Dodge Caliber SRT4 to reach 285 hp, torque steer addressed

Posted Today 06:00 AM by Mike Floyd

MOTOR TREND BLOG: With the launch of Dodge's long-awaited Caliber SRT4 inching ever closer to its early fall debut, and we've gained a bit of additional intel surrounding its much-anticipated final powertrain details.

Latest word is that horsepower of the turbocharged and intercooled version of Chrysler's 2.4-liter, four cylinder world engine will be pegged to 285, with torque coming in at 265 lb-ft, which puts it in the fight with the upcoming Mitsubishi EVO X and Subaru WRX STi for several thousand less. Pricing will be in the $25,000 range, with a possible stipper model as low as $20,000 to start.

According to our sources, besides dialing back the horsepower from its original target of 300, dramatic measures have been undertaken to counter the torque steer issues that can result from all that power being routed through the SRT4's 19-inch front wheels.

Among the changes: altering the position of the transmission to reduce the angle of the half-shafts, a torque management system for first and second gears and more anti-squat dialed into the suspension geometry.

Dodge has definitely taken its time with the SRT4, likely due in no small part to the torque steer reduction efforts. We'll find out how well they did shortly.