Bold 2007 Caliber introduces latest in technologies
August 8, 2005

BY MARK PHELAN
DETROIT FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER



Chrysler's Group's sophisticated new four-cylinder engine will make its debut when the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber compact car goes on sale in the first quarter of 2006.


Produced at a new engine plant in Dundee, the engine eventually will power a wide variety of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.


The bold-looking Caliber will introduce several other new technologies to Chrysler Group, including electronically controlled all-wheel drive and a fuel-saving, continuously variable transmission.


In addition to 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter versions of the new gasoline engine, the Caliber will feature a 134-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel for sale in Europe. Chrysler Group has no plans to offer the diesel, which is built by Volkswagen AG, in North America.


Chrysler calls its new four-cylinder gasoline powerplants world engines because the company developed them with Mitsubishi Motors of Japan and Hyundai of South Korea. The three automakers invested more than $700 million in the Dundee plant, which will begin producing the engines next month.


Chrysler's version of the engine features variable valve timing to improve power and fuel economy. Power ranges from 140 horsepower for the 1.8-liter to 150 horsepower for the 2.0-liter and 170-horsepower for the 2.4-liter.


The engine consumes 5% less gasoline than Chrysler's current 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines, chief operating officer Eric Ridenour said.


Base models of the Caliber will use front-wheel drive, but the optional all-wheel drive can shift as much as 60% of the engine's power to the rear wheels. Chrysler tuned the system's electronic controls for better handling on dry roads in addition to improving traction on slick surfaces, Ridenour said.


The continuously variable transmission reduces fuel consumption 6% to 8% compared to a four-speed automatic transmission, he said.


The CVT will also feature a manual mode that mimics the performance of a six-speed when the driver wants to shift.


Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.

 

6 to 8 percent less fuel consumption might not sound like a lot. But for a gasoline engine, it's pretty good.

 

plus the extra 5% from the new engines, so over all it is over 10% more fuel efficient. say it is doing 30mpg gallon now, 10% is 3 more mpg.

 

Sounds good! I don't like the fact they are taking the 2.0 away from trenton, but the good side is that the 2.4 will no longer be made in mexico. So I guess its good news overall!

Joe

 

That would have been cool to have here, diesel is cheaper then gas in some areas, plus easier to deal with.



-Matt-

 

Trenton may be losing the 2.0, but i think they will be making the 4.0 i keep referring to. that plant shouldn't be worried. yeah I'm glad the 2.4 is out of Mexico now too, next is the hemi.....

 

Now that would be SWEET!

 

These world engine aren't exactly a new thing they were out once before. These are the engines they used in the modified K platform. At its a good that these engine are actually made to be turbocharged and supercharged.