2008 Dodge Caliber

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge Caliber redefines the entry-level vehicle by combining high value with bold styling, five-star safety ratings and many clever interior innovations. Dodge Caliber appeals to up-and-coming buyers around the world who want a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear.

2008 Dodge Caliber

Caliber gives them Dodge attitude packaged with capability that comes with available all-wheel drive, the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the affordability and fuel-efficiency of a compact car.

Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively), as well as excellent fuel efficiency. For 2008, Dodge Caliber is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration on the SE, SXT and R/T models. All-wheel-drive capability also is available on the R/T model.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber earned the U.S. government’s highest five-star frontal crash test rating for both the driver and front passenger, thanks to the vehicle’s solid, high-strength steel structure and more than 25 advanced safety and security features, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, standard side-curtain air bags and a standard driver’s side inflatable knee blocker. In addition, 40 percent of Dodge Caliber’s body structure, when measured by body mass, is constructed of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel, which reduce weight and provide excellent impact performance.

In addition to its bold design, five-star crash rating and fuel-efficient powertrain options, Dodge Caliber is chock full of interior features rarely found on entry-level compact vehicles, including:

* Standard side-curtain air bags
* MusicGate Power Sound Group, an available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
* An available dual-purpose, self-recharging removable domelight mounted in the headliner above the cargo area that can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight (SXT and R/T models)
* Chill Zone, a cooled-beverage storage bin can hold up to four 20-oz. bottles or cans (standard on air conditioning-equipped models)
* A floor console sliding armrest moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
* An available 115-volt outlet in the center console can power small electronics (SXT and R/T models)
* Illuminated front cup holder rings glow blue-green to match other center-stack lighting
* Front passenger seat folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility and to accommodate long items (SXT and R/T models)
* 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline (SXT and R/T models)
* YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric (SXT and R/T models)

“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2008”

Exterior:

* Colors:
o Surf Blue Pearl Coat replaces Marine Blue Crystal Pearl Coat
o Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat replaces Black Clear Coat

Interior:

* New Dark Slate Gray interior
* Chrome lock knobs on all models
* Interior chrome door handles on all models
* Chrome accents on heating and air conditioning knobs on all models
* Chrome accent ring on radio knobs on all models
* Chrome accents on cluster rings on all models
* SXT model adds standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, soft tonneau cover, YES Essentials premium seat fabric, floor mats, speed control and cabin air filtration system packaged with air conditioning
* SXT Sport Package adds standard fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and SIRIUS Satellite radio
* R/T model adds standard heated front seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, MusicGate Power Sound Group, Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System and floor mats
* SIRIUS Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of radio programming

Powertrain:

* Engine and transmission calibrations further refined for improved drivability and reduced powertrain noise

Packages:

* Popular Equipment Group (which includes Power Equipment Group [which includes power windows, windows, locks and remote keyless entry], soft tonneau cover, speed control and floor mats) available on SE model
* Cabin air filtration system bundled with air conditioning available on SE model
* Popular Equipment Group II (which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and SIRIUS Satellite Radio) available on SXT model
* Premium Sound Group (which includes MusicGate Power Sound Group system and Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System) available on SXT model
* Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and Electronic Stability Program [ESP]) available on SXT and R/T models
* UConnect® bundled with Driver Convenience Group (which includes Electronic Vehicle Information Center [EVIC], HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and Tire Pressure Monitoring [TPM] system and UConnect hands-free communication system) on SXT and R/T models

DESIGN
Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. Caliber’s sheer surface styling commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.

The Caliber has Dodge’s imprint stamped into its DNA from the grille to the tailpipe. The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and defines its strong, muscular front view.

Sculpted fender forms, broad shoulders and a distinctive hood give Caliber its proud, powerful stance. Large, crystal headlamps and available fog lamps complement the Dodge grille and create an integrated look that completes Caliber’s sporty appearance.

A black graphic design accent, which runs the length of the roof, melds into an integrated rear roof spoiler, creating a coupe-like visual quality from the side view. Unique glass-to-body proportions give the Dodge Caliber a tough, protective presence, and the forward sweep of the tailgate further emphasizes Caliber’s sporty profile.

The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front. The black roof spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and large modular crystal taillamps fill Caliber’s rear corners and provide distinct focal points of the car’s rear-view design. Dodge’s “do more” philosophy is evident in Caliber’s rear liftgate, which provides easy access to the vehicle’s spacious interior.

ENGINEERING
As a compact car sold in markets around the world, the 2008 Dodge Caliber features innovative engines and transaxles that deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

Dodge Caliber’s powertrain and drive systems offer many Chrysler LLC firsts in the compact car market. Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler’s first compact car to offer all-wheel-drive capability and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.

Three World Engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively). Chrysler engineers met aggressive performance and fuel-economy targets through advanced cylinder-head port and intake manifold design. Technologies in Chrysler World Engines include dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves, both firsts for a Chrysler compact car and features typically found only on more expensive vehicles. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.

Dodge Caliber’s CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an Auto Stick feature, available on the SXT model with the Sport Package and the R/T model, which allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 percent to 8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic.

Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler’s first compact car with available electromagnetically controlled all-wheel drive with variable torque output, which gives customers year-round assurance, added performance and seamless, automatic operation.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

A bold slant on one of the world’s most competitive segments

* Dodge Caliber redefines the compact, entry-level vehicle by combining high value with bold styling and efficient, flexible attributes consistent with active lifestyles
* Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a continuously variable transaxle (CVT2). A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is available for markets outside North America
* Dodge Caliber is Chrysler’s first available all-wheel-drive C-segment vehicle. Dodge Caliber’s available all-wheel-drive system gives customers year-round assurance, added performance and seamless, automatic operation
* Caliber’s bold crossover style is designed for global appeal and brings more emotion into the global compact car segment

A small car that acts big

* The Dodge Caliber appeals to buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear
* Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV
* The Dodge Caliber’s unconventional two-box design provides space-efficient packaging with great proportions, while offering high value
* Caliber’s high H-point (about 4 inches higher than Dodge Neon) gives drivers a command-of-the-road seating position

Innovative features at an affordable price

* Innovative Caliber features not typically found on a compact car include:
o Available MusicGate Power Sound System, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with rear articulating speakers
o Available Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin
o Available removable and rechargeable cargo light
o Standard illuminated cup holder rings
o Standard center armrest with hidden cell phone/MP3 player holder
o Available 115-volt power outlet in the center console
o Standard 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
o Available fold-flat front passenger seat

Standard safety features

* Side-curtain air bags
* Driver and front-passenger multi-stage air bags
* Inflatable knee blocker

MODEL LINEUP

2008 Dodge Caliber SE

Standard Features

* Front-wheel drive
* 1.8-liter World Engine (148 horsepower [110 kW] and 125 lb.-ft. [169 N•m] of torque)
* Five-speed manual transaxle
* Side-curtain air bags
* Inflatable knee blocker
* Power rack-and-pinion steering
* AM/FM single-disc CD stereo with auxiliary audio input jack
* 12-volt power outlet
* Illuminated front cup holders
* Center-console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers
* Unique center-console flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
* Outdoor temperature gauge
* Satin Silver PRNDL bezel and instrument panel switches
* Chrome interior door handles and lock knobs
* Flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats
* Manual windows and locks
* Fabric seats
* Two coat hooks
* Tilt steering wheel
* Dome and cargo lights
* Carpeted load floor
* Tie-down loops in cargo area
* 15-inch wheels and tires
* Body-color grille, liftgate appliqué and fascia
* Black door handles
* Rear wiper
* Rear defroster

Optional Features

* 2.0-liter World Engine (158 horsepower [117 kW] and 141 lb.-ft. [191 N•m] of torque)
* Second-generation CVT2 (which includes standard Anti-lock Brake System [ABS])
* ABS (included standard with CVT2)
* Air conditioning bundled with cabin air filtration system
* Front-seat mounted side air bags
* Chill Zone (an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included on air-conditioning-equipped vehicles)
* Popular Equipment Group (which includes Power Equipment Group, soft tonneau cover, speed control and floor mats)
* Power Group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors)
* Engine block heater
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio

2008 Dodge Caliber SXT

Standard Features

In addition to the standard features included on the SE model, the Dodge Caliber SXT adds:

* 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline
* Fold-flat front passenger seat
* Dual-purpose rechargeable/removable flashlight
* Map light
* Air conditioning packaged with cabin air filtration system
* Chill Zone
* Power windows
* Power mirrors
* Power door locks
* Floor mats
* Speed control
* YES Essentials premium seat fabric
* Illuminated entry
* Passenger assist handles
* Remote keyless entry
* Outdoor-temperature gauge
* 115-volt electrical outlet in the center console
* Manual seat height adjuster
* Standard black dual power mirrors
* Body-color bodyside molding
* Chrome grille
* 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires
* Soft tonneau cover
* Tachometer

Optional Features

Available options on the Dodge Caliber SXT beyond those offered on the SE model include:

* Power sun roof
* Security Group (which includes security alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)
* Driver Convenience Group (which includes Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and Tire Pressure Monitoring [TPM] system and UConnect)
* Six-CD full-map navigation system with global positioning system (GPS) display
* Sport Package (which includes Auto Stick on CVT2 equipped vehicles, fog lamps, body-color grille and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels) and the Popular Equipment Group II (which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and SIRIUS Satellite Radio)
* Premium Sound Group (which includes MusicGate Power nine-speaker sound system and Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System)
* Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)
* UConnect bundled with Driver Convenience Group (which includes EVIC, HomeLink universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror, TPM system and UConnect)
* Trailer Tow Group

2008 Dodge Caliber R/T

Standard Features

Standard features on the Dodge Caliber R/T model, beyond those on the SE and SXT models, include:

* 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (172 horsepower [128 kW] and 165 lb.-ft. [223 N•m] of torque)
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls
* Sport-suspension
* Performance steering
* Four-wheel disc ABS
* Speed control
* Premium cloth seats with colored inserts
* Heated front seats
* MusicGate Power Sound Group
* Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group
* SIRIUS Satellite Radio
* Color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels
* Chrome exhaust tip
* Body-color sill moldings
* Chrome-plated body-side moldings
* Fog lamps
* 18-inch aluminum wheels

Optional Features

Optional features, in addition to those available on the Dodge Caliber SE and Dodge Caliber SXT models, include:

* All-wheel drive
* Auto Stick
* 18-inch chrome-clad wheels
* UConnect bundled with Driver Convenience Group
* Leather Interior Group (which includes heated leather seats and manual lumbar adjuster)
* Security Group (which includes Security Alarm, daytime running lamps and ESP)

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Please refer to the safety glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

* ABS
* Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
* Auto-reverse Sun Roof
* BeltAlert
* Brake Assist
* Brake/Park Interlock
* Child Seat Anchor System
* Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
* Crumple Zones
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* Energy-absorbing Steering Column
* Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
* Front Driver and Passenger Air Bags
* Height-adjustable Seat Belts
* HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver
* Inflatable Knee Blocker
* Interior Head-impact Protection
* Knee Bolsters
* Occupant Classification System (OCS)
* Octagonal Frame-rail Tips
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Removable/Rechargeable Flashlight
* Seat-belt Pretensioners
* Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
* Side-curtain Air Bags
* Supplemental Side Air Bags
* TPM

COLOR AVAILABILITY

* Surf Blue replaces Marine Blue (New)
* Brilliant Black replaces Black Clear Coat (New)
* Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
* Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
* Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat
* Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat
* Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
* Stone White Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

* 2008 model year production start: January 2007
* Production location: Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.
* 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engines: Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.
* Five-speed manual transmission: Magna, Syracuse, N.Y.
* CVT2: Jatco, Mexico

MARKET POSITION
The Dodge Caliber’s bold styling and crossover design with innovative features and affordable performance will allow buyers to be active, do more and stand out

Demographics

* Gender: 50 percent male/50 percent female
* Age/Household:
o Primary: 24-34 (Young singles and couples with an active lifestyle requiring a capable/versatile vehicle, but who traditionally reject conventionally styled small cars and “cute utes” as uncool)
o Secondary: 35-45 (40-something parental purchasers – who want a vehicle for their child that meets the safety and cost of ownership litmus test)
* Median Annual Household Income: $45,000
* Education: 35 percent college graduate

MARKET ADVANTAGES
Dodge Caliber offers the capability and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) combined with the affordability and fuel-efficiency of an entry-level compact car. Caliber also offers many clever interior features and flexibility not typically found on a compact car in its price class, including:

* Standard side-curtain air bags on all models
* Standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
* Available Chill Zone beverage-cooler storage bin
* Standard illuminated front cup holders
* Standard sliding armrest that flips open to hold a cell phone or MP3 player
* Available MusicGate Power Sound System, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating rear speakers on the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers swing down for tailgating and other activities
* Available 115-volt outlet in the center console can power small electronics, including cell phone, MP3 player or lap top
* Auxiliary audio input jack on the standard AM/FM radio/CD player allows the music from an MP3 player to be heard through the vehicle’s speakers
* Available removable/rechargeable LED flashlight mounted in the headliner
* Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat with an available reclining rear seatback and fold-flat front-passenger seatback

Dodge Caliber features the family of World Engines that was tested to the equivalent of 15-million customer-equivalent miles to ensure a high level of real-world reliability

* The four-cylinder World Engines feature dual-camshaft variable valve timing on all three models—1.8-liter (148 horsepower), 2.0-liter (158 horsepower) or 2.4-liter (172 horsepower)
* Great fuel economy—an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg highway under 2008 EPA standards with the 1.8-liter World Engine
* Available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) boosts Caliber’s performance, drivability and improves fuel economy by 6 percent to 8 percent compared with a four-speed automatic
* Dodge Caliber’s styling sets it apart in the crowded compact car sea of sameness
* Unmistakably Dodge with muscular hood, broad crosshair grille and large headlamps and taillamps
* Available aggressive-looking 17- and 18-inch wheels
* Available Sport Package allows consumers to customize their interior to a color of their choice Sport Package (which includes fog lamps and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels)

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

* All-new for 2007 model year
* 2007 model year production began in early 2006 at the Belvidere, Ill., Assembly Plant

More photos: 2008 Dodge Caliber Photo Gallery