2007 Dodge Caliber to Feature 4-Cylinder World Engine, CVT and All-Wheel Drive
09 August 2005
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| Dodge Caliber Concept Car shown earlier in 2005. |
The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber will be the first Chrysler Group car to offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the new World Engine family of four-cylinder gasoline engines, and a new electronic all-wheel drive system, along with a new 2.0-liter diesel engine.
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.
Continuously variable transmissions provide an infinite number of gear ratios, allowing the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range.
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.
Eliminating upshifts allows the transmission to engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped transmissions and results in more efficient operation, especially during city driving.
Optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30–60 mph range, improve passing maneuvers and contribute to a responsive feel. For example, drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.
Chrysler developed its 4-cylinder family of World Engines with Mitsubishi Motors and Hyundai. With more than a combined US$ 700 million invested in the engine plant, production begins next month. The World Engines are targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five percent compared with the engines they replace.
The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available with all three displacements in the World Engine family: 1.8-liter (140 hp / 104 kW), 2.0-liter (150 hp / 112 kW) and 2.4-liter (170 hp / 127 kW). For non-US markets, Dodge is offering a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine (which is built by Volkswagen).
The 2.0-liter diesel is a direct-injection turbo diesel with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically controlled, allowing precise management of each combustion cycle with the optimum quantity of fuel. This system can operate at pressures up to 2,000 bar, leading to finer atomization of fuel, high power and torque and improved fuel efficiency.
The turbo diesel engine is expected to position the Dodge Caliber sold in Europe among the best in its class for power, torque and towing capacity. Maximum power is estimated at 134 hp (100 kW), and peak torque is estimated at 229 lb-ft (310 Nm).
The 2007 Caliber will also offer the first electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with variable torque output ever offered on any Chrysler Group passenger car. The system works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed, which optimizes fuel economy. All-wheel drive is also used between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to ensure precise handling during performance driving. All-wheel drive will be available on vehicles sold in North America.
They need to offer the Diesel here in the US.
Posted by: Doug | 10 August 2005 at 05:21 AM
I want a TDI because I know a mechanic just crazy enough to help me install a WVO kit. When I saw that the TDI was going to be in a car with a CVT, my heart lept.
Then I saw it wasn't available in the US. Well, I guess VW is getting my business...
Posted by: Icelander | 10 August 2005 at 06:07 AM
I'm not sure if GCC should even run stories on cars offered in Europe and Japan unless there is a chance they are coming here, or if they are exceptionally innovative. CVT doesn't make it in my book. Ford, Honda, and Toyota are doing them already.
It's just depressing to see how backward the US really is, and if GCC covered every eco-friendly model coming out overseas, you'd fill up the newsletter very quickly. The streets in Europe are filled with 45+ MPG diesel cars. Ecos here in CA are driving to NV just to get their hands on a Jetta or Passat TDI (because that's basically ALL THERE IS).
Posted by: Lance Funston | 10 August 2005 at 10:53 AM
GCC isn't just for readers in the USA, ya know! Besides, _everyone_ everywhere ought to know what the choices are, and if they're not offered in your country, start making noises! (and I don't mean whining! - go bug the auto makers)
Posted by: bd | 10 August 2005 at 11:18 AM
The caliber I think would be far from class leading in the european market. Its going to be very hard to win over the europeans. Any in the US, it does not do anything new either. It just follows the path laid by the toyota matrix and pontiac vibe. The improvement in fuel economy is also very minute, and there the problem lies. The automakers rarely make leaps in improvements, rather they creep improvements at snail pase.
From my point of view, the caliber is just another car. It sets no standards in fuel economy. The US car buyers and automakers are so delusioned when it comes to cars. The stats are depresiing. Best selling cars in the US are 12mpg pickup trucks, while in europe its 45+mpg cars. All this is further fueled by the low price of fuel, what the US needs is another oil crisis, not a gradual increase in price, because people would get accustumed to it easily, but a drastic increase.
Posted by: Tman | 10 August 2005 at 11:54 AM
European diesels are sold here because our outrageously filthy fuel would create warranty nightmares for the importers.
Posted by: tom | 10 August 2005 at 07:30 PM
No Diesel,Filthy Fuel,either way,the US Consumer once again is getting screwed by our Crop of Corporate Criminals and the collaborating Scum in Washington.
Posted by: HHN | 11 August 2005 at 05:04 PM
I think that chrysler is being shortsighted. With the new diesel standards starting to take effect in june of 2006, ( sulfer content will be madated to no more than 50 parts per million down from 500 million/ppr) diesels should have no problem meeting the CARB emmisions. If today's diesels are fueled with bio-diesel they already comply.
ave. sulfer content in diesel nationwide now 250/ppr.
june 2006 50/ppr.
2009 15/ppr.
As a sidebar-- cenex has already notified farmers to stock up on #2 diesel as any glitches in the change-over to lower sulfer content diesel may cause a shortage in supply. With the corn harvest looming this could be a nightmare. Combines,trucks sitting with no fuel, or having to haul fuel long distances.
I haven't gotten a reply as to whether Cenex is retooling to meet the 2006 mandate of 50/ppr or the final ceiling of 15/ppr in 2009. It would seem to make sense to only have to do this once. I don't know the costs involved but having to retool refining facilities more than once in a three year period doesn't make sense.
Bring on the BMW's! VW's too for that matter. Want to help the planet? Make sure your next vehicle is a diesel. Or a hybrid for that matter. How about a plug-in Hydrogen hybrid for that matter. No need to wait for fuel cells. We can already make excellent internal combustion engines. (ice's) Lets fuel them with Hydrogen made from wind energy! That way you don't have to worry about When or Where the wind blows. Make it. Store it. ( hey, areas that have lots of wind like the Dakotas have lots of space for tank storage.) Use it.
Thumb your nose at OPEC!
Windmills go up a lot faster than nuclear power plants- safer too.
Posted by: dakotatycoon | 15 August 2005 at 11:24 AM
Hello, I totally agree with energy efficiency. I am desperately looking for a Diesel 3.5 to 4 liter 4 X 4 pickup ( towing capacity 3000 lbs) and the US has ZERO. I want to know which country has one. I do not care for brand. I know Nissan has one 3 liter frontier w/ 150 H.P but I do not know towing capacity. Mercedes boasts a strong diesel engine, but I have not seen a pickup from them
Posted by: Dan Verri | 09 September 2005 at 11:46 AM
For your awareness!
According to DOE, http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byMPG.htm, on 12/22/05 there are only 4 vehicles available in the US that achieve combined average city/highway of 40 mpg or better. And, it has been reported that 2006 may be the last year for the 2 Honda Insights. Note that none of these vehicles are built in the US.
There are 57 vehicles available outside the US that achieve 45mpg(US), or better, combined average city/highway. Of these 57 vehicles, 15 (26%) are by DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, and Toyota. VW has 10 (17%). This data is available at http://www.40mpg.org/pdfs/120105_CSI_foreign_fuel_efficient_vehicle_chart.xls .
What is wrong with this picture???!!!
The absence of this class of vehicle is dragging down the Auto Industry, MPG, Consumer, Environment, Economy, and National Security. At the same time, it is driving up all Fuel Prices.
The following questions arises! Are either the Federal Legislative or Executive branches aware? If yes, do they care?
It is my opinion that there is no rational reason these vehicles should not be built (or imported) to be sold in the US.
These top 57 vehicles should already be required to meet safety and emissions standards of either Europe or Japan. EU emissions are currently at Euro step IV.
Proposal
Congress should pass emergency legislation to waive, for only 24 months, import restrictions on gas and diesel light vehicles that meet EU and Japanese emission and safety standards AND get 45 mpg(US), or more, combined average city/highway. These vehicles should be grandfathered upon import.
I estimate that for each of these high mpg vehicle put on the road, there will be about a 2 gallon/day fuel savings.
My intention is to stimulate discussion and hopefully some degree of rational problem solving since the government, industry, and/or the financial communities haven't adequately addressed/resolved these issues.
It is further hoped that you will find the concepts and strategies of sufficient value to share them with your peers, other media, government, and industry contacts.
By the way ... of the 33 vehicles getting 50 mpg or more, 90% are diesels!!
References:
“40MPG.ORG WEEKLY UPDATE December 1, 2005” http://www.40mpg.org/weeklyupdate.cfm
"Over 35 mpg not in US - http://www.40mpg.org/pdfs/120105_CSI_foreign_fuel_efficient_vehicle_chart.xls
Posted by: H Smith | 27 December 2005 at 10:26 PM
i just got a SXT MODEL with the 2.0 liter engine.
Can i boost it a bit without voiding the waranty.
Posted by: Alex | 14 March 2006 at 01:39 PM
I bet the diesel version won't be sold in the US for many reasons:
1. shipping the engines from Europe to install here. (it's been done before, but not for such small quantities).
2. the profit margin in the car doesn't allow for too many different models, especially because they build FAR more than they need to.
3. the diesel option is expensive. If everyone really wanted diesels in North America, they'd be spending the extra big $$$$$ on VW TDIs.. some do, most don't.
4. diesel doesn't pay off unless you drive A LOT!!!
5. Do you want your city smelling like a bus? I went to Valencia Spain, and the one thing I noticed most was the smell of diesel exhaust.. everywhere... bleah.
Today's gasoline engines run quite clean, remember, diesel is heavy oil, and yes, it does smoke when your engine gets a wee bit tired (I see quite a few "newer" TDIs that smoke when taking up drive).
I like the Caliber, I think I want one :).. but in manual.
Posted by: Martin | 09 April 2006 at 07:19 PM
I realize I am in a vast minority when I say I want a diesel. Bio diesel,or veggie oil conversions work. I do not really like Chrysler products but think they should offer the engine here. They did the right thing in the Jeep Liberty. They need to do that for the rest of their line. Just my one and one third cents worth.
Posted by: tio | 09 May 2006 at 08:12 AM
I wish all the liberal treehuggers would realize that diesels get better fuel economy, by burning less fuel they actually produce less emissions. The engines have proved to last 3 times as long with less repair expences. It is just that the oil companies and the automakers are in on this together to make more money. There was technology around 50 years ago to get over 30 MPG but who would make money then.
Posted by: John Smith | 01 July 2006 at 07:49 AM
I own a diesel Jetta and I love the 1000 KM per tank.
that is over 600 miles for just over 14 US Gallons for you south of the 49th parallel. I believe in Canada almost 1/2 of every jetta sold are diesel. I would kill for a SUV like vihicle with a diesel.
BTW I am working on 300,000 km and just passed my emissions test. Unless you have a very heavy foot you will not see a trace of smoke out my exhaust pipe.
Posted by: Sly Scotian | 15 July 2006 at 04:33 AM
"Best selling cars in the US are 12mpg pickup trucks, while in europe its 45+mpg cars. "
To be honest, that's also probably due to the fact that the small business climate is more robust in the U.S. than it is in Europe. Many of these tiny operations need and/or use a truck of some sort.
Still, I imagine that with gasoline being as pricey as it has been the last few years (never forget that even $2.00/gal. is pretty expensive for our way of doing things), most of those same small business folks would also love to get a hold of a more efficient truck.
Just because one needs a truck doesn't mean one can't also want it to get at least 25mpg...
This point is made primarily at the truck comment, as full-size SUVs seem to mainly be purchased either by folks who'd be better off with a minivan or by sybaritic egoists who'd be better used for beating upon with wet beach towels.
Posted by: Alex | 06 August 2006 at 11:03 PM
"I bet the diesel version won't be sold in the US for many reasons:"
Alex is obviously completely clueless about diesels.
"2. the profit margin in the car doesn't allow for too many different models"
EVERY car manufacture builds a diesel version of all of their cars, and the few that don't, like Subaru, are planning on bringing diesel versions of their models in the next year or two.
"because they build FAR more than they need to"
Is that why VW could have sold more than 3 times as many diesels in the US if they had enough?
OR
Is it because the Diesel Jeep Liberty more than doubled the sales expectations in the US?
OR
Is it because the $50,000 Mercedes Diesel also sold far more in the US than what was initially expected?
"3. the diesel option is expensive."
VW diesels are only about $1,000 more than the base model.
When you factor in the fact that these diesels get over 50% better MPG than the gasoline version (CITY EPA 24 MPG for the gas engine, 38 for the diesel) AND that they last at a bare minimum twice as long as a gasoline engine, diesel cars are actually CHEAPER than gasoline cars.
So what about paying $1,000 more? People pay $3,000+ to get a more powerful than the based model when they buy the GTI model.
"4. diesel doesn't pay off unless you drive A LOT!!!"
Another fallacy.
Not only do you get far better MPG, you get more torque, and a higher resale value because the engines last 400,000+ miles.
And, with diesels able to run on Bio-Diesel without ANY modifications, they smell far better than gasoline engines.
AND, Bio-Diesel is inherently a better lubricant than petroleum diesel, making the already durable diesel engine last even longer.
Of course, there's the fallacy of performance.
The 5000+ lb VW Toureg with a diesel engine not only gets far better MPG than the V-8, it blows the V-8 away by a full second in the quarter mile.
And, the recent victory of the Audi diesel blowing away the gasoline cars at Le Mans.
Posted by: A | 10 August 2006 at 07:57 PM
I really wish Dodge would offer a diesel
Posted by: David Chandler | 22 December 2006 at 07:56 PM
diesels are the answer but our gov is hindering them from comming in to the states why?????? it makes no sense!!!
Posted by: k oleson | 07 January 2007 at 08:44 AM
Legislation limiting cars, SUVs and light trucks (below 24,000# GVW) to one liter engine displacement per ton of GVW would kickstart manufactures into providing more diesel vehicles. A diesel can more eaisily make (and much cheaper) 100 HP per liter, than a gasoline engine. We don't need 5 and 6 liter vehicles to run to the corner store, or anywhere else. Consider the over the road haulers move upwards of 50 tons with around 500 HP, at freeway speeds.
I would buy an 8 passenger SUV with a 2.5 - 3 liter turbodiesel (250 - 300 HP). I would also repalace my 1/2 ton pickup with one powered by the same turbodiesel engine. I already have a Powerstroke for the heavy lifting (12,500# GVW, 6 liter turbodiesel, 325 HP). Listen up Detroit and Tokyo!
Posted by: Charlie Langford | 16 March 2007 at 04:23 PM
for the dodge caliber diesel is going to be the best of all aspect,fuel,traffic.parking.mobility.eco final. safeyty.
if it avalibale i do wante get it
Posted by: moustapha a diao | 28 June 2007 at 12:30 AM
I work at the Belvidere plant. We build the Caliber diesel. Chrysler made a agreement with VW not to sell the diesel version of the Caliber in the US for 2 years. The 2 year mark is almost up, I believe it is in July '08.
Posted by: B Teubert | 11 June 2008 at 02:57 AM