DODGE Caliber SRT4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Dodge's Street and Racing Technology department worked on the Caliber to boost it and make it appealing to the younger generation, and that's how the SRT4 version of this nameplate appeared in 2006 for the 2007 model year.

Not many automakers dared to create a sporty vehicle out of a crossover in 2006. And yet, Dodge considered that when it made the Caliber SRT4. After all, the Caliber lineup replaced the Neon in the brand's inventory. As a result, the introduction of a higher-powered version of the new model just came naturally. The final product took other brands by surprise since there were no direct competitors. But, unfortunately, the high-performance crossover's life was short. In 2009, Dodge pulled the plug on this version due to the world financial crisis that hit the automotive industry hard.

Dodge's SRT division improved the SRT4's front fascia with a new hood that sported an air intake on it. In addition, the crosshair grille featured thicker horizontal and vertical slats that supported the carmaker's badge in the middle. Changes didn't stop there; the lower bumper was redesigned, sported an aggressive spoiler, and was adorned by two round fog lamps.

The car's profile told everything about its performance, thanks to the large 19-inch alloy wheels and the body kit that added lower side sills than on the regular Caliber. Its black door mirrors and B- and C-pillars attracted customers like magnets. Last but not least, the aerodynamic package also included a large roof spoiler placed at the top of the tailgate. The car's rear end also underwent some changes and sported a new bumper with an extended apron adorned by a diffuser and a large-diameter exhaust.

Inside, the car revealed its connection with the rest of the Caliber range due to its hard-plastic surfaces that covered the dashboard and the door cards. SRT found a "street-oriented" way to install a boost-pressure gauge on the driver's left side. It really looked like someone from a tuner's garage mounted it, albeit with a better finish. The white dials with red needles that fronted the driver from the binocular-styled instrument cluster looked sporty and appealing to enthusiasts. Compared to the rest of the Caliber's range, the most significant upgrade was for the leather-wrapped sports seats that boasted the SRT4 badge embroidered on their seatbacks. The aluminum pedals completed the sports-oriented cabin. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat was also covered in leather.

But those who wanted such a vehicle were mostly interested in what happened under the hood. There, SRT installed a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The powerplant produced almost 300 ponies that could rocket the car from a standstill to 60 mph (97 kph) in less than six seconds. Dodge offered the car exclusively with a six-speed manual.