Press Kit: 2007 Chrysler Group Product Information, What's New for '07

2007 Dodge Caliber — A New Slant on One of the World’s Most Competitive Segments

Auburn Hills, Mich. August 31, 2006 -

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. Caliber gives them Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and 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). For 2007, 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 2007 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 multistage 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 by 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 new design, five-star crash rating and all-new powertrain, Dodge Caliber is chock full of interior features rarely found on entry-level compact vehicles, including:

  • Standard side-curtain air bags
  • MusicGate Power™, 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 flashlight 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 that 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 removable and washable
  • YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric

“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”

New Models

  • The all-new Dodge Caliber is available in three models: Dodge Caliber SE, Dodge Caliber SXT and Dodge Caliber R/T, which is available in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive

Exterior

  • Colors: Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat and Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
  • Signature Dodge crosshair grille
  • Strong, sculpted fender forms and distinctive hood
  • Large modular crystal taillamps
  • Available daytime running lamps
  • Available fog lamps
  • Integrated rear roof spoiler, forward sweeping tailgate
  • Unique new glass-to-body proportions
  • Standard dual power mirrors (SXT and R/T)

Interior

  • Colors: All models — two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige
  • Available MusicGate PowerTM nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate
  • Dual purpose, self-recharging removable flashlight mounted in the headliner (SXT and R/T)
  • Optional Chill Zone™, a cooled beverage storage bin included with air conditioning-equipped models
  • Sliding armrest on floor console moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers
  • Armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing cell phone or MP3 player
  • AM/FM CD radio with auxiliary radio input jack
  • Optional six-disc radio with cassette and MP3 CD play capability
  • Optional six-disc/full-map GPS navigation radio (late availability)
  • Power windows, mirrors and door locks
  • Outside temperature gauge
  • Two coat hooks
  • Four tie-down loops in cargo area
  • Available speed control (SXT and R/T)
  • Rear wipers
  • Rear defrost
  • Optional heated cloth seats (SXT and R/T)
  • Manual seat height adjust (SXT and R/T)
  • Power rack and pinion steering (SE and SXT)
  • Performance steering (R/T)
  • 12-volt power outlet
  • Available 115-volt outlet in the center console (SXT and R/T)
  • Illuminated front cup holder rings match other center stack lighting
  • Front passenger seat folds forward to create table-like surface (SXT and R/T)
  • 60/40 rear seats fold flat and recline (SXT and R/T)
  • Washable and removable rear cargo area vinyl load floor
  • YES Essentials® seat fabric
  • Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System (SXT and R/T)
  • Optional power sunroof (SXT, R/T)

Powertrain / Chassis

  • Three world engines and three transmissions are available. Engines are: 1.8-liter 148-hp four-cylinder 16V dual VVT engine, 2.0-liter 158-hp four-cylinder 16V dual VVT engine, and 2.4-liter 172-hp four-cylinder 16V dual VVT engine. Transmissions are the five-speed manual T355 transmission and a continuously variable transaxle II (CVT2). Auto Stick available on R/T model
  • Optional engine block heater
  • 15-inch wheels and steel wheels (SE)
  • 17-inch wheels and wheel covers (SXT)
  • Optional 17-inch aluminum wheels (SXT)
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels (R/T)
  • Optional 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels (R/T)
  • 13.5-gal. fuel tank (R/T AWD)
  • 13.6-gal, fuel tank (SE, SXT, R/T FWD)

Safety & Security

  • Standard side-curtain air bags
  • Next generation multi-stage front air bags
  • Optional side front seat air bags
  • Standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (R/T)
  • Optional anti-lock front disc, rear drum brakes (SE, SXT)
  • Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (SXT, R/T)
  • Occupant Classification System (OCS)
  • Available speed-sensitive power locks
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer

Equipment Groups / Packages

  • Power Group includes driver one-touch power window, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors
  • Sport Package includes fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and Sport Appearance Interior Group (SXT and R/T)
  • Sport Appearance Interior Group includes Pastel Slate Gray color with Red, Orange or Blue seat inserts that coordinate with the exterior color, center stack and shifter bezels; cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and IP bezels (SXT and R/T)
  • Security Group includes tonneau cover, alarm and air filtration system (SXT and R/T)
  • Driver Convenience Group includes compass and temperature gauge, universal garage door opener, electrochromic mirror, outside temperature gauge and tire pressure monitor (SXT and R/T)
  • Leather Interior Group includes leather seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and manual lumbar adjuster

DESIGN

"The Dodge Caliber has a bold, aggressive presence," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. "Caliber's crosshair grille, highly sculpted fender forms and sporty, coupe-like profile, combined with clever interior packaging, makes it stand out as a clear and unique choice in the crowded compact car segment."

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 treatment 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. New and 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

"Our engineers worked to find ways to make a compact car fuel efficient, functional and fun to drive, and they hit the mark on all counts with Dodge Caliber,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President—Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “Dodge Caliber is the Chrysler Group's first compact car to offer all-wheel-drive capability, Electronic Stability Program, standard side-curtain air bags and a slew of innovative interior features."

As a car destined for global markets, the 2007 Dodge Caliber features innovative new engines and transaxles to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement, no matter where the road leads.

Dodge Caliber’s powertrain and drive systems offer many Chrysler Group firsts in the compact car market. Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is available in markets outside North America. Dodge Caliber also is Chrysler Group’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 Group engineers met aggressive performance and fuel-economy targets through advanced cylinder-head port and intake manifold design. Technologies in the Chrysler Group World Engine include dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves, both firsts for a Chrysler Group 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 Group engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an Auto Stick feature available on the R/T model that 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 the Chrysler Group’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 new 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 Group 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 Group’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

  • Dodge Caliber enters the market with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $13,985 (including a $560 destination charge), $410 below the outgoing Dodge Neon with more content and standard side-curtain air bags
  • Innovative Caliber features not typically found on a compact car include: available Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin, 60/40 split fold-flat, available reclining rear seats, available fold-flat front passenger seat, illuminated cupholder rings, an available 115-volt power outlet in the console base, durable vinyl load floor, center armrest with hidden cell phone/MP3 player holder, removable and rechargeable cargo light, and MusicGate Power, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with rear articulating speakers

Standard safety features

  • Side-curtain airbags
  • Driver and front-passenger air bags
  • Inflatable knee blocker

MODEL LINEUP

2007 Dodge Caliber SE

Standard Features

  • Front-wheel-drive configuration
  • 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
  • Flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats
  • Manual windows and locks
  • Fabric seats
  • Two coat hooks
  • Tilt steering wheel
  • Dome and cargo lights
  • Vinyl load floor
  • Tie-down loops in cargo area
  • 15-inch wheels and tires
  • Body-color grille, liftgate appliqué and fascia
  • Black door handles
  • Rear wipers
  • Rear defrost

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 brakes)
  • Anti-lock brakes (included standard with CVT2)
  • Air conditioning
  • Chill Zone (an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included on air-conditioning-equipped vehicles)
  • AM/FM six-disc stereo with cassette and MP3 CD play capability
  • MusicGate Power (which includes a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer and 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)
  • Power Group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors)
  • Engine block heater
  • Daytime running lamps
  • Tonneau cover
  • Floor mats
  • Trailer tow group
  • SIRIUS® Satellite Radio

2007 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 re-chargeable/removable flashlight
  • Map light
  • Air conditioning
  • Chill Zone
  • Tachometer
  • Power windows
  • Power mirrors
  • Power door locks
  • Illuminated entry
  • Passenger assist handles
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Outdoor-temperature gauge
  • 115-volt electrical outlet in the center console
  • Manual seat height adjuster
  • Floor mats
  • Satin Silver PRNDL bezel and instrument panel switches
  • Standard black dual power mirrors
  • Body-color bodyside molding
  • Chrome grille
  • 17-inch wheels and wheel covers

Optional Features

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

  • Heated cloth seats
  • Power sun roof
  • Fog lamps
  • 17-inch aluminum wheels
  • Security Group (which includes tonneau cover, alarm and air filtration system)
  • Driver Convenience Group (which includes Electronic Vehicle Information Center, HomeLink Universal Garage Door Opener, electrochromic mirror and Tire Pressure Monitoring system)
  • Six-CD full-map navigation system with global positioning system (GPS) display (late availability)
  • Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and manual lumbar adjuster)
  • YES Essentials seat fabric
  • ESP
  • Speed control
  • UConnect Hands-free Communication System
  • Sport Package (which includes fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels)

2007 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
  • Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes
  • Speed control
  • Tonneau cover
  • Premium cloth seats with colored inserts
  • Color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels
  • Chrome interior door handles and lock knobs
  • Chrome grille
  • Chrome exhaust tip
  • Body-color sill moldings
  • Chrome-plated body-side moldings
  • Body-color door handles with chrome inserts
  • Fog lamps
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels

Optional Features

Optional features, in addition to those available on the Dodge Caliber SE and Dodge Caliber R/T model, include:

  • All-wheel drive
  • Auto Stick
  • 18-inch chrome-clad wheels

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

  • Anti-lock Braking System
  • 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
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM)

COLOR AVAILABILITY

  • Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat (New)
  • Inferno Red Crystal Pearl 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

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

  • 2007 model year production start: January 2006
  • 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: New Venture Gear in 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:
    • 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)
    • 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, illuminated front cup holders and sliding armrest that flips open to hold a cell phone or MP3 player
  • Available MusicGate Power, 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 removable and washable vinyl cargo-area load floor with a load capacity of 250 pounds
  • Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat with an available reclining rear seatback and fold-forward front-passenger seatback

Dodge Caliber features a new 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 28/32 mpg (city/highway) 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, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport Appearance Package, which includes cloth seats with colored inserts, color-keyed PRNDL and instrument panel bezels)

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY
2007 model year production began in early 2006 at the Belvidere, Ill., Assembly Plant




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