Dodge's hottest Caliber arrives

RIGHT on cue, Chrysler Group Australia has added a warmed-over R/T variant to its Caliber small hatch range, powered by a 125kW/220Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder.

To be released at this week’s Sydney motor show, the hottest Caliber yet seen becomes the fourth variant in a range that comprises 1.8 and 2.0-litre ST, SX and SXT options, and will be priced at $29,990 – the same as the current Caliber flagship, the SXT 2.0 CVT.

While a fifth Caliber variant, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, will also be released in late 2006, Dodge’s Sydney limelight will be reserved for the new Caliber flagship, which features dual variable valve timing and an exclusive five-speed manual transmission.

Caliber R/T comes standard with twin front and twin side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, remote central locking, a security alarm, air-conditioning, CD audio, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power windows and (heated) mirrors, cruise control, foglights, a sliding centre armrest, leather-wrap multi-function steering wheel, driver’s seat height adjustment, illuminated front cup-holders and a 60/40-split rear seat.

Apart from its 2.4-litre engine, exclusive to the R/T are ESP stability control, traction control, brake assist, machined-face 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats with colour inserts, a bright exhaust tip and chrome body details.



Like all Calibers, the R/T also comes standard with a cooled beverage storage bin dubbed Chill Zone, which can hold up to four standard bottles and a dual-purpose self-recharging removable torch mounted in the headliner of the vehicle.

Caliber R/T options include a 458-watt nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer (including) two articulating tailgate speakers is optional, dubbed MusicGate Power ($1075), leather trim including heated front seats ($2475), a sunroof ($1980) and 18x7.0-inch aluminium chrome alloy wheels ($490).

R/T paint colours comprise Inferno Red, Sunburst Orange, Marine Blue, Bright Silver Metallic, Black and Stone White.