Press Kit: 2007 Dodge Caliber Launch

The bold, distinctive 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 commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart. Combined, these attributes appeal to customers who want a vehicle that stands out in the compact car "sea of sameness." 

"Dodge Caliber is pure Dodge, and its bold styling separates it in the crowded compact car segment," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. "Caliber will allow owners to make a statement by driving a vehicle unlike anything else offered. It will definitely stand out on the road," Creed added.

Pure Dodge
There is no mistaking Caliber. The all-new compact car has Dodge's imprint stamped into its DNA from the grille to the tailpipe. Caliber's proportions are more SUV-like than many of today's front-wheel-drive cars. Drivers sit about four inches higher than they did in the previous Dodge Neon, providing a command-of-the-road view. Caliber's wheels are pushed out to the corners to minimize front and rear overhangs, maximize crush space in the engine compartment and optimize the rear seat package.

Dodge Caliber's clamshell hood design wraps around the sides of the vehicle and includes side-view cut lines from the middle of the vertical cross hairs in the grille. The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and defines its strong, muscular front view. Dodge Caliber SE models feature body color crosshairs with a black painted grille. Caliber SXT and R/T models feature chrome crosshairs for a more polished look.

Caliber's headlamps are among the largest in the corporation and use standard halogen headlamp bulbs. These headlamps wrap seamlessly from the grill to the fender, adding a sophisticated quality to the Caliber's bold appearance. Fascia-mounted fog lamps, which are available on the Caliber SXT model and standard on the Caliber R/T model, add to Caliber's athletic appearance and improve visibility in inclement weather.  

A black graphic appliqué runs the length of Caliber's roof and melds into an integrated spoiler, creating a coupe-like side view. Unique glass-to-body proportions give the Dodge Caliber a tough, protective presence, while the forward sweep of the tailgate emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile.

Riding on a 103.7-inch wheelbase with a 59.8-inch wide track, Dodge Caliber's wheel placement enhances vehicle stability, vehicle dynamics and ride quality. Strong, sculpted fender forms house 15-, 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires. The large wheels and tires and the suspension design contribute to about 7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than key competitors. Dodge Caliber's MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are efficient designs for packaging a four-wheel independent suspension in a compact car.

Dodge Caliber's exterior components serve form as well as function. Body-side moldings provide added protection from parking lot dents and dings. The Caliber SE and SXT models feature a painted body-color molding for a monochromatic look; the R/T model features a chrome-plated molding for a distinctive appearance. Large, black exterior mirrors maximize the field of view, while reducing drag and wind noise. Black door handles are featured on SE and SXT models, while the R/T model includes painted handles with chrome accents.

Black graphic appliqués on the center pillars combined with black belt moldings and black roof-rail moldings give the illusion of a single window opening from the Caliber's A- to D-pillar. The integrated black roof-rail molding channels water over the roof and provides a smooth fit and finish.

The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front. The black roof spoiler, which was tuned for aerodynamics, extends Caliber's roofline. Integrated into the spoiler is a six-light-emitting diode (LED) center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and washer nozzle.

Dodge's "do more" philosophy is evident in Caliber's rear liftgate, which provides easy access to the vehicle's spacious interior cargo room. The liftgate construction includes a one-piece steel inner and outer panel for structural integrity. It gets its unique shape from the light bar that spans across the back of the vehicle. The body-color light bar is deeply dished and houses lights for the license plate and a key cylinder on vehicles with manual locks. Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to feature this type of liftgate construction.

Large modular crystal taillamps, (the largest in the Chrysler Group), fill Caliber's rear corners and are distinct focal points of the vehicle's rear design. Placed on the corners, they wrap from horizontal to vertical similar to the headlamps.

All 2007 Dodge Caliber models will be available in Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Solar Yellow Clear Coat, Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Stone White Clear Coat and Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat (late availability).

Clever Interior Innovations
Dodge Caliber's flexible interior combines style, comfort and versatility with innovative features and clever packaging that give new meaning to functionality in the compact car market. Caliber's interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and up to four passengers, plus room for gear. This supports Dodge's "do more" philosophy by providing unique and functional features that enhance both the driving and riding experience.

Customer demand for greater flexibility and increased utility in a compact-size vehicle directed Dodge Caliber's interior packaging. Buyers want a vehicle that allows them to seat friends and store gear, so Dodge designers created Caliber's two-box design with five doors, including a one-piece liftgate, that make efficient use of interior space.

All Dodge Caliber models include two-tone interiors, clever storage features in the instrument panels and floor consoles and the versatility of fold-flat rear seats.

Flexible seating options on Caliber SXT and R/T models include a front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface. Available 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline for added comfort. Folding the seatbacks forward creates a nearly flat load surface, maximizing storage in the Caliber. 

In addition to flexible seating, Caliber is chock full of clever interior features that add functionality and flexibility rarely found on entry-level compact vehicles, including:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• MusicGate Power ^TM : An available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
• An available dual purpose, self-recharging removable flashlight is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and snaps out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight (SXT and R/T models)
• Chill Zone ^TM : A cooled beverage storage bin can hold up to four 20-oz. bottles or cans (available in 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 (SXT and R/T models)
• 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline (SXT and R/T models)
• A vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
• YES Essentials® fabric: an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration (late availability)

Additional interior features that are typically found only on more expensive vehicles include a gated shifter for the automatic transaxle and four rectangular airflow registers on the instrument panel that provide 100 percent air flow shut-off.

Caliber's cluster area is large for a compact car and features either a three- or four-bomb cluster, depending on the model. Cluster gauges are white with black graphics and red pointers and feature an electroluminescent glow. Cluster bezels on Caliber SXT and R/T models feature chrome rings.

All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige. A modern Buccini grain material decorates the instrument panel top cover and top-mounted passenger air bag door. A traditional Franklin grain is patterned on the remainder of the instrument panel and lower trim for continuity. The upper trim is grained in Aura to match the texture of the premium Aura headliner fabric. Aura fabric features a woven texture and is resistant to pilling for a long-lasting appearance.

Fusion/Albi II cloth seats are standard on Caliber SE and SXT models. Alias/Albi II cloth seats are optional on the SXT model and standard on the Caliber R/T model. Cloth and leather seat trims also are available on Caliber models.

A Sport Package, available on the Caliber SXT model and standard on the R/T model, includes fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport Appearance Package (which includes Pastel Slate Grey Alias/Albi II cloth seats with red, yellow, orange or blue seat inserts that coordinate with the exterior color, center stack and shifter bezels).

Optional two-tone Radar perforated leather and vinyl seats also are available on the Caliber SXT and R/T models. YES Essentials fabric, an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration is offered on SXT and R/T Caliber models (late availability).