2008-2009 Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Pros :
- No shortage of power.
- Decent handling.
- Good interior space.
- Great seats for sporty driving.
- Six-speed manual gearbox--enough said.

Cons :
- Priced higher than the Neon SRT-4.
- Weight has gone up.
- As ugly as a truck.
- Lots of power put down through front wheels only.
- Tires will be expensive for those 19-inch rims.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group will take the SRT4 reputation to new heights with the introduction of the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4's formula begins with powertrain, essentially explained by four numbers: 85, 125, 300 and 260. The 85 is how much more horsepower than the original Dodge SRT4 is available, which results in 125 horsepower per liter for a total of horsepower. The final number is 260, as in 260 lb-ft of tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber gets its motivation from an all-new "World Engine" produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Mich. The World Engine is a family of small fuel- and emissions-efficient aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines co-developed by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration, the aluminum 2.4L World Engine block is specially machined for increased water and oil flow. Unique cast pistons travel within iron cylinder liners, and are cooled by oil squirters and affixed to forged connecting rods for high-revving reliability.
Tri-metal bearings are used for the connecting rods and crankshaft for high-performance durability. A unique oil pump/balance shaft module keeps the reciprocating assembly well-lubricated and running smoothly. An external cooler keeps oil temperatures within a safe range.
The aluminum cylinder heads are also a World Engine casting equipped with unique high-temperature exhaust valves. VVT uses computer mapping to open and close intake and exhaust valves at optimal points for efficient combustion and flow. The camshaft and micro-alloy steel crankshaft, shared with the non-turbocharged 2.4L World Engine, are fully capable of high-horsepower loads. Free-flow induction begins with an all-new air cleaner assembly that draws through an opening in a front crossmember for proximity to cool air. The air is then compressed in a TD04 turbocharger specially configured for the engine's inlet and outlet packaging requirements, and sent through an intercooler to a 57 mm throttle body. Fuel is provided by a high-flow pump feeding injectors developed specifically for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4. An all-new engine management system designed by Siemens--the Global Powertrain Engine Controller--keeps the powerplant running at maximum efficiency and power. On the exhaust side, spent gases exit through a free-flow system that features two catalytic converters — one immediately downstream from the turbo, and another further along the 3-inch single-pipe exhaust system. Using two catalytic converters in this way provides significantly better "light-off" for decreased emissions. As with the previous-generation Dodge SRT4, the exhaust is tuned for maximum performance while meeting federal noise regulations.
Power is transferred through a dual-mass flywheel to the six-speed manual transmission. The dual-mass flywheel consists of two flywheels sandwiching internal springs that are specially tuned to reduce noise and vibration. The GF DMT-6 six-speed transmission, equipped with a limited-slip differential for uniform side-to-side power transfer, is capable of handling up to 300 lb-ft of torque. Torque is sent to the Dodge Caliber SRT4's wheels through equal-length halfshafts sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for their larger size and power-handling capability.
Because there is only one chance to make a first impression, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 makes the most of it with muscular exterior styling. An all-new front fascia below the signature Dodge crosshair grille incorporates functional performance features including ducts that direct air to cool the brakes and a wide center inlet that provides air flow to the radiator. Fog lamps are also set into the fascia, alongside brake ducts. The 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4's hood incorporates a functional scoop that brings cooling air into the engine compartment and a pair of extractors that exhaust hot air.
The lowest portion of the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4's fascia, which acts as an air dam to direct air around the front of the vehicle, wraps around to visually integrate with the radiused wheel wells and lower side-sill moldings. The rear fascia continues the muscular, functional character of SRT vehicles, with lower vertical strakes that direct underbody air flow out the back of the vehicle, contributing to more stability at speed. A single, 3.5-inch exhaust tip exits from the right side of the fascia. Aerodynamic efficiency is also aided by an integrated spoiler above the rear glass, which incorporates the Center High-mounted Stop Light (CHMSL). This spoiler, which is nearly 60 percent larger than that on the standard Dodge Caliber, is tuned for smoother air flow and downforce while maximizing the rear view.
In the "business office" of the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4, a new interpretation of traditional SRT themes is carried out. Unique SRT touches include sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts to hold occupants during spirited driving, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a "carbon fiber" pattern on the upper portion. The seats, steering wheel and leather shift boot feature contrasting stitching. Also unique to the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is an "alloy silver" finish on the instrument panel and shift bezel, and bright aluminum pedal pads that feature rubber studs for enhanced grip. The center-stack-mounted shifter includes a lift ring to engage reverse, unique to the Dodge Caliber SRT4, as well as a leather-finished shift knob. The instrument panel features three gauge "tunnels" outfitted with performance-oriented instrumentation, including a tachometer, 200-mph speedometer and water temperature and fuel gauges. A turbocharger boost gauge is located on the left side of the instrument panel. For the enjoyment of audiophiles, the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is equipped with a standard AM-FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer control. An available SRT/Kicker high-performance audio system includes 13 speakers in seven locations, powered by a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer. Two communication options are available on the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4: UConnect TM Hands-free Communication System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The UConnect system uses Bluetooth® technology to provide hands-free wireless communication between the customer's compatible cellular telephone and the vehicle's outboard receiver. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless networking technology that is used to connect two or more devices together.
Another hallmark of SRT's balanced approach to performance is ride and handling characteristics that make a smooth transition from street to track. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique 19-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear tires. Wheel hubs and bearings on all four corners are adapted from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for strength. Upgrades to the standard 2007 Dodge Caliber's MacPherson strut front suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates. Unique front and rear sway bars keep body roll to a minimum during hard cornering. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is uniquely calibrated for the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to provide excellent directional stability in all driving modes. In addition, stability is enhanced with a ride height one-half inch lower than the standard 2008 Dodge Caliber. Rack-and-pinion power steering is tuned to produce easier low-speed maneuvering, without compromising performance at speed. The overall steering ratio is 18.0:1.
Although it's a compact car, the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 benefits from braking-system components designed for much larger, heavier cars. For example, front brake calipers were sourced from a premium brake system developed for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, while rear calipers were sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size cars. However, all are painted in signature Dodge SRT red. Vented brake rotors for the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 are 340 x 28 mm in front and 302 x 10 mm in the rear. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was uniquely calibrated for the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4's performance to maintain directional stability without wheel lockup. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product-creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new vehicles.
To ensure its track-ready character, extensive durability testing of the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will take place at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix; Texas Motorsports Ranch in Ft. Worth, Texas; and Nelson Ledges in Garrettsville, Ohio.
DaimlerChrysler Media

The turbo motor sends thrust to the front wheels via a new six-speed manual gearbox, a Getrag-Ford unit, and a Torsen II limited-slip diff. Aside from six speeds — the previous SRT4 tranny had only five — the most appealing traits of this new gearbox (which uses a shift mechanism from the manual trans used in the European diesel version of the Caliber) are a crisp feel and a positive sense of engagement, traits conspicuously absent in the garden-variety Caliber.
Historically, putting big horsepower through a front-drive system carries an inevitable consequence known as torque steer. It was part of the deal with the previous SRT4, and despite various countermeasures — equal-length half-shafts, for example — it’s going to be part of the deal with the new one.
All-wheel drive, an option in the regular Caliber lineup, would damp out torque steer, but the system isn’t capable of handling the turbo engine’s higher output. As you’d expect, the new hot rod’s underpinnings are upgraded to keep pace with the turbo motor’s big punch: heavier front knuckles, heavier hubs, beefier wheel bearings, higher spring rates, stiffer dampers, heavy-duty knuckles up front, heavier front and rear anti-roll bars, and a quicker ratio for the rack-and-pinion steering system.
Car and Driver

Of course, its five-door, wagon-like liftback configuration makes it ideally suited to hauling people and their stuff around. The hatch opens up a wide, tall gateway into a spacious cargo hold, replete with a removable plastic floor for ease of washing. The standard split-folding rear seats are among the easiest to lay flat in the segment, with just a tug of a mesh-fabric loop.
The rear seats are pretty comfortable too, with firm but forgiving cushions and a decent level of lower back support. There is plenty of room for my legs and feet, ample for the hips and shoulders, and there was another heads worth to spare from skull to ceiling.
The front seats offered higher levels of support with higher-back front buckets. Oh, and even the standard audio system, which puts out pretty impressive sound by the way, is formatted for mp3 and WMA. Together with the handy armrest, that flips up to expose a nifty iPod-cum-cell phone holder, my BlackBerry fit in perfectly as well, it continues the practicality theme.
American Auto Press

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History:
2003-2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4
2,429 cc / 230 hp / 250 lb-ft / 2970 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.6 sec.