Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 First Drive and Full Test

8 messages, Last post on Dec 28, 2007 at 9:39 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Hatchback, Wagon

First Drive: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 - nternal engine mods include pistons cooled by oil squirters and mounted to forged connecting rods. Specific injectors flow more fuel (high octane recommended). And an external oil cooler keeps the Mobil 1 synthetic from getting too toasty. The engine cranks out 265 pound-feet of torque beginning at 2,000 rpm. (more)

Full Test: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 - The Caliber SRT-4 is faster and just as usable as a standard Caliber, but lacks the raw, explosive and engaging character of the original SRT-4. (more)

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#6 of 8 Great review! by drive571 Oct 03, 2007 (5:40 pm)
Clear, candid, and entertaining to read. Car & Driver's November review read a bit too much like a puff piece; this one had the beef. Thanks so much! I also half-expected this, networkguy. I've only driven the Caliber SXT, but I couldn't imagine that car's sense of mass, SUV driving position, and deep, "tunneled" view out the windshield would allow the SRT-4 to feel like a true sport-compact. The steering was numb and nebulous on the base car; I'm sure it's much better on the SRT-4, but I can't imagine it being transformed to MazdaSpeed 3 precision, especially not with those lead-weight 19s. I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the six-speed's shift quality, though. The SXT's felt like clunky garbage. I guess this means the domestic-brand hot-hatch torch has been passed to the HHR SS. I always thought the Cobalt SS S/C was an overlooked gem; maybe the HHR version will be just as fun.
#7 of 8 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 [chisss] by kyle11 Dec 28, 2007 (8:11 am)
Replying to: chisss (Sep 06, 2007 8:48 am) Are you a nut this car is great. Masda 3 stinks Replies to this message: jmcmillen3 (Dec 28, 2007 9:39 am)
#8 of 8 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 [kyle11] by jmcmillen3 Dec 28, 2007 (9:39 am)
Replying to: kyle11 (Dec 28, 2007 8:11 am) Ok first things first, I read ALOT of car magazines and secondly I test drive ALOT of cars. To name a few, the Caliber R/T, Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Neon SRT-4, Charger SRT-8, Lancer EVO 8, Subaru STI, Cobalt SS, RX-8, 350Z, 07 Mustang GT and many others. The Caliber SRT-4 nor any other car under $25K has been able to topple the Mazdaspeed3 for all-around performance. Oh yeah, learn how to spell. It's M-A-Z-D-A. The Z stands for zoom-zoom, something the Caliber will never have.