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Bang for the buck

Obsessed with horsepower, performance enthusiasts everywhere buy cars and then look for ways to increase the power output of their stock engines. Some will strap on a turbo charger, modify the intake and exhaust, or even take apart the stock engine and swap in performance parts.

It's with these folks in mind that vehicle manufacturers engineer impressive performance into cars and trucks available straight from the factory. But how much bang can you get for your buck?

Dodge Caliber SRT4

($83 per horse)

With bold styling, crossover design, innovative features and affordable power, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber is a small car with a big presence.

Starting at just $15,995, the Caliber comes with a peppy 1.8-litre DOHC VVT engine that offers 148 hp.

The R/T AWD version of the Caliber (MSRP: $23,995) comes with a more potent 2.4-litre DOHC VVT engine with 172 hp on tap.

But diehard performance enthusiasts are waiting for the release of the 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 -- due in dealerships early next year. Pricing for the SRT4 model hasn't been released yet, but it will likely sell in the $25,000+ neighbourhood. The few extra bills will get you a really eager 300-hp powerplant with 260 lb.-ft. of tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque.

The all-new Caliber SRT4 will jump to 96 km/h from a dead stop in under six seconds, says Dodge.

"The all-new 2.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers a level of power you'd expect from a V-8," said Pete Gladysz, senior manager -- powertrain, SRT. "With the engine in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we were able to take advantage of tried-and-true performance improvements, such as increased cylinder-head flow and higher compression ratio, as well as newer technologies such as Variable Valve Timing (VVT)."

To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration, the aluminum 2.4-litre 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.

2006 Civic Si

($132 per horse)

Honda builds an entire family of Civics --everything from tame sedans and a super-economic hybrid to the gutsy Si version ($26,080), built for those who see the drive from point A to B as a series of zig-zags.

The stock Civic Si Coupe comes with performance must-haves like lots of power (197 hp), a limited-slip differential (for maximum traction when taking off) and a six-speed manual transmission (no automatics available).

The stock seats come with generous side bolsters that keep you in your seat as the Si dances through tight turns.

Those who want to personalize their vehicles can take advantage of a new line of Honda Factory Performance (HFP) suspension and body kits. The new HFP kits feature performance-oriented suspension components along with larger wheels, tires, aerodynamic body kits and, for the first time ever, an HFP muffler.

2007 Mazdaspeed3

($118 per horse)

Mazda recently announced pricing for the new 2007 Mazdaspeed3. With an MSRP of $30,995 and a compact, lightweight body and maximum power of 263 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, the Mazdaspeed3 is one of the highest performance sport compacts with front-wheel-drive on the road today.

Under the hood of the Mazdaspeed3 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection gasoline engine that powers its older siblings, the Mazdaspeed6 and CX-7.

2006 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged

($118 per horse)

The 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged ($24,195) comes with a 2.0-litre supercharged engine that tops out at 205 hp.

The supercharger includes an air-to-water intercooler that cools the incoming air charge to increase intake-charge density, which in turn enhances power and reduces the engine's propensity to "knock" at high boost levels.

Standard on the SS Supercharged is a beefy suspension package developed on the racetrack to deliver sports car levels of handling and grip.

It includes a 24-mm front stabilizer bar and a 22-mm rear stabilizer bar, higher-rate springs and bushings, four-wheel disc brakes, monotube shocks and 18-in. forged aluminum wheels with complementing performance tires.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Lifestyle/...05074-sun.html

caliber172

This is great, and helps those of us who are frugal justify a new Caliber