- All-new, 300-horsepower
2008 Dodge Caliber
SRT4.
Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group will take
the SRT4 reputation to new heights with the introduction of the
all-new, 300-horsepower 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.
"The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission
of offering benchmark performance for the best price," said
George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler
Group. "With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber
SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market."
With true tuner performance right out of the box and a great price,
enthusiasts immediately took to the original SRT4, which was
introduced in 2003 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the 2003-2005
model years, more than 25,000 Dodge SRT4s were sold.
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Specifications |
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Engine |
|
Inline-4,
Turbocharged |
|
HP |
300bhp @
6000 RPM |
|
Displacement |
2360cc (144
cu in) |
|
Torque |
260 lb-ft
@2000 - 6000 RPM |
|
Weight |
3189 lb
(1447 kg ) |
|
Acceleration 0-60 mph |
-- |
|
Top speed |
-- |
|
Driveline |
Front Wheel
Drive |
|
Price (approx) |
-- |
Standout
Powertrain
The all-new 2008 Caliber SRT4's formula begins with powertrain,
essentially explained by four numbers: 85, 125, 300 and 260. The 85
is how much more horsepower than the original Dodge SRT4 is
available, which results in 125 horsepower per liter for a total of
300 horsepower. The final number is 260, as in 260 lb-ft of
tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque.
To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration,
the aluminum 2.4-liter World Engine block is specially machined for
increased water and oil flow. Unique cast pistons travel within iron
cylinder liners, and are cooled by oil squirters and affixed to
forged connecting rods for high-revving reliability.
Free-flow induction begins with an all-new air cleaner assembly that
draws through an opening in a front crossmember for proximity to
cool air. The air is then compressed in a TD04 turbocharger
specially configured for the engine's inlet and outlet packaging
requirements, and sent through an intercooler to a 57 mm throttle
body.
On the exhaust side, spent gases exit through a free-flow system
that features two catalytic converters — one immediately
downstream from the turbo, and another further along the 3-inch
single-pipe exhaust system. Using two catalytic converters in this
way provides significantly better "light-off" for
decreased emissions. As with the previous-generation Dodge SRT4, the
exhaust is tuned for maximum performance while meeting federal noise
regulations.
Power is transferred through a dual-mass flywheel to the six-speed
manual transmission. The dual-mass flywheel consists of two
flywheels sandwiching internal springs that are specially tuned to
reduce noise and vibration. The GF DMT-6 six-speed transmission,
equipped with a limited-slip differential for uniform side-to-side
power transfer, is capable of handling up to 300 lb-ft of torque.
Performance-oriented Exterior Design
Because there is only one chance to make a first impression, the
all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 makes the most of it with muscular
exterior styling.
An all-new front fascia below the signature Dodge crosshair grille
incorporates functional performance features including ducts that
direct air to cool the brakes and a wide center inlet that provides
air flow to the radiator. Fog lamps are also set into the fascia,
alongside brake ducts. The 2008 SRT4's hood incorporates a
functional scoop that brings cooling air into the engine compartment
and a pair of extractors that exhaust hot air.
Race-inspired Interior Appointments
In the "business office" of the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber
SRT4, a new interpretation of traditional SRT themes is carried out.
Unique SRT touches include sport seating with aggressive bolstering
and performance fabric inserts to hold occupants during spirited
driving, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a "carbon
fiber" pattern on the upper portion. The seats, steering wheel
and leather shift boot feature contrasting stitching. Also unique to
the 2008 Caliber SRT4 is an "alloy silver" finish on the
instrument panel and shift bezel, and bright aluminum pedal pads
that feature rubber studs for enhanced grip.
Ride and Handling
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique 19-inch cast
aluminum wheels with 225/45 R19 W-rated Goodyear tires. Wheel hubs
and bearings on all four corners are adapted from Chrysler Group
mid-size cars for strength.
Upgrades to the standard 2008 Dodge Caliber's MacPherson strut front
suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with
revised spring rates. Unique front and rear sway bars keep body roll
to a minimum during hard cornering.
To ensure its track-ready character, extensive durability testing of
the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will take place at Firebird Raceway in
Phoenix; Texas Motorsports Ranch in Ft. Worth, Texas; and Nelson
Ledges in Garrettsville, Ohio.
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