Article summary:
Page 2 : Bold Exterior Styling
Page 3 : 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Safety and Security
“The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission of offering benchmark performance for the best price,” said Kipp Owen, Director – SRT Engineering, Chrysler. “With 285 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a world-class entry in the sport-compact market.”
Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 unquestionably delivers in all five areas.
Exterior styling includes an aggressive SRT stance, a front fascia with functional brake cooling ducts and a larger grille opening. The unique hood features a functional air scoop enhancing underhood cooling. A large integrated spoiler above the rear glass is tuned for smoother air flow and lift reduction.
Inside, the all-new Caliber SRT4 boasts sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, an SRT race-inspired instrument design, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive “performance pages” that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4’s suspension is lowered 28mm in the front and 22mm in the rear, contributing to the unique SRT performance ride and handling characteristics. Chassis highlights include unique performance tuning, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear three- or four-season performance tires.
Benchmark braking is delivered via four-wheel disc brakes with 340 x 28mm vented front rotors and 302 x 10mm rear rotors, with twin-piston aluminum front calipers.
And finally, a whopping 285 horsepower and tire-smoking 265 lb.-ft. of torque is delivered courtesy of Chrysler’s 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 Turbo World Engine. An electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six-speed transmission help put the power to the ground.
Standout Powertrain
Capable of a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 gets its motivation from Chrysler’s “World Engine” produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Mich. The World Engine is a family of small fuel- and emissions-efficient aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines co-developed by Chrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
“The all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you’d expect from a V-8,” said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – SRT Powertrain. “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).”
To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration, the aluminum 2.4-liter World Engine block is specially machined for increased water 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.
Tri-metal bearings are used for the connecting rods and crankshaft for high-performance durability. A unique oil pump/balance shaft module keeps the reciprocating assembly well-lubricated and running smoothly. An external cooler keeps oil temperatures within a safe range.
The aluminum cylinder head is equipped with high-temperature Inconel exhaust valves. Dual VVT uses computer mapping to open and close intake and exhaust valves at optimal points for efficient combustion and flow. The camshafts and micro-alloy forged steel crankshaft, shared with the non-turbocharged 2.4-liter World Engine, are fully capable of high-horsepower loads.
Free-flow induction begins with an all-new air cleaner assembly that draws cool air through an opening in the front upper crossmember. The air is then compressed in a TD04 turbocharger specially configured for the engine’s inlet and outlet packaging requirements, and sent through a large11-row intercooler to a 57mm throttle body.
Fuel is provided by a high-flow pump feeding injectors developed specifically for the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. An all-new engine management system designed by Siemens — the Global Powertrain Engine Controller — keeps the powerplant running at maximum efficiency and power.
On the exhaust side, spent gas exits 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. The exhaust is tuned for maximum performance while meeting federal noise regulations.
Power is transferred through a dual-mass flywheel to the GF 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 and an electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential deliver 265 lb.-ft. of torque to the ground.
World-class Ride and Handling
Another hallmark of SRT’s balanced performance approach is ride and handling characteristics that make a smooth transition from street to track.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s front suspension is lowered 28mm, and features an independent MacPherson strut setup, with ZF Sachs twin-tube dampers tuned by SRT, and 210 lbs./inch springs.
Ride height is lowered 22mm in the rear. Rear suspension highlights include an independent multilink system with upper and lower lateral links, SRT-tuned ZF Sachs twin-tube coilover dampers and 240 lb./inch springs.
A unique rear 18mm sway bar reduces understeer and keeps body roll to a minimum during hard cornering.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is uniquely calibrated for the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to provide excellent directional stability in all driving modes without being overly intrusive.
Rack-and-pinion power steering is tuned by SRT to produce easier low-speed maneuvering without compromising performance at speed. The overall steering ratio is 16.4:1.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels that don standard 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear four-season tires. Optional offerings include 19-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels and 225/45R19 W-rated Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season tires.
Benchmark Braking
Yet another ingredient in SRT’s performance recipe is benchmark braking – delivered in the all-new 2008 Caliber SRT4 courtesy of 340 x 28mm vented front rotors with 57mm twin-piston aluminum front calipers and 302 x 10mm rear rotors with 35mm piston calipers. All calipers are painted in signature Dodge SRT red.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was uniquely calibrated for the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4’s performance to minimize stopping distance and maintain directional stability without wheel lockup.
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