SRT returns Dodge to sport-compact competition

ON SALE: November BASE PRICE: $22,995 DRIVETRAIN: 2.4-liter, 285-hp, 265-lb-ft turbocharged I4; fwd, six-speed manual CURB WEIGHT: 3189 lb 0-60 MPH: 6.0 sec (mfr est) FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 23 mpg Chrysler’s Street Racing Technology division is at it again. This time, it has applied performance expertise to Dodge’s lowly Caliber. After a four-lap session in the new SRT4 around Putnam Park Road Course in Indiana, it was clear that this was no ordinary Caliber. With the speed down the front straight, brake performance and sharp handling, it was a Caliber times four. So what did SRT do to transform the Caliber from econo-hatchback to screaming sport compact? With the Mazdaspeed 3 as the benchmark, the first step was turbocharging the 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Engine cooling and durability are improved with more water flow through the block, iron cylinder liners, stronger pistons and oil squirters. Forged connecting rods, a crankshaft with tri-metal bearings, a high-flow fuel pump, special injectors and a new engine-management system are specific. A stainless-steel exhaust tops things off to produce 285 hp. Joining the engine is a new Getrag six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter. Stopping comes from big twin-piston calipers in front and single-piston calipers out back, with a special ABS calibrated to prevent wheel lockup. For control, SRT adds stiffer shocks and springs, 19- inch wheels and a larger rear sway bar to reduce understeer. Ride height is lower by 28 millimeters in front and 22 millimeters in the rear. Stability-control programming is also unique, with moderate intrusion, but gives good directional stability. To make it look the part, SRT gave the Caliber a new front fascia with wider cooling inlets and brake ducts, a hood scoop, side sills, rear fascia and a spoiler. Interior treatments include deep-bolstered seats, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and SRT gauges with a center-mounted tachometer. An Auto Meter boost gauge sits to the left of the steering wheel, and a Performance Pages display gives 0-to-60- mph and quarter-mile times and speeds, plus brake distance and g-force readings on the main cluster. Our second session on the track had us braking deeper and seeing faster speeds. Turbo lag is noticeable as you work through the gears, but that’s a minor complaint. The chassis communicates well in turns, with moderate understeer and roll as we aimed for the apexes. In turn seven—a sharp second-gear right-hander—stability control helped plant the power