About six months back I did the trade. The reason was two-fold:

1. AWD is huge in the rainy climate/slick roads here
2. Stock handling

I really love the Evo for the reasons above. I do, however, miss the power and smoothness of the 4's motor. Whatever Evo guys tell you about how powerful their cars are, believe me when I say that you lose nothing, stock for stock. Tough to beat the 4's price, too.

Having said this I will say that when I install the 1500 mod package I've ordered I believe I'll be very satisfied with my car. More than one person has done 12.2's with what I'm doing and without loss of tractibility.

I'm not posting to brag... just the opposite. I want you to know that your cars have respect from the Evo crowd and me, especially, as a former owner.

I'm not sure, however, what to think about the Caliber...

 

The respect is mutual.
Btw, I think for the most part the jury is still out on the Caliber.
I know I will be interested by the drivetrain, but I know also I am not a fan of the styling.
Now if I could retrofit my Neons body onto the awd system..........

 

I've seen a bunch of mag articles on the Caliber and it's confusing re: FWD vs. AWD. What's it gonna be?

 

I'm 99% sure its FWD....I'm just waiting till someone puts the Calibers SRT4 engine and trans into the original SRT 4. [sm=goodidea.gif]

I also have tremendous respect for the EVO/WRX crowd. They are great machines with amazing performance. Enjoy it cj.

 

all i want from the caliber is the head.

 

The Caliber will be FWD in the SE/SXT form, AWD in the R/T form....and FWD in the SRT-4 form..... and there's the possibility that it goes AWD in the SRT-4 form, but nothing confirmed...just rumor.

The rest of the drivetrains are confirmed and offered thru Dodge on Dodge.com already.

 

No rumor, the SRT-4 will stay FWD only.

 

the testing on the srt4 caliber is running it to around 300hp with no problems (stock)... expect stage kits to probably push that little thing into some wild numbers...

however, I think it's ugly... I liked it better when they called it a Pontiac Vibe... but... ha-ha...

 

Good to hear your views on some other fine machinery.
I was dissapointed in Dodge/Chrysler for copying what is out there already, I think they did well as trend setters with the Viper, PT cruizer, Prowler, Crossfire...ect...Very sorry state of affairs the corporate auto industry is in IMHO.

 

Official word from the Chrysler rep is the SRT group is sticking to FWD for the new SRT4.

Price and weight are the factors;. Probably more the price. They are trying to squeek it out under 25K.