2011MY Dodge Caliber: Retuned Steering System and Equipment Upgrades

Continuing to chart the changes on the Chrysler Group's 2011MY cars, the Dodge Caliber has received some modest enhancements for the new model year, the most noteworthy being the re-tuned steering system which, according to the automaker, provides in a "more direct and precise feel". Other than that, you'll find new available exterior colors and some trim and equipment upgrades on certain models, which you can check in detail in the list after the break.

Here's what's new for the 2011 Dodge Caliber:

- Six new color options: Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat, Blackberry Pearl Coat, Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Pearl Coat (late availability)

- 18-in. chrome-clad aluminum wheel now available with the Uptown model

- Red and blue accent stitching added to leather seats with Rush model

- Six-way power driver's seat standard with Mainstreet model

- Electronic stability control (ESC) now standard with Mainstreet, Heat, Uptown and Rush models

- New navigation radio with SIRIUS Travel Link

- Steering retuned for a more direct and precise feel

Sticky Pedal Virus Hits Chrysler, More than 25,000 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass Models Being Recalled

The Chrysler Group is the latest automaker to issue a recall over potential problems related one way or another with gas pedals. The Detroit manufacturer said that it is going to recall a total of 25,336 2007MY Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass models to address complaints about sticky gas pedals.

Here's how the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes the problem on the affected cars:

"The pivot bushings in vehicles with oversized accelerator pedal bearing pockets may become dislodged and potentially cause the accelerator pedal to bind or stick. Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions."

Chrysler said that it will notify owners and have all cars inspected and if necessary, replace all affected accelerator pedal assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month (June). For more information, owners of the affected models may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).

Dodge Readying Newly Styled Interior for 2010MY Caliber?

A member of the Caliber Forums has posted what looks to be a computer generated image along with some specific details on the changes that Dodge is supposedly working on for the 2010 Caliber's interior. We can't vouch for the photo's authenticity, but just like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, if there's one thing that the Chrysler Group needs to fix on the Caliber ASAP, is the poor choice of materials in the cabin.

If we are to believe the forum poster, the 2010MY Caliber will receive a more contemporary styled dashboard with better materials and new HAVOC controls on the center stack along with restyled door panels with soft-touch plastics on the armrests and vinyl-wrapped upper sections.

Source: Caliber-Forums , Via: Le Blog Auto

FEV to Show Dodge Caliber Hybrid with 1.0-Liter Engine at SAE Congress

The proposals for extended-range electric vehicles just keep coming in. The latest company to announce new developments in the field of hybrid cars is FEV, a powertrain and vehicle engineering firm headquarted in Aachen, Germany. The firm announced that it will show a range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) with plug-in capability based on the Dodge Caliber platform at the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit (April 20-23, 2009).

The Caliber ReEV's propulsion system employs a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder, 4 valve engine mated to a UQM PP75 generator that provides 41kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75kW.

The energy generated is stored in a 20 kW-h liquid-cooled Lithium Ion battery pack that operates at 346V, with a Delphi DC/DC converter. FEV said that the batteries provide enough power for the car to cover a distance of 40 miles or 64 kilometers which seems to be the magic number for most vehicles of the sort... The Caliber ReEV can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 84mph or 135 km/h.

For the record, the Caliber pictured above is a standard model as FEV has not releases any photos of the ReEV prototype.

2006 SEMA Show Dodge Caliber SXT for sale on eBay

If you have a thing for show cars then you might want to take a look at this supped up Dodge Caliber SXT that was displayed at Chrysler’s Mopar booth at the 2006 SEMA Show. According to the seller, this little green monster also made it across to China for the Shanghai Auto Show. The Caliber is fitted with a 200Hp 2.0-liter turbo engine matted to a CVT transsmion and it comes equipped with all sorts of Mopar goodies like a body kit, flat black paint on the hood and rooftop, 20-inch alloys and frontand rear Momo bucket seats. -Continued

• Details:
• Mopar body kit
• Mopar CF hood (painted flat black)
• Mopar Intake
• Mopar Header
• Mopar Dual Exhaust
• Mopar Strut tower brace
• Mopar lowering spring
• 20" Black Face Momo wheels
• 20" BFG tires
• Momo Sport Pedals
• Front AND Rear Momo Race Seats
• Carbon Fiber Leather Doors
• Upgrade to Dodge Navigation head unit
• Boston Acoustic Amps, Subwoofers, speakers
• Drop down DVD player with Nintendo DS
• Custom House of Kolors Limetime paint with Flat Black hood, roof and trim

Link: eBay , Thanks for the tip Joe!

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4: Guide Leak Reveals That It Gets 280Hp

Thanks to “Caliberforum” member Ironside who stumbled upon a 2008 Caliber model guide while visiting a Dodge dealership in Canada (?) we’ve got the full official specs on the long awaited Caliber SRT-4 model. Ironside also managed to photocopy the guide thus giving us proof for his findings. Concisely here are the most important facts as the “Caliberforum” member noted:

• 2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-cylinder intercooled/turbocharged Engine with 280hp @ 6000-6400rpm, 260 lb-ft torque @ 2000-5600rpm.
• 0-60mph (96km/h) = 6.2 seconds
• 1/4 mile (400m) = 14.6 seconds
• Top speed = 157mph (252 km/h)

So, no 300 Hp as Dodge had promised when the prototype was unveiled last year and as many had hopped for. If you check out the postings at the “Caliberforums” you’ll see that most members are quite disappointed with the fact that the SRT-4 lost 20Hp from prototype-to-production version. Allow us to disagree with an example: VW Golf GTI 200Hp vs Golf GTI Edition 30 230Hp. Unless you favor straight-line racing, the 200Hp version is a better car that allows you to have more fun without worrying about the battle between the front wheels and the tarmac. More Hp doesn’t necessarily mean more fun. Who knows, maybe even the 280Hp might be a lot for the Caliber to cope with. Let’s just wait and see how it drives first.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Caliberforums

Euro NCAP: Dodge Caliber Receives 4-Stars In Adult Protection

A couple of years ago, four out of five stars for adult occupant protection would be something worth celebrating for, but today, when most new cars in the C-segment (Auris, Golf, Qashqai, Bravo, Focus etc) manage a maximum five star rating, 4-stars and 29 points isn't something worth bragging about. Not that the car us unsafe, but you get the general idea. In the other Euro NCAP tests, the Caliber was awarded with four (out of five) stars for child occupant protection and one (out of four) star for pedestrian protection. -Continued after the jump

Posted by Chris

Front impact

There was insufficient pressure in both driver and passenger airbags to prevent the dummies from making contact with the steering wheel and dashboard respectively. Structures in the dashboard presented a potential hazard to the knees and femurs of both front seat occupants.

Side impact

The Caliber scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests.

Child-protection

Dodge dealers can disable the front passenger airbag to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. The dangers of doing so without first disabling the airbag were not clearly indicated in the warning labels. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.

Pedestrian protection

Neither the bumper nor the front edge of the bonnet scored any points for the protection they offered to pedestrians' legs. Most of the bonnet scored no points and was rated as poor for the protection offered to the heads of adult and child pedestrians.

Tuning News: STARTECH 2007 Dodge Caliber

Tuning specialist Startech revealed it's first interpretation of Dodge's new 2007 Caliber. As with all Startech versions, the Caliber can benefit from an upgraded suspension and engine kit (the latter is available only for the diesel model for now), and a variety of exterior and interior accessories.

Press Release

40Hp+ for the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD: 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. 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 4,000 rpm. Even more important is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Sprint time from 0-100 km/h (62mph) is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds while top speed of the tuned model increases to 201 km/h (125mph).

Exhaust: 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.

Suspension: 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: 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.

Bodykit: 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.

Interior: The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models including polished aluminum for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.

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