AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler will use the upcoming Dodge Caliber for the debut of its new "world" four-cylinder engine.
The 2007 Dodge Caliber, which replaces the Neon, goes on sale in early 2006. It will come only as a hatchback, not as a traditional sedan.
The four-cylinder engines available in the Caliber will be offered in three flavors: a 140-horsepower 1.8 liter; a 150-hp 2.0 liter; and a 170-hp 2.4 liter. A 134-hp, 2.0-liter turbodiesel will be offered in Europe. Chrysler says the engines consume 5-percent less gas than the automaker's current four cylinders.
Chrysler, with Japan's Mitsubishi and South Korea's Hyundai, developed the family of world engines. About 1.5 million eventually will be produced annually worldwide.
The Caliber will also be available with a continuously variable transmission that saves 6 to 8 percent in fuel. Customers complained that early CVTs did not "shift" when they felt they should. Chrysler engineers assure the new-generation CVT has been designed to be less annoying. Other transmissions will be offered, though Chrysler gave no details.
Although the base Caliber is front-wheel drive, a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive is optional.
Meantime, the Neon, which demonstrated a cheap, small car could also be fun to drive, ceases production likely at the end of this calendar year. Sadly for enthusiasts, this also means the end of the under-$20,000 pocket rocket, the SRT-4.
What this means to you: Say good-bye to Neon and hi to Caliber.
The 2007 Dodge Caliber, which replaces the Neon, goes on sale in early 2006. It will come only as a hatchback, not as a traditional sedan.
The four-cylinder engines available in the Caliber will be offered in three flavors: a 140-horsepower 1.8 liter; a 150-hp 2.0 liter; and a 170-hp 2.4 liter. A 134-hp, 2.0-liter turbodiesel will be offered in Europe. Chrysler says the engines consume 5-percent less gas than the automaker's current four cylinders.
Chrysler, with Japan's Mitsubishi and South Korea's Hyundai, developed the family of world engines. About 1.5 million eventually will be produced annually worldwide.
The Caliber will also be available with a continuously variable transmission that saves 6 to 8 percent in fuel. Customers complained that early CVTs did not "shift" when they felt they should. Chrysler engineers assure the new-generation CVT has been designed to be less annoying. Other transmissions will be offered, though Chrysler gave no details.
Although the base Caliber is front-wheel drive, a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive is optional.
Meantime, the Neon, which demonstrated a cheap, small car could also be fun to drive, ceases production likely at the end of this calendar year. Sadly for enthusiasts, this also means the end of the under-$20,000 pocket rocket, the SRT-4.
What this means to you: Say good-bye to Neon and hi to Caliber.
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