Autoblog

Dodge dealers' Dart allocations depend on how many Caliber models they sold

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Dodge

We've heard a former car dealer friend of ours describe selling unloved vehicles like the Dodge Caliber as "a thankless task," but apparently she wasn't altogether correct. Chrysler has begun taking dealer orders for its much-anticipated 2013 Dart, and allocations of the sedan will depend in part on how many units of the hapless Caliber the franchise managed to shift before the model was axed. That's according to dealer sources, Automobile News reports - Chrysler officials won't let on how they decide to disburse the Dart to Dodge dealers.

Automotive News also says that while Chrysler previously said the first Dart models will be in showrooms by the end of this month, it turns out those will just be dealer demo models (though those units can be sold). Non-demo cars aren't expected to show up until the end of July or early August. If you've been waiting on taking delivery of a new Dart of your very own, you probably have a bit longer to wait, so you might as well head over to Dodge's website to check out the Dart configurator, which now has final pricing.

Dodge dealers' Dart allocations depend on how many Caliber models they sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber euthanized

Chris Paukert — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Dodge

According to The Detroit News, the Dodge Caliber has finally stumbled out of production.

When the Caliber first rolled onto the scene for the 2007 model year, we didn't quite know what to make of it. Replacing the long-serving Neon, the Caliber sported polarizing styling, available all-wheel drive and a taller-than-average ride height. To some, it looked like an aggressively styled tonic to the frankly outdated and somewhat cutesy Neon, while others remained suspect of the car's quasi-SUV aesthetic and intrinsic goodness.

It didn't take long for the reviewers to pile on, however. Pundits argued that the Dodge delivered a lackluster driving experience thanks to an unsorted chassis co-developed with Mitsubishi, an unlovable Jatco-sourced CVT and a coarse interior that was later freshened but never truly fixed. In the end, the doubters appear to have won out, as the Belvidere, Illinois-built compact garnered little critical or popular praise. While the Caliber opened to reasonably strong sales traffic, yearly totals quickly collapsed despite steep discounting and the introduction of a powerful SRT-4 performance variant.

As part of its arrangement with new parent company Fiat, Chrysler has developed the Alfa-Romeo-based Dart as the Caliber's replacement, and expectations are running high ahead of its Detroit Auto Show debut next month. The Dart will need to be excellent, as it faces a veritable murderers' row of competitors, ranging from strong new models like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra to well-sorted mainstays like the Mazda3 - not to mention perennial sales darlings including the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Dodge Caliber euthanized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge won't call its new small car Hornet

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Dodge has been wise in reviving old nameplates to inject some excitement into its contemporary model lineup. Recent products like the Challenger and Charger - both named after classics from the brand's past - have drummed up a considerable amount of enthusiasm where names like Stratus and Intrepid could not. But don't expect that formula to be applied to everything Dodge puts out.

Contrary to rumors that the upcoming replacement for the Caliber would bear the name Hornet, a report from The Detroit News suggests that it will not. The nameplate originates from the Hudson Hornet that was built by the American Motors Corporation in the 1950s and the AMC Hornet that followed in the '70s before the company was subsumed into Chrysler. The original re-appeared as Doc Hudson in the computer-animated Pixar film Cars, and was revived off-screen for a concept car (pictured above) which Dodge showed in 2006.

The new production compact, set to compete against the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus, will fill a critical role for Chrysler, which currently lacks a viable competitor in that vital segment. Whatever it's called, it's being jointly developed with Fiat and is expected to bow sometime early in the new year. We'll just have to wait to see what they call it.

Dodge won't call its new small car Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber headed to Big Crusher In The Sky come November

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Dodge

Chrysler had a real hit on its hands (at least initially) when it launched the Neon in 1994. And though it was plagued by early quality issues, it actually had a waiting list to buy one when it first came out. The Caliber, however, has been less of a market success.

In replacing the ubiquitous Neon in 2006, Dodge went with a pseudo-SUV shape to create a more rugged aesthetic on the Caliber. Quality, unfortunately, wasn't much better, and the slushy CVT and interior were widely panned - attributes which, as we found in our recent test drive, were enough to keep the Caliber from being a real success.

Now, five years after its launch, a new report from Allpar says that the Pentastar's econo-ute won't see another new year. The model, according to reports, will be phased out by the end of November. Its replacement is widely expected to come from Fiat underpinnings, but whether that will come in time for the Caliber's discontinuation - or for that matter, beat its nagging deficiencies - remains to be seen.

Dodge Caliber headed to Big Crusher In The Sky come November originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Caliber Heat

Zach Bowman — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Dodge, New Car Reviews

A Monument To Mediocrity

We didn't exactly get off on the right foot with the Dodge Caliber. As the spiritual successor to the profitable and successful Dodge Neon, this boxy hatch had big expectations to meet when it touched down way back in 2006. Unfortunately, the Caliber never found itself in the same room as those expectations. But it was crafted during the dark days before Chrysler's fall, and the company has recently made great strides in shoring up its product line.

Nearly every vehicle in the Dodge and Chrysler stable, as well as few pieces from the houses of Ram and Jeep, have gone under the knife and come out all the better, but the lowly Caliber has largely escaped revision. Facing new competition from vehicles like the revised Honda Civic, all-new Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and fresh Ford Focus, the Caliber is awash in a sea of excellent options. We took to the wheel to find out if the compact from Dodge has enough life left to keep its head above water until a replacement arrives.

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Caliber Heat

2011 Dodge Caliber Heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #241

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal

Drew Phillips photo tips, 2025 CAFE, Suzuki small pickup, Audi future products

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #241 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Zach are joined by Autoblog's photo maven, Drew Phillips. Our discussion starts with the new CAFE standards and then moves to Audi future products as discussed by Johan DeNysschen before finishing up with the rumor of Suzuki considering a small pickup. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #241:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Dodge Caliber Heat
2011 Land Rover LR4
2011 Roush Mustang
2011 Mazda2

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Drew Phillips
Runtime: 01:23:38

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #241

Autoblog Podcast #241 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Dodge Caliber replacement to be unveiled at 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

We know it's coming, we just don't know when. During the long-winded marathon set of product announcements and long-term strategies laid out by Fiat and Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne, it was revealed that both Chrysler and Dodge would get new compact vehicles to replace the no-longer-in-production PT Cruiser and unloved Caliber hatchback.

Both machines were scheduled for release mid-year 2012, and, assuming things are still on track, you can be sure the Detroit-based automaker plans to make a splash with the unveiling of its new compact warriors. After all, both the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze have been extremely well received by both the press and new car shoppers, and Dodge has nothing that can directly compete.

That said, there's no bigger place to make a big splash for an American automaker than the Detroit Auto Show. Wowing the home-town crowds and receiving international coverage from the media would be a major boon for Chrysler, so it comes as little surprise to read reports that Dodge is eying the Detroit show floor in January of 2012 for a hopeful debut of its 2013 Dodge Caliber replacement.

According to Wards Auto, only the Dodge small car is confirmed for debut in Detroit; we don't know what that means for a would-be PT Cruiser replacement (Chrysler 100 anyone?). In any case, expect the next-gen compact (which may or may not keep the Caliber moniker) to be based on the Fiat C-Evo platform with slightly larger dimensions for the U.S. market.

We don't yet know what it will look like, but if you're thinking Alfa Romeo Giulietta with a Dodge-appropriate fascia and styling cues, we bet you're probably not far off.

2013 Dodge Caliber replacement to be unveiled at 2012 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler's recalled vehicles for 2011 steering defect - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has issued a recall that spans across its family lines. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet on the steering column could result in a loss of control.

The recall affects the following 2011 model year vehicles:

In total, 11,351 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles need to be inspected by a dealer. Affected vehicles will have their steering column inspected and adjusted as needed, at no cost to owners. The recall will begin this month. Click past the jump for the full National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bulletin.

*UPDATE: Chrysler has corrected NHTSA on the effect of the missing or incorrectly installed rivet. This issue has no affect on a vehicle's steering ability, but could cause the steering column to improperly bear the driver's weight in the event of a front-end crash.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE

Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

Small cars score big in latest IIHS crash tests - Click above to watch video after the jump

Thirteen enter, six leave ... with Top Safety Pick awards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety spent some time driving (and smashing) a big group of small cars. Six of those cars received top honors from the IIHS by scoring a rating of "Good" across the board. The 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Hyunda Elantra, 2011 Lexus CT200h, 2011 Nissan Juke and 2011 Toyota Prius are all the small-car place to be in the event of an accident.

This crop of small cars are also quite fuel efficient. All vehicles in the top six offer a version that gets at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The rest of the vehicles tested faired well. Only the older Suzuki SX4 and Dodge Caliber received "Mediocre" ratings in some categories. Every car tested, however, received multiple "Good" ratings. Click past the jump to watch the IIHS talk about about the small car crash tests. Also, be sure to check out the breakdown of the ratings by vehicle (pdf file).

Continue reading IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video]

IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls nearly 35,000 vehicles for sticking accelator pedals

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

After one month of investigation, Chrysler has decided to initiate a voluntary recall of 34,631 Dodge Caliber and 90 Jeep Compass vehicles from the 2007 model year in order to address a potential issue with sticking gas pedals. While the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has been investigating the problem for over a month, Chrysler reports that no accidents, injuries or property damage linked to vehicles equipped with these pedal assemblies have been reported.

The pedal assemblies are supplied by CTS and are similar to those that triggered a recall of 2.3 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles earlier this year. The actual issue does not appear to be the same problem that afflicted the Toyota vehicles, although the end result of unintended acceleration can be similar. The Detroit Free Press reports that the issue is caused by a bearing housing that was made too large.

CTS experienced a manufacturing issue for five weeks during March through May of 2006 that affected some of the first Calibers and Compasses built. According to Chrysler, only about one-third of the recalled cars are expected to actually have an issue with their pedal assemblies. Since announcing there was an investigation in early May, Chrysler has allowed customers to bring their cars in for a free inspection. If a pedal assembly is found to be defective, Chrysler will replace the entire pedal assembly for any of the recalled vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler recalls nearly 35,000 vehicles for sticking accelator pedals

Chrysler recalls nearly 35,000 vehicles for sticking accelator pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruh-Roh: NHTSA investigating 2007 Dodge Caliber for sticky pedals

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Dodge

According to Chrysler, several owners of 2007 model year Dodge Calibers have reported problems with sticky accelerator pedals, causing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to launch a full-on investigation. (This sounds familiar, doesn't it?) And because of the recent high-profile Toyota recall surrounding this very same problem, it only makes sense that NHTSA would seriously consider any sort of similar issue.

Chrysler says that the vehicles in question were built during a five-week period in March and April of 2006, right at the Caliber's launch. However, the automaker cites that the problem has nothing to do with electronics or mechanics, and that an issue with a parts supplier is what's causing the problem. No official recall has been issued as of yet, and Chrysler intends to fully cooperate with NHTSA on the investigation.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ruh-Roh: NHTSA investigating 2007 Dodge Caliber for sticky pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Chrysler Sebring to be built in Italy?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Fiat

If ever there was a model in the Chrysler line up that needs updating, it's the Sebring. While the car was a perfectly capable competitor when it debuted way back in 1995, subsequent generations have left it as nothing more than rental-fleet fodder. But if a report from Automotive News is to be believed, that may change significantly when the next iteration of the sedan debuts in 2013. According to AN, Fiat has its eyes on producing a new mid-sized four-door in Turin, Italy just for the Chrysler brand, with the new sedan being sold exclusively in the U.S.

While it may no longer carry the Sebring name once it hits our shores, the car will likely be a spiritual successor to the company's Camry-fighter. Beyond that, details are scarce as to what will be under the hood, what gearboxes will be offered or how much it will cost.

Fiat also made mention of the fact that starting in 2012, the company will build a new small sedan here in the Land of the Free that will be sold under the Chrysler banner. That may mean the company is looking toward sending the near unlovable Dodge Avenger out to pasture or eying a replacement for the Dodge Caliber. Either way, Chrysler is getting a much needed infusion of new metal sooner rather than later.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Next Chrysler Sebring to be built in Italy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Late last year, Alfa Romeo previewed the all-new Giulietta ahead of its reveal at next month's Geneva Motor Show. While the five-door hatch is enough to make Stateside consumers weak in the knees - particularly in Quadrifoglio Verde trim - the impact in the U.S. figures to be much more substantial.

According to a new report by Automotive News, the underpinnings of the Giulietta are set to proliferate throughout Fiat's range in the coming years, and of the one million vehicles the automaker plans to build off the new architecture annually, the Chrysler group will account for around 700,000.

Fiat and Chrysler are currently working on a widened version of the platform - appropriately dubbed "Compact Wide" - and seven new models for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will use the new underpinnings, including the replacement for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber in 2012. And judging by Fiat's description, it's a helluva platform.

Aimed to compete with the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series, the platform uses 84 percent high and ultrahigh strength steel, a McPherson front and a dual-link rear suspension, both of which will use aluminum components (front and rear arms, along with the crossmember).

The platform comes in around 10 percent lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and is designed to fit a transverse engine and can be adapted for either front- or all-wheel drive applications.

On a related side note, during last week's Economic Club of Chicago luncheon in which Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, dropped a a handful of interesting tidbits about the future of the automaker, he also showed a few teasers of upcoming products. Included in the presentation were images of the new 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with the the rendering above, a new subcompact product from Dodge, almost assuredly the next Caliber. Combined with the new platform and Fiat's Multiair engines, we may finally have a credible contender in the compact arena from Chrysler. And it's about damn time.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Sources: Automotive News, AutoBird]

Report: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge special edition models - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago, everyone, including us, was wondering when The Chrysler Group was going to have anything new to show us at next week's Detroit Auto Show. You can look at the latest news about potential Ram models, Chrysler's special editions and Dodge's just-unveiled offerings either as wheezing gasps, or signs of pointing in the right direction. Since it's a new year, we're going to give Chrysler (and Fiat) the benefit of the doubt... for now.

Dodge says it "has taken 'base model' out of its vocabulary" by moving heaps of kit from the Options column to the Standard column on cars like the Journey, which for 2010 will automatically receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. It has also added "Heat," "Hero," "Crew," and "Uptown" packages to the Journey's options list for those who like trim names that sound like they came from an SNL skit.

To match its Chrysler 300 siblings, the Dodge Caliber gets a restyled interior "executed with premium materials and detailed craftsmanship" alongside its new instrument panel. Not left out of the marketing brainstorm, the Caliber wears a number of new trim monikers as well, including "Express," "Mainstreet," "Heat," "Uptown" and "Rush."

Four of Dodge's other models - the Nitro, Avenger, Challenger, and Viper SRT10 - get their loving spoonfuls as well. You can read all about them in the Pasternak-length press release after the jump, and check out the Nitro Detonator and Viper ACR in the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge special edition line-up

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Dodge Caliber gets new interior, Europe gets new diesel

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Dodge, Diesel

2010 Dodge Caliber interior - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler doesn't really have anything in the way of all-new vehicles for the 2010 model year as it works out how to get Fiat derived cars onto American roads as soon as possible. That doesn't mean the engineers and designers in Auburn Hills have been sitting on their hands, however. They have attacked at least one major sore point by giving the Caliber a much-needed interior makeover. We haven't seen it in person yet, but at least in these photos it certainly looks much better than the one it replaces. We'll have to wait to get our hands on for final judgment.

The inside isn't the only thing that changes. Under the hood, European Caliber buyers will be able to opt for a new 2.2-liter diesel engine with 163 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. That version gets a combined mileage rating of 40.6 mpg (U.S.). Back here in the home country, we are still stuck with the much unloved 2.0- and 2.4-liter gasoline World engines.

Come on, Chrysler give Americans a chance at an affordable diesel - and not just in the (overpriced) Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Caliber will be on the Chrysler/Fiat stand in Frankfurt later this month - in the meantime, check out the press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Caliber

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Caliber gets new interior, Europe gets new diesel

2010 Dodge Caliber gets new interior, Europe gets new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi raising output of World Engine by 35%

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

The so-called 'World Engine' used by ~~Daimler~~Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi as part of their Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance joint venture has given the world such gems as the powerplants in the current Mitsubishi Evolution and Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and will also power the base version of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Although these turbocharged beasts are what make the heart swoon, the bulk of World Engines engines are much more mundane. With fuel efficiency a top priority these days, the Diamond Star brand will soon be investing some nine-billion yen (US$84.2m) into its engine plant in Japan's Shiga Prefecture, which makes the global four-bangers in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liter capacities. Expect to find these engines underhood in various Lancer and Outlander models.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

Mitsubishi raising output of World Engine by 35% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks

Dan Roth — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Jeep

Having learned from the sales bank debacle of the past, Chrysler is now throttling back production to draw down inventory levels. Sales of the PM/MK platform cars - Dodge Caliber and Jeep ComPatriot twins - are down roughly 23 percent compared to last year. Part of that is due to a move away from fleet sales, but whatever the cause, the 3,400 workers at the Belvidere assembly plant will get a two week vacation starting Monday. It's a great time of year to take a trip, enjoy some of the last warm days before winter tightens its grip, or just get out and rake the yard. By the time the line starts back up again, the backlog of unsold vehicles will be reduced, and the looming catastrophe of UAW contract talks will be looming.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #75

Dan Roth — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Cadillac, Dodge, GM, Honda, Mini, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

So, it's a couple days late - call it a summer vacation hangover and let's just move on. We had a busy weekend covering both the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which pushed our schedule back. Once in front of our mics, we start Autoblog Podcast #75 by mulling the 2008 Honda Accord. Damon regales us with the story of the Cadillac CTS media launch out at Laguna Seca. GM's made enough progress that we can just drop the "for a GM" modifier from the sentence "The new CTS is a great car." No longer able to heap abuse on the General, we look to Europe and find MINI. It seems nobody considered that the clamshell door setup on the Clubman should be engineered to swap sides, so it would always be on the passenger side, even in right-hand-drive countries. Whoops. Continuing with entertaining small cars, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4's pricing was announced. $23 large for 285 horsepower - such a deal. Big horsepower was also stuffed under a Toyota Aurion's Australian hood. The 320-odd horsepower Camry spinoff slaps our mamby-pamby weak-kneed Joe Camel Camry around pretty well. Don't change it, just send it. Speaking of car-lust, new DeLoreans are coming! $57,500 will buy you a hand built car that will net endless stupid-ass questions about the flux capacitor.

That's it - a meaty 51 minutes this week, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #75 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler set to reveal new model at Woodward

Dan Roth — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:35:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Misc. Auto Shows

Information is more than scant, but Chrysler will be kicking off the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise by pulling the wraps off a new vehicle later this morning. Not just any new vehicle, but a limited production model. Judging from the fact that Larry Lyons, VP for the FWD product team, will be in attendance, our money's on the Caliber SRT-4, which we've seen before at shows and been promised in showrooms before the year's out. Woodward is a good place to unveil such a vehicle as the Caliber SRT-4 with its performance bent and 280 nasty horses funneling through the front wheels. The Caliber's forebear, the Neon, already established the SRT moniker as a furious buzzbomb to be reckoned with, and the SRT's certainly got more powder in the charge. We should note, however, that Chrysler has unveiled a special edition model right before the Dream Cruise for a few years in a row now, and in the past it's always a special edition of the PT Cruiser. We think it will be the Caliber SRT-4 this time, but we could be wrong. What we find most amusing is that the unveiling will take place at an Irish pub. At 8:30AM. Right on.

UPDATE: We're wrong. It's the PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard edition.

[Source: TAC]

Chrysler set to reveal new model at Woodward originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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300HP no more: Official specs for Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Dodge

Caliberforums.com is dishing the dirt on the new Caliber SRT-4, and they don't seem too pleased. Forum member Ironside happened upon a 2008 model guide while visiting a local Dodge dealer and when he flipped through the book, he spotted the SRT specs and pics. He even photocopied the pages and posted them for proof. Many forum members seem to be let down, as the promised 300 hp is apparently not gonna happen. Here are the posted specs and a few comments:

2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-cylinder intercooled/turbocharged World Engine with 280hp @ 6000-6400rpm, 260 lb-ft torque @ 200-5600rpm.
0-60mph = 6.2 seconds
1/4 mile = 14.6 seconds
Top speed = 157mph
The SRT-4 will have a choice of two different 19" 5-spoke rims, the painted ones like on current SRT's, and the chrome ones.
Final colours that are offered are brilliant black, sunburst orange, bright silver and inferno red (So no new colours like we'd hoped for the SRT).
The front driver seat FOLDS FLAT.
NO MyGIG.
***NEW INTERIOR*** Offered in what they call a "new completely dark slate grey" (huge improvement from the sound of it).

Thanks for the tip, Jim!

[Source: Caliberforums.com]

Continue reading 300HP no more: Official specs for Dodge Caliber SRT-4

300HP no more: Official specs for Dodge Caliber SRT-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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