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Caliber Makes its Entry at Detroit Show
13 January 2006
|
| 2007 Caliber |
At the Detroit show, Chrysler formally introduced the Dodge Caliber entry-level vehicle (earlier post), its World Engine-based replacement for the Neon.
Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter, generating 148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp respectively) and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2).
The combination of the CVT and the new 4-cylinder gasoline engines are estimated to provide a combined 11%–13% improvement in fuel economy over comparable, current-generation systems.
DaimlerChrysler’s increasing enthusiasm for diesels in the US has yet to extend to Caliber—a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is available in markets only outside North America.
Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler Group’s first compact car to offer all-wheel-drive capability and electronic ESP with traction control (late availability).
Technologies in the Chrysler Group World Engine include dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves, firsts for a Chrysler Group compact car. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.
The Dodge CVT2 transmission uses two V pulleys and a steel push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.
Through the use of electronic controls, the CVT2 provides a 6%–8% improvement in fuel economy compared to a traditional four-speed automatic transmission.
Production of the Dodge Caliber begins in early 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new four-cylinder World Engines for this vehicle are built in the Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan.
Chrysler is being aggressive with pricing on the Caliber, starting it at $13,895 ($410 below the Neon), but offering more features for the money. The company will make more complete specifications available closer to actual launch.
| 2007 Dodge Caliber | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4-liter | 2.0-liter | 1.8-liter | |
| Power | 172 hp (128 kW) | 158 hp (118 kW) | 148 hp (110 kW) |
| Torque | 224 Nm | n/a | n/a |
| Valve system | Dual Overhead Camshaft, Dual Variable Valve Timing, Direct Acting Shimless Mechanical Bucket Tappet | ||
| Fuel injection | Sequential, Multi-Port, Electronic, Returnless | ||
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | ||
| Coefficient of Drag | 0.375 | ||
January 13, 2006 in Fuel Efficiency | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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Posted by: TDI_bio_dvr | January 16, 2006 at 01:12 PM
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Dear DCX,
Please give North America the TURBO-DIESEL Caliber option with AWD & CVT! As your research may show we can't buy an AWD Jetta/Passat TDI wagon. You sold a lot of the CRD Jeep Libertys so that should be an indicator, plus most people can't afford the fancy Blutec diesels. Also low sulfur fuel is coming late this year, the B5 biodiesel allowance would make your company more "green". I recommend going to at least B20 and write it into the owners manual for all to see. Thank you.