Chrysler Introduces 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4

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.