2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 First Impressions - Dodge Caliber SRT-4 Forums

Richard · 09-10-2007, 07:37 PM

Indianapolis, Indiana - After witnessing the passion that members of Chrysler's Street and Racing Team (SRT) bring to their projects, I knew before driving it that their latest effort would shock and awe with blistering performance and outstanding value. The Caliber SRT4 has set a new performance benchmark in the entry-level pocket-rocket segment.

What's an SRT4?
For those not yet familiar with SRT, think race-inspired styling, handling, braking and powertrains. Now apply those ideals to Dodge's economical Caliber and voila, the SRT4 is bred and born. Massive air inlets define the car's snarling nose, directing air over the inter-cooler and front brakes while body skirting and a jumbo-size roof spoiler manage high-speed turbulence. A functional hood scoop draws cool air into the engine compartment as a pair of hood-mounted extractor scoops exhaust hot air.

In the cockpit, Viper'eque seats clutch the body like a Catholic nun clutching her rosary. Numerous other driver-oriented interior upgrades elevate the Caliber to SRT status. These include a large centre-mounted tachometer and a retro-looking turbo-boost gauge plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum foot-pedals with rubber grip studs.

Does a hopped-up Caliber deserve an SRT badge?
In a word, yes. That validation doesn't come easily. It was earned during a grueling day at the Putnam Road Course racetrack where the SRT boys allowed a group of foolhardy over-zealous auto journalists to experience the full capabilities of their little slugger. And let me assure you, we did.

Wicked powertrain
It begins with an SRT-engineered 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four capable of 285 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Not long ago these numbers were impressive for a V8, never mind a four-banger. In addition to turbocharging, magic applied by the engineers included improved cylinder-head flow and an increased compression ratio along with dual Variable Valve Timing. Additional engine modifications were undertaken to improve durability and high-rev reliability.

Only one transmission is mated to the hostile mill- a six-speed manual gearbox. The spacing between cogs is perfect for the engine's powerband, which is impressively broad. Although an inch has been shaved from the stick's travel, this isn't the tightest or most precise of shifters; nonetheless it gets the job done. Clutch feel is about right though, keeping shifts smooth with light, progressive uptake.

Suspension, brakes and electronic nannies
The SRT4 is suspended on sway bars, springs and dampers that have been modified and calibrated to extend road-holding thresholds and improve handling dynamics. The front suspension has been lowered by 28-mm and ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers have been installed. At the rear, ride height has been reduced by 22-mm. The independent rear setup features upper and lower lateral links and the same ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers found in the fore arrangement.

The vehicle rolls on 19-inch aluminum wheels ringed in performance rubber. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment however it and an electronic traction control system have been calibrated to resist early intrusion, allowing plenty of latitude to push the SRT4 without admonishment. (A button deactivates ESP for those wild-abandon occasions).

Some of the push will undoubtedly come in the form of strenuous braking. Here Dodge's demon steps up to the plate as well with huge, 340 x 28-mm (13-inch) front brake rotors and 302 x 10-mm (12-inch) rear brake rotors. We're told these rotors were lifted directly from the potent Dodge Charger R/T. To emphasize the car's massive brakes, its caliper units are painted SRT-red.

It's got the goods but what about the "go" factor?
So here's where it gets interesting. On the street, the SRT4 feels like a dog constantly tugging on its leash; it simply wants to run hard and fast. I found myself always pulling back on the leash to keep the car within legal bounds, especially when presented with a long straightaway out of a corner. When the noose was loosened though, the SRT4 effortlessly sprinted forth but not without some alarm.

When unleashing 285 horsepower on the front wheels, a firm hand is needed to counter unintended torque-steer, especially on well-worn high-centred roads. A slow leap into the throttle mitigates the worst of this. On the flat surface of the track, the curse was less of an issue. And it's on the track where the SRT4 proved its mettle and lent credibility to Chrysler's claim of 0-96 kph (0-60 mph) in just 6.2 seconds.

The fire-breathing powerplant is never short of breath or unable to exceed expectations- it just keeps giving whether departing the line or coming out of a gentle sweeper in third gear at 120-kph. Nail the throttle and the car pulls furiously. Onto the brakes hard and speed evaporates like rain on a red-hot barbeque. The engineers bragged about the stopping ability of the SRT4- turns-out, they weren't bragging.

Perhaps more worthy of bragging is the predictable, forgiving handling of the rocket. With no time to acquaint myself with the outer reaches of this car's on-road ability, I pushed it to the brink through the wide array of Putnam's bends and curves. Like a true friend, the SRT4 hung in all the way, making me look far more polished on the track than I am. That's the stuff of balanced chassises and perfect suspension tuning.

Back to real world driving
Performance cars are often difficult to live with due to uncomfortable rides and high-strung personalities. Where does the SRT4 fit in? Well, its ride is definitely firmer than that of a conventional Caliber. For me though, it was an acceptable trade-off given the handling capability of the car. The engineers were driven not to sacrifice ride in favor of handling. I think they achieved their goal.

I found the SRT4's performance-oriented exhaust note a little overt for my age of near-50. I mentioned that to one of the engineers. He laughed and said most complain about not hearing enough exhaust growl- go figure. I guess the embrace of noise is a personal - and probably younger - thing. The last "real world" comment goes to octane. The SRT4 likes a rating of 93, which is sometimes difficult to locate and always difficult to pay for.

SRT4 delivers value in addition to sizzle
The really amazing aspect of the SRT4 is its price- just $24,995. That buys a lot of horsepower and performance, and sets the benchmark for all others to strive for. I'm not aware of any other offerings at 25-large that can outrun the SRT4 on the track or in the showroom.

Source: auto123.com

Slatchmann · 09-20-2007, 12:58 PM

what happend to 300hp and 0-60 in 5.6?

marlsrsoftball · 09-30-2007, 02:14 PM

Do you have any idea when they will be available at dealers?

09-10-2007, 07:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Richard Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Corcoran, CA Posts: 439	2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 First Impressions *Indianapolis, Indiana -* After witnessing the passion that members of Chrysler's Street and Racing Team (SRT) bring to their projects, I knew before driving it that their latest effort would shock and awe with blistering performance and outstanding value. The Caliber SRT4 has set a new performance benchmark in the entry-level pocket-rocket segment. What's an SRT4? For those not yet familiar with SRT, think race-inspired styling, handling, braking and powertrains. Now apply those ideals to Dodge's economical Caliber and voila, the SRT4 is bred and born. Massive air inlets define the car's snarling nose, directing air over the inter-cooler and front brakes while body skirting and a jumbo-size roof spoiler manage high-speed turbulence. A functional hood scoop draws cool air into the engine compartment as a pair of hood-mounted extractor scoops exhaust hot air. In the cockpit, Viper'eque seats clutch the body like a Catholic nun clutching her rosary. Numerous other driver-oriented interior upgrades elevate the Caliber to SRT status. These include a large centre-mounted tachometer and a retro-looking turbo-boost gauge plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum foot-pedals with rubber grip studs. Does a hopped-up Caliber deserve an SRT badge? In a word, yes. That validation doesn't come easily. It was earned during a grueling day at the Putnam Road Course racetrack where the SRT boys allowed a group of foolhardy over-zealous auto journalists to experience the full capabilities of their little slugger. And let me assure you, we did. Wicked powertrain It begins with an SRT-engineered 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four capable of 285 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Not long ago these numbers were impressive for a V8, never mind a four-banger. In addition to turbocharging, magic applied by the engineers included improved cylinder-head flow and an increased compression ratio along with dual Variable Valve Timing. Additional engine modifications were undertaken to improve durability and high-rev reliability. Only one transmission is mated to the hostile mill- a six-speed manual gearbox. The spacing between cogs is perfect for the engine's powerband, which is impressively broad. Although an inch has been shaved from the stick's travel, this isn't the tightest or most precise of shifters; nonetheless it gets the job done. Clutch feel is about right though, keeping shifts smooth with light, progressive uptake. Suspension, brakes and electronic nannies The SRT4 is suspended on sway bars, springs and dampers that have been modified and calibrated to extend road-holding thresholds and improve handling dynamics. The front suspension has been lowered by 28-mm and ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers have been installed. At the rear, ride height has been reduced by 22-mm. The independent rear setup features upper and lower lateral links and the same ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers found in the fore arrangement. The vehicle rolls on 19-inch aluminum wheels ringed in performance rubber. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment however it and an electronic traction control system have been calibrated to resist early intrusion, allowing plenty of latitude to push the SRT4 without admonishment. (A button deactivates ESP for those wild-abandon occasions). Some of the push will undoubtedly come in the form of strenuous braking. Here Dodge's demon steps up to the plate as well with huge, 340 x 28-mm (13-inch) front brake rotors and 302 x 10-mm (12-inch) rear brake rotors. We're told these rotors were lifted directly from the potent Dodge Charger R/T. To emphasize the car's massive brakes, its caliper units are painted SRT-red. It's got the goods but what about the "go" factor? So here's where it gets interesting. On the street, the SRT4 feels like a dog constantly tugging on its leash; it simply wants to run hard and fast. I found myself always pulling back on the leash to keep the car within legal bounds, especially when presented with a long straightaway out of a corner. When the noose was loosened though, the SRT4 effortlessly sprinted forth but not without some alarm. When unleashing 285 horsepower on the front wheels, a firm hand is needed to counter unintended torque-steer, especially on well-worn high-centred roads. A slow leap into the throttle mitigates the worst of this. On the flat surface of the track, the curse was less of an issue. And it's on the track where the SRT4 proved its mettle and lent credibility to Chrysler's claim of 0-96 kph (0-60 mph) in just 6.2 seconds. The fire-breathing powerplant is never short of breath or unable to exceed expectations- it just keeps giving whether departing the line or coming out of a gentle sweeper in third gear at 120-kph. Nail the throttle and the car pulls furiously. Onto the brakes hard and speed evaporates like rain on a red-hot barbeque. The engineers bragged about the stopping ability of the SRT4- turns-out, they weren't bragging. Perhaps more worthy of bragging is the predictable, forgiving handling of the rocket. With no time to acquaint myself with the outer reaches of this car's on-road ability, I pushed it to the brink through the wide array of Putnam's bends and curves. Like a true friend, the SRT4 hung in all the way, making me look far more polished on the track than I am. That's the stuff of balanced chassises and perfect suspension tuning. Back to real world driving Performance cars are often difficult to live with due to uncomfortable rides and high-strung personalities. Where does the SRT4 fit in? Well, its ride is definitely firmer than that of a conventional Caliber. For me though, it was an acceptable trade-off given the handling capability of the car. The engineers were driven not to sacrifice ride in favor of handling. I think they achieved their goal. I found the SRT4's performance-oriented exhaust note a little overt for my age of near-50. I mentioned that to one of the engineers. He laughed and said most complain about not hearing enough exhaust growl- go figure. I guess the embrace of noise is a personal - and probably younger - thing. The last "real world" comment goes to octane. The SRT4 likes a rating of 93, which is sometimes difficult to locate and always difficult to pay for. SRT4 delivers value in addition to sizzle The really amazing aspect of the SRT4 is its price- just $24,995. That buys a lot of horsepower and performance, and sets the benchmark for all others to strive for. I'm not aware of any other offerings at 25-large that can outrun the SRT4 on the track or in the showroom. Source: auto123.com __________________ Richard Administrator admin@calibersrt4.net http://www.myspace.com/calibersrt4

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09-20-2007, 12:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Slatchmann Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4	what happend to 300hp and 0-60 in 5.6?

09-30-2007, 02:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
marlsrsoftball Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4	Do you have any idea when they will be available at dealers?

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