauge cluster, and standard equipment like the Chill Zone cooled storage bin, illuminated cupholders, and other assorted items. Chrysler also listed the prices of three options it figures to be popular selections. A power sunroof will tack on $795, the Kicker/SRT audio system runs an additional $1,190, and 19" polished aluminum SRT wheels will carry a $400 surcharge.
Follow the jump for Chrysler's full press release.
[Source: Chrysler LLC]
Gallery: Dodge Caliber SRT4
PRESS RELEASE:
Dodge Announces Pricing for All-new 2008 Caliber SRT4(R)
- All-new 285-horsepower 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4(R) is priced at $22,995
- Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT)(R) organization continues the popular SRT legacy
- Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers SRT mission of benchmark performance for the best price to the sport-compact market
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Dodge announced pricing today for the latest addition to Chrysler's popular Street and Racing Technology (SRT)(R) vehicle lineup - the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4(R).
Boasting 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of torque and a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is available for $22,995, which includes $560 for destination. The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price.
"Like all of Chrysler's SRT vehicles, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers customers an unmatched performance/value equation," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing Communications, Chrysler. "With 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of tire-smoking torque, and numerous functional, race-inspired exterior and interior appointments, Dodge and SRT have once again boldly joined the sport-compact performance market in dominating fashion."
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of any SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 unquestionably delivers in all five areas.
Exterior styling includes an aggressive SRT stance, a front fascia with functional brake cooling ducts and a larger grille opening. The unique hood features a functional air scoop enhancing underhood cooling. A large integrated spoiler above the rear glass is tuned for smoother air flow and lift reduction. Available exterior colors are Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.
Inside, the all-new Caliber SRT4 boasts sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, an SRT race-inspired instrument design, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive "performance pages" that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4's suspension is lowered 28mm in the front and 22mm in the rear, contributing to the unique SRT performance ride and handling characteristics. Chassis highlights include unique performance tuning, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear three- or four-season performance tires.
Benchmark braking is delivered via four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with 340 x 28mm vented front rotors and 302 x 10mm rear rotors, with twin-piston aluminum front calipers.
And finally, a whopping 285 horsepower and tire-smoking 265 lb.-ft. of torque is delivered courtesy of Chrysler's 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 Turbo World Engine. An electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six- speed transmission help put the power to the ground.
2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Pricing:
The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is well-equipped and has a U.S. MSRP of $22,995 (including $560 destination).
Among the standard features included are: turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 World engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing; Getrag DMT6 six-speed manual transmission; unique hood with functional air scoop; performance four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with vented front brake rotors; Electronic Stability Program; advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags; supplemental side window curtain air bag; driver inflatable knee blocker; air conditioning with particulate and odor air filter and Chill Zone(TM) beverage storage cooler; illuminated cup holders; 12-volt power outlet; 115-volt auxiliary power outlet; sliding armrest with cell phone holder; performance- oriented instrumentation including a center-mounted tachometer; sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts and SRT-unique 19- inch cast aluminum painted wheels.
Popular Options
-- Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud audio system (late availability) $1,190
-- Power-express open/close sun roof $ 795
-- 19 x 7.5-inch polished aluminum SRT wheels $ 400
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Belvidere Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber SE, SXT and R/T models, the Jeep(R) Compass and Jeep Patriot.
Dodge barrage continues
With more than 1.3 million vehicles sold globally in 2006, Dodge - Chrysler's best-selling brand - continues its product offensive for the 2008 model year with the all-new Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caliber SRT4, and the new Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Magnum SRT8.
Dodge is the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. Overall, Dodge has a 7-percent market share in the U.S.
Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20-percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16-percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
1337 10:11AM (8/21/2007)
I was going to buy a Mazdaspeed3 for $22,935 MSRP, but for $60 more, I could have a piece of molded plastic with a few more horsepower! (sarcasm) Why would anybody buy a Caliber SRT-4 over a Mazdaspeed3?
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FThorn 10:23AM (8/21/2007)
With discounts (rebates[eventually], lessee loyalty, recent college grad, and employee-pricing), It will knock off an additional 3-4k, so that would be one reason. I bought my $19k auto for $12.4k after all discounts - no trade in; so price was a great factor. And after 102k and no problems, I feel it was well worth it.
Lummox 10:25AM (8/21/2007)
Why? Availability. The Mazdaspeed3 has what... maybe 1500-2000 units available in the US if not globally? You're probably far more likely to be able to buy an SRT-4.
Don't get me wrong, I still wouldn't touch one. :P
Woo 10:38AM (8/21/2007)
Hahahaha.
If you're a redneck with a lot of cash, it'd appeal to you for sure.
Absolutely right. You could also buy a VW GTI for that money. Better build quality and handling characteristics.
Rob 10:43AM (8/21/2007)
I see this.... and I see the horsepower rating.... and then I remember the FIRST GENERATION NEON weighed 2400lbs (roughly) and had 150hp.
I think I'd rather have a 1st generation neon, than some overbloated POS that weighs 3400lbs.
C.D. Ward 11:02AM (8/21/2007)
The Caliber SRT-4 weighs 3189 according to Dodge, which is close enough that it doesn't make a difference to the Mazdaspeed3 weight.
doglet 12:43PM (8/21/2007)
agreed, you would have to be mentally challenged to buy the srt caliber over the MS3.
i think there is significataly more room in the caliber, so that might be a factor for some people. but for performance, its a no brainer.
the caliber doesnt even have a limited slip!!! zee germans had absolutly no clue what to do with chrysler/dodge/jeep.
Don 7:51PM (8/21/2007)
Well, it's just as ungainly as the HHR SS...
Danny Boy 10:35AM (8/21/2007)
Perfect...SRT4 guys are cocky with EVOs and STIs. Whoever will buy this will be cocky with the Mazdaspeed 3, GTI (I know it is less hp, but still) and also EVOs and STIs, once they buy simple upgrades. For this price, I think the Mazdaspeed 3 is by far the best choice. I assume that the Mazda and this P.O.S. will be in magazines soon. The Mazda will win. There, now you don't need to buy the magazine to find out. Because it's common sense. Unless the magazines are bribed, in which case I'm not surprised.
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C.D. Ward 10:55AM (8/21/2007)
Better build quality on the GTI?!
I have an 06 GTI with 17000 miles on it and have had nothing but problems. The a/c compressor died, the clock spring broke (they argued up and down that they never break) and numerous check engine and airbag faults. Both my mother and my girlfriend have Neon SRT-4s with 59000 and 30000 miles respectively and have had less problems than I have with my GTI. Once my warranty is up I am getting rid of it. I will probably check out the Caliber SRT-4.
SSBR 10:42AM (8/21/2007)
$22k for this? I don't care how much HP you get (You can get those Hp with a big wing, and vinyl stickers later on) this is not worth $22k. Looks like another win for imports... sigh...
www.rolesor.com
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Ivey League Educated 10:54AM (8/21/2007)
Gool ole 'merican muscle. Yehaw!
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Justin 1:59PM (8/21/2007)
Buzzy 4 cylinders are exactly the opposite of American muscle.
TriShield 10:56AM (8/21/2007)
Excellent deal, like the Neon SRT-4 before it.
The Caliber SRT-4 vs. HHR SS rivalry is already brewing, and they are priced nearly the same. It should be interesting.
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chad 10:59AM (8/21/2007)
The only thing that would make this car appealing is if it had AWD along with the 285hp. Dodge needs to drop that ugly grill styling and cheap "plasticness" on all their cars.
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Danny Boy 11:03AM (8/21/2007)
you are 110% right. If it hat AWD, then it would be very very very nice. Doesn't the base model have an AWD option?
LBuzzer 11:06AM (8/21/2007)
Hmmm....
A Mazdaspeed3 or this... yeah, right!
A Caliber is like an oversized Hot Wheel with an interior like the inside of a Rubbermaid bin. No thanks!
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polar 11:07AM (8/21/2007)
Does this SRT4 get the lifetime powertrain?
I have read that the SRT8 cars do not, Magnum/Jeep/Charger/300.
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MikeW 11:12AM (8/21/2007)
Since the Caliber SRT4 doesn't have as much traction (58/42 weight distribution and open differential) as the neon SRT4, and has a higher Cg, and has only 225/45 19 tires on 7.5"x19"
It NEEDS tall gearing for the package to work. It has the dual countershaft transmission, so the gearing should be 5,10,15,20,25,30. Let the stock top speed be in 5th gear.
So if/when people un-cork the engine, the new top speed can be in 6th gear.
285hp@5700-6400, 265ft-lbs@2000-5600.
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A.N.E. 11:15AM (8/21/2007)
Ahahaha! What a joke.
Even if it's gets $5000 cheaper than VW GTI5 or Mazdaspeed3, it's still a ripoff.
Seriously though, I feel for Chrysler. They owned up to their mistake, so they have to minimize their loss as much as possible by capitalizing on suckers.
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