Caliber SRT pics+blurb

[Young Roids]

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.


I will give it credit for having a front mount IC. The HP advantage that it has is made up for by the MS3's higher torque. Just because it is an american car I will assume that the Caliber will be less reliable than the MS3. But the Caliber is just SO UGLY! I really couldn't feel good about driving it around being that ugly. What do you guys think about it? Will it be good comp for the MS3 or is it a failed attempt to take the crown?

 

[desperado-c]

Looking at the pix, I feel strangely drawn to this Franken-mobile. Maybe the subliminal messages in the Caliber "proud to be ugly" tv commercial have succeeded. Of course, I will never buy one, but I will eagerly await the mag reviews to see if its performance is as powerfully ugly as its styling.

 

[CitizenPro]

Im not feeling it at all.....

Im honestly not too crazy about the MS3, but its much more refined that this piece.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

That interior is cheap-cheap-cheap looking.

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.




I will give it credit for having a front mount IC. The HP advantage that it has is made up for by the MS3's higher torque. Just because it is an american car I will assume that the Caliber will be less reliable than the MS3. But the Caliber is just SO UGLY! I really couldn't feel good about driving it around being that ugly. What do you guys think about it? Will it be good comp for the MS3 or is it a failed attempt to take the crown?

Ugly outside and ugly inside.

 

[oskinosmee]

i wanna see how it compares to our cars (ms3)

 

[orlandomsp]

Well, at least it looks a whole lot better than the regular caliber. I'm not sure how they solved the traction issues they were having, but I hope it won't sit on anything less than 215s.

 

[Hypnotized]

I dont like it at all. Where is there a FMIC? I cant see it. The only good thing that this car has going for it is the ability to upgrade under warranty like the Neon SRT4.

 

[redspeed]

The front pic is not too bad looking, but the fenders are HUGE, the rear is blocky looking and the interior is... well... a disaster. But 285hp/265 lb.ft sound like fun (ugly fun anyway).

 

[CX-7owner]

Too much ugly plastic everywhere, the roof the mirrors, really makes this car look even worse. The rear is just a blocky disaster.

Not competition for the MS3 in the interior and looks department IMO.

 

[LENNY127]

i think the car looks like garbage, but I will say this, i think its awesome that the automakers are finally giving true performance cars to those who cant or wont pay 30k for a car. regardless of my personal feelings towards the car i give thumbs up to the manufacturers.

 

[RelliMS3]

not too bad i dont think. exterior is definitely an improvement over the standard and the power sounds great. you cant really expect much more as far as the interior goes considering it is an American car meant for power and in the low 20s. i'm curious about the handling though.

 

[Young Roids]

I dont like it at all. Where is there a FMIC? I cant see it.

Look at the pick of the engine bay, judging by the tube running over the engine I would say the IC is in the front. But I can not see it from the front view but it must be there.

 

[GoFast]

its not that bad looking in my opinion

 

[Olestra]

I suppose everyone is saying it looks cheap but it fits the price tag. =)

The one thing I hated when I drove a Caliber SXT rental is the uuuugly clunky steering wheel. It just didn't feel comfortable.

Handling is hopefully better in the SRT4, the SXT had tons of body roll.

 

[Haltech]

Definately looks like a $22K vehicle, thats for sure. Performance should be good with the aftermarket. Should give us a good run in the future. These being FWD only, im sure they will be a handful to handle since i dont see any torque steer assist listed.I think we have a great match up ahead.

 

[Young Roids]

Wait a minute! You CAN see the FMIC check the 1st pic very carefully. The thing is HUGE!!

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

But the MS3 Sport is in the "low 20's as well...

not too bad i dont think. exterior is definitely an improvement over the standard and the power sounds great. you cant really expect much more as far as the interior goes considering it is an American car meant for power and in the low 20s. i'm curious about the handling though.

So I don't buy the fact that the Dodge interior is cheap because it's in the low 20's. Mazda managed to create a good-looking, high-quality feeling car at the same price point- with a mroe advanced engine. The MS3 Sport interior crushes all that hard plastic crap in the Dodge. In my opnion.

 

[Young Roids]

The interior is the ugliest part of it, BLAH! I do like the gauges and the shift knob though.

 

[grazzmaster]

Wonder what's underneath all those plastic body panels. It just looks cheap - reminds me of my '96 Dodge Caravan inside. On the outside, it looks like first day of CAD school for ADHD kids.

 

[Falango]

Not diggin it at all. Thought eh front end shot does slightly resemble an EVO.