SRT4 offers high-caliber ... wagon
Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group adds a fair amount of spice with the debut of the Dodge Caliber SRT4. And they've done it in a wagon, adding the convenience of cubic footage.
"With signature SRT all-around performance, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a true tuner car right from the manufacturer, said Kipp Owen, director, Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. "It will offer another signature trait of SRT: best performance for the best price."
Starting with the all-new Dodge Caliber five-door, SRT upgrades and enhancements include an aggressive exterior SRT-signature look with an all-new front fascia with functional brake and radiator cooling ducts, fog lamps, function air scoop and exhaust extractors in the hood to cool the engine compartment, lower vertical strakes in the rear fascia to direct underbody air flow, and a large integrated rear spoiler tuned for smoother airflow and downforce. The SRT4 is available in four exterior colors: Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.
The front-drive SRT4 is powered by an SRT-engineered, 2.4-liter intercooled, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the street through a Getrag DMT-6 six-speed manual gearbox and a standard limited slip differential. SRT-unique 19-inch aluminum wheels and P225/45R19 W-rated tires provide maximum grip as well as add to the aggressive external stance of the SRT4.
On the road, the combination of the turbo-charged engine and short-throw six-speed manual gearbox means the Caliber SRT4 does not just look the part. It backs up its great looks with real performance. This Dodge delivers on its visual promises, with the added bonus of engineered in functionality, to make it both a weekend plaything and a weekday driver.
The SRT4 rides on a solid, high-strength steel structure and boasts more than 25 standard advanced safety and security features such as side-curtain airbags and driver's side inflatable knee blocker. In addition, 40 percent of the body structure by mass is constructed of high-strength, ultra-high strength and hot-stamped steel, which reduces weight and provides excellent impact performance.
SRT-inspired changes to the control hardware includes wheel hubs and bearings from Chrysler's mid-size cars for strength, an upgraded MacPherson strut front suspension with new knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates, unique front and rear sway bars, uniquely calibrated Electronic Stability Program and heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes.
Inside the cabin the SRT theme continues with a SRT race-inspired graphic design including: performance-oriented instrumentation in three gauge "tunnels", separate turbocharger boost gauge, sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel with "carbon fiber" pattern on upper portion and "Alloy Silver" finish on center stack and interior trim.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000-6,000 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
EPA fuel economy: 19 city/27 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 48.0 cubic feet
Safety features include dual front airbags, driver's side knee bolster, side-curtain airbags, Sentry Key theft deterrent system, tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic stability control system, fog lamps, automatic speed-sensitive power door locks and remote keyless entry.
Optional safety equipment includes a garage door opener, navigation system and alarm system.
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 wagon starts from $22,435, with destination charges adding $560. 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 wagon