2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Review

Auto123.Com - In many ways, the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is reminiscent of the 1985 Dodge Omni GLH. Those letters, by the way, had a very explicit meaning: Goes Like Hell. It was all about power or, to be more accurate, brute power. In order to achieve the same level of refinement than the GTI, Civic Si and MAZDASPEED3, the company's modern hot hatch needs some polishing.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is reminiscent of the 1985 Dodge Omni GLH.

The design is a clear success. Angular lines, wide fender flares, an arched roofline and a high beltline give this Caliber a strong presence on the road. The small rear spoiler at the top of the hatch adds to the car's sportiness.

The SRT4 model stands out from other Calibers thanks to a one-tone grille devoid of chrome accents. The hood incorporates a functional hood scoop flanked by functional air outlets. Stylish 19-inch SRT aluminum wheels complete the package. (Chrome wheels are optionally available.)

The result appeals to the young and young at heart, including nostalgic baby-boomers. These drivers are more interested in having a killer-looking machine than enjoying great peripheral vision. The latter is definitely not a strength of the Caliber SRT4 -- and most of its rivals, for that matter. Rearward visibility is also limited due to the sloping roofline, small rear window and wide C-pillars. Parking maneuvers, as you can imagine, are made that much harder as a result.

Ponies to spare!
Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division did not focus exclusively on styling. They injected some serious muscle by heavily tuning the automaker's "World Engine" (a 2.4L 4-cylinder developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi and Hyundai). The addition of an intercooled turbocharger has bumped horsepower by 113 (285) and torque by an even 100 (265).

The thundering cavalry drives the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. This Getrag unit replaces the 5-speed Magna T355 of other Calibers. I found it to lack flexibility and have a profound disdain for quick shifts. Plus, the clutch is fairly stiff.

This turbocharged variant of Chrysler's 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder "World Engine" produces an impressive 285 horsepower. http://www.auto123.com/en/dodge/caliber/2008/review?carid=1081500406&artid=99915

Chrysler's new design chief promises improvements

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/08/21/ap5347186.html

Chrysler extends required vacation weeks to 2009

LANSING JOURNAL DETROIT - Chrysler LLC has decided to keep its requirement that all workers take the same two-week summer vacation.

The company told employees by e-mail on Wednesday that the 2009 summer break will take place the weeks of July 13 and 20.

The struggling automaker told workers in March that it would require all of them to take the same two weeks off this year.

North American factories have traditionally shut down for a week or two in the summer as equipment is updated for new vehicle models, but this year was the first time that all employees, including salaried, were affected.

"With this early notification, the intent is for the majority of employees to take this time off to improve on the efficiencies achieved in 2008," Nancy Rae, executive vice president for human resources, said in an e-mail to Chrysler employees.

Chrysler has said this year's required vacation time was not a cost-saving measure, but an attempt to become more efficient. But industry analysts said cost savings were probably a factor.

Rae said in the e-mail that early notification for next year would help employees make plans.

Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan confirmed that the e-mail was sent Wednesday.

Chrysler plans '09 summer shutdown

By TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Chrysler LLC told employees this week that the automaker will again take a two-week summer shutdown next year, giving salaried workers much more notice than before.

While summer production shutdowns are the norm in Detroit, Chrysler in July required most white-collar workers to take a two-week vacation, too. Workers were told of the news last March and some complained about the lack of notice.

But 2009 is going to be different.

“We felt it was important to communicate the dates at this early stage to better enable employees to make plans,” said Nancy Rae, Chrysler executive vice president of human resources and communications, in a memo to workers.

She referred to it as a “decision to renew the summer break for 2009.”

Chrysler’s 2009 shutdown will be during the weeks of July 13 and July 20, according to Rae’s memo.

“We appreciate that employees approached this new shared time off with an open mind and team spirit,” Rae added.

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. have a summer shutdown at their factories, and often white-collar workers take time off during the period.

Shawn Morgan, a Chrysler spokeswoman, confirmed the memo was sent Wednesday.

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This Day in Auto History:

8.21.1885 William Francis O’Neil of the General Tire & Rubber Company is born in Akron, OH 8.21.1904 Automotive restoration authority Richard Charles Wheatley is born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England 8.21.1932 John Charles Curran Jr., Financing Manager for the Ford Motor Credit Company 1962-1969 and later an executive with the White Motor Company, is born in New York City 8.21.1948 Racer Cliff Hucul is born 8.21.1961 The first 1962 Ford Thunderbird is produced

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Second shift will end at Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant

This afternoon is the last time workers will report to the second shift at Chrysler LLC's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. via Detroit News Online