The Dodge Caliber will be the replacement for the
Dodge Neon starting in the spring of 2006. The Caliber model is a hatchback, which is roughly the size of the Neon, according to the model that was seen at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The styling of the Caliber is like that of the larger DaimlerChrysler vehicles with a crosshair grille in addition to large wheel arches. The Caliber was publicly debuted for the first time at the American International Auto Show in early January of 2006 and reportedly will start at about $14,000.
The Dodge Caliber will feature a continuously variable transmission from JATCO TransTechnology and will be the first DaimlerChrysler vehicle to use this newer technology. A four cylinder 1.8 to 2.4 litre gasoline engines or 2.0-litre diesel engine will power the Caliber, providing all the power this car will need. The Caliber will offer an electronic all wheel drive system with variable torque speeds for the best handling.
The base SE model will feature front wheel drive and a 1.8 litre engine with a manual five-speed transmission. The SXT will offer more features and will boast a 2.0 litre engine as an option. The R/T model will use a 2.4 litre engine and the CVT2 transmission is standard on this model while it is only offered as an option on the others. Dodge also plans a SRT-4 model that holds a turbocharged variant of the 2.4 litre engine with 300 horsepower and six-speed transmission and a lowered suspension. Overall, the Caliber is thought to be a more than adequate replacement for the retired Dodge Neon.
