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Bold Design, Clever Packaging Define 2007 Dodge Caliber
Bold styling stands out from compact car “sea of sameness” • Unconventional
two-box design provides ultimate interior flexibility • Innovative features and
affordable power allow owners to be active, do more and stand out 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.
DESIGN
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).
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