2011MY Dodge Caliber: Retuned Steering System and Equipment Upgrades

Continuing to chart the changes on the Chrysler Group's 2011MY cars, the Dodge Caliber has received some modest enhancements for the new model year, the most noteworthy being the re-tuned steering system which, according to the automaker, provides in a "more direct and precise feel". Other than that, you'll find new available exterior colors and some trim and equipment upgrades on certain models, which you can check in detail in the list after the break.

Here's what's new for the 2011 Dodge Caliber:

- Six new color options: Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat, Blackberry Pearl Coat, Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Pearl Coat (late availability)

- 18-in. chrome-clad aluminum wheel now available with the Uptown model

- Red and blue accent stitching added to leather seats with Rush model

- Six-way power driver's seat standard with Mainstreet model

- Electronic stability control (ESC) now standard with Mainstreet, Heat, Uptown and Rush models

- New navigation radio with SIRIUS Travel Link

- Steering retuned for a more direct and precise feel

Sticky Pedal Virus Hits Chrysler, More than 25,000 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass Models Being Recalled

The Chrysler Group is the latest automaker to issue a recall over potential problems related one way or another with gas pedals. The Detroit manufacturer said that it is going to recall a total of 25,336 2007MY Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass models to address complaints about sticky gas pedals.

Here's how the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes the problem on the affected cars:

"The pivot bushings in vehicles with oversized accelerator pedal bearing pockets may become dislodged and potentially cause the accelerator pedal to bind or stick. Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions."

Chrysler said that it will notify owners and have all cars inspected and if necessary, replace all affected accelerator pedal assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month (June). For more information, owners of the affected models may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).

2009 Dodge Caliber SRT-4: Guide Leak Reveals That It Gets 280Hp

Thanks to “Caliberforum” member Ironside who stumbled upon a 2009 Caliber model guide while visiting a Dodge dealership in Canada (?) we’ve got the full official specs on the long awaited Caliber SRT-4 model. Ironside also managed to photocopy the guide thus giving us proof for his findings. Concisely here are the most important facts as the “Caliberforum” member noted:

• 2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-cylinder intercooled/turbocharged Engine with 280hp @ 6000-6400rpm, 260 lb-ft torque @ 2000-5600rpm.
• 0-60mph (96km/h) = 6.2 seconds
• 1/4 mile (400m) = 14.6 seconds
• Top speed = 157mph (252 km/h)

So, no 300 Hp as Dodge had promised when the prototype was unveiled last year and as many had hopped for. If you check out the postings at the “Caliberforums” you’ll see that most members are quite disappointed with the fact that the SRT-4 lost 20Hp from prototype-to-production version. Allow us to disagree with an example: VW Golf GTI 200Hp vs Golf GTI Edition 30 230Hp. Unless you favor straight-line racing, the 200Hp version is a better car that allows you to have more fun without worrying about the battle between the front wheels and the tarmac. More Hp doesn’t necessarily mean more fun. Who knows, maybe even the 280Hp might be a lot for the Caliber to cope with. Let’s just wait and see how it drives first.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Caliberforums

Dodge Caliber Pig and Bear add: “It’s Anything But Cute”

Found this "black humor" video of the 2007 Dodge Caliber, which continues the “It’s Anything But Cute” philosophy of the other commercials of the car. This specific add tells us the heartwarming tale of two gentle creatures, a pig and a bear and their encounter with the “menacing” Dodge Caliber.

Technorati Tags: Dodge+Caliber, auto+news, automobile, automotive, 2007, video, cars, autos, commercials, add,

Dodge “High Caliber Challenge”: Cross Country Road Trip For Students

Dodge is promoting its new compact Caliber by organizing a cross country road trip challenge aimed specifically to college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas.

Three teams of three college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas will compete in a five-day, cross-country road trip to Miami in Dodge Calibers equipped with a Chill Zone beverage storage bin, MusicGate Power liftgate speakers, MP3 jack and self-charging flashlight.

Members of the winning team each win a 24-month lease on a 2007 Caliber.

Along the way, each team will be challenged to use the Dodge Caliber to creatively raise awareness for the Global Music Project, a nonprofit organization that allows individuals to download songs for a minimum donation of $1 per song with proceeds going to select charities. All of the money raised during the Dodge High Caliber Challenge will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

The student teams will stage events with the Dodge Caliber to encourage the local communities to download songs from the Global Music Project Web site. Points will be awarded to each team for successfully executing awareness-raising events in each city, involving community members in their charitable efforts and updating blog sites with photos and daily journal entries that highlight their experiences on the road in the Dodge Caliber.

On June 9th in Miami, all the teams will participate in one big activity. When that’s done, the winning team will be announced.

For more details on how students can qualify to become a member of a team, please go to http://www.DodgeHighCaliberChallenge.com That’s also where

DESTINATION CITIES

From BOSTON

Day 1 - Boston to PHILADELPHIA

Day 2 - Philadelphia to RALEIGH, N.C.

Day 3 - Raleigh, N.C. to JACKSONVILLE , FLA.

Day 4 - Jacksonville, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 - MIAMI

From CHICAGO

Day 1 – Chicago to NASHVILLE, TENN.

Day 2 – Nashville, Tenn. to ATLANTA

Day 3 – Atlanta to TAMPA, FLA.

Day 4 – Tampa, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

From DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Day 1 – Dallas to HOUSTON

Day 2 – Houston to MOBILE, ALA.

Day 3 – Mobile, Ala. to ORLANDO, FLA.

Day 4 – Orlando, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

Technorati Tags: Dodge+Caliber, High+Caliber+Challenge, auto+news, automobile, cars, press+release

Dodge Caliber SRT4 300hp 2007

Developed by Chrysler Group’s ‘Street Race Technology performance division, the Caliber SRT-4 features unique exterior details, lowered sports suspension, sporty interior and a powerful engine - an all-new 2.4-litre Turbo delivering 300 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque . According to the company, the Caliber SRT4 can do 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The official presentation of the car will take place at the Chicago Motor Show

Technorati Tags: Dodge, SRT4, 2007, Chicago