Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler's high performance tuning division is adding up a new item on their product lineup with the release of the all new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 equipped with a powertrain unit that is capable of pumping out 285 horsepower. This model will be the most powerful entry in the segment, according to Chrysler LLC.
Kipp Owen, Director of SRT Engineering for Chrysler commented:
“The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission of offering benchmark performance for the best price. With 285 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a world-class entry in the sport-compact market.”
Under the hood of the all new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 comes a 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 Turbo World Engine that pumps out 285 horsepower and 265 lb. ft. of peak torque. This engine comes with high-temperature Inconel exhaust valves, Dual VVT, and high-flow pump feeding injectors. In addition, the engine is mated with an electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six-speed transmission to complete the powertrain components.
“The all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you’d expect from a V-8. With the engine in the all-new 2008 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).” said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – SRT Powertrain.
The all new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 also features a front suspension lowered by 28 mm and independent MacPherson strut setup with ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers tuned, along with 210 lbs./inch springs. Other technical features found on the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 include unique rear 18 mm sway bar to reduces understeer, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Dodge spark plug wire, rack-and-pinion power steering tuned by SRT, 340 x 28mm vented front rotors with 57mm twin-piston aluminum front calipers, 302 x 10mm rear rotors with 35mm piston calipers, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Like all other tuned up models from SRT, the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 also embodies aggressive and sporty characteristics. Some exterior design cues include functional brake cooling ducts, larger grille opening, unique hood with functional air scoop, large integrated spoiler above the rear glass, Dodge crosshair grille, fog lamps set into the fascia, lower side-sill moldings, single 4-inch exhaust tip, Center High-mounted Stop Light (CHMSL), and SRT-unique 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels that wrapped with 225/45 R 19 W-rated Goodyear four-season tires. Customers can also choose the optional 19-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels covered with 225/45 R 19 W-rated Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season tires.
Moreover, Chrysler offers four exterior colors for the all new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 including Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.
Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President for Design commented: “From the very first sketches of the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we wanted an aggressive, SRT-signature look. For example, because the intercooler is positioned so high behind the front grille, we moved the fascia slightly forward and extended the walls of the grille. The result is a much more aggressive look than the standard Dodge Caliber. Exterior design that works as well as it looks is a requirement for all SRT vehicles. The hood design includes the functionality of bringing cool air in and getting hot air out.”
Inside, the all new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is equipped with a wide range of interior features inspired by Dodge's motor sports division. These including unique SRT touches like sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique “alloy silver” finish on the instrument panel and shift bezel, bright aluminum pedal pads, leather boot with a carbon-fiber pattern, leather-finished shifter knob and cap with a bright chrome finish, standard AM-FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer control, and an available SRT-engineered Kicker high-performance audio system with 13 speakers and 322-watt amplifier and 200-watt subwoofer. Only Dark Slate Gray interior color is available for the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.
Creed added: “The Dodge Caliber interior is unique with sophisticated and contemporary appointments. When we enhanced it with SRT cues, we followed design themes that had been successful with the previous Dodge SRT4, including the graphic design of the instruments, separate boost gauge, and silver finish on the center stack and interior trim. Overall, our strategy was to infuse the interior with performance-oriented enhancements to complement the Dodge Caliber SRT4’s aggressive exterior.”
And finally, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 offers a bunch of active and passive safety systems to give its occupants the best protection during car troubles. Safety and security features include advanced, all-speed traction control, auto-reverse sun roof, BeltAlert, Crumple Zones, energy-absorbing steering column, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), height-adjustable seat-belts, HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver, Inflatable Knee Blocker, Knee Bolsters, multi-stage air bags, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH), Remote Keyless Entry, seat-belt pretensioners, sentry key engine immobilizer, supplemental side-curtain air bags, and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system.
Chrysler LLC did not announce the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) in their official press release.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
