Dodge Caliber SRT4 test drive since 2007 Hatchback

That is another caliber

City missiles charged versions of models from the class personally were always to the taste of me. On the one hand, they look almost like ordinary hatchbacks or sedans, are just as functional and adapted for everyday urban operation. On the other hand, these are real animals. And could I pass by the most powerful today in my class Caliber SRT4? Could not! Let friends after a short acquaintance claim that this red devil the choice of a city crazy one, the weekend with Dodge was a success.
Adrenaline generator
As for the madness, I, reader, will say everything depends on what you consider the norm. There are people who in life are enough adrenaline produced by the body at the TV screen or in the circus. Others are spent without parachute jumps on the steep slopes of the mountains. Thirdly, well, in general, this substance begins to be produced already with one look at the real American Muscle-Car. Of course, Caliber SRT4 is not Viper or Corvette, but also that little thing. I pay tribute to the skill of designers from the SRT unit (I like the full name Street and Racing Technologies more, which can give any machine that falls into their hands, especially an aggressive look. The case with Caliber is no exception.
First of all, the new hood, in the center of which there is an additional air intake for the intercooler. On both edges of this There are two more holes for the removal of hot air. The updated front bumper moved forward a little, and the radiator grille became a little larger. In addition, there are special holes in the bumper not only for a larger air flow, but also for cooling the brakes. Special overlays appeared in the lower part of the thresholds, and a spoiler ascended above the luggage compartment cover 60% more than that of the standard Caliber. The rear bumper is completely new, a special diffuser is located in its lower part, like real racing boys. And, of course, a large exhaust pipe with a diameter of 89 mm and 19-inch discs with low-profile tires 225/45. What does not look particularly friendly? So it is necessary! This is not a soap dish for trips to Sunday school.
But to be honest, I expected more from the Caliber SRT4 interior. And he got into the almost standard Caliber with all the same hard plastic (well, the Americans do not understand why such a car is expensive material, and that’s it!). Although some changes are visible. First of all, this is a seat with pronounced lateral support and endowed with all the necessary adjustments. To that, it is very well profiled. The steering wheel is the same as in an ordinary model, with the exception of leather casing with a deliberately rough selection, and imitation for carbon fiber in the upper part of the lamb. It is regulated only in height, which, however, does not create any special problems with the right and convenient landing. Naturally, the pedals are finished with aluminum, the speedometer is marked up to 300 km/h, and an additional boost pressure sensor appeared on the left of the instrument panel. In addition, since the main audience of the model is young and loved by music, the car can be understaffed with a high -class car acoustic system Kickker/SRT LIVIN 'Loud with 13 speakers, 322 W amplifier and an active subwoofer with a capacity of 100 watts.
However, the standard of salon has its advantages: the charged version remains very functional. Decor elements do not require any special care, inside there are many compartments for small luggage, in place and two-level gloves. Moreover, the upper part of the cooled here horizontally can place four plastic bottles of 0.33 or 0.5 liters. Also, lovers of outdoor activities will also like quite spacious rear seats and a roomy luggage compartment, the volume of which can be increased from 524 to 1339 liters, simply folding the backs. Moreover, on the ceiling of the compartment there is a removable self -proclaiming ceiling, which can be used as a flashlight. On your marks?
Only forward!
Under the hood of Dodge Caliber SRT4, a well-known 2.4-liter gasoline engine, which the specialists significantly modified and equipped with turbocharged. New cast pistons are attached to forged connecting rods, and in connecting rods and crankshaft bearings are used by three -layer metal bearings. Of course, a new injector is installed, the engine control program has been changed. As a result, Caliber SRT4 came out in first place in the world in the category of serial hatchbacks of the C-class 295 hp. and 363 Nm of the maximum torque, and already available at 2000 rpm. The engine with 6-speed mechanics is aggregated, through which all this power is sent to the front drive wheels. Moreover, the wheel drive was also modified by installing new half of the larger diameter and equal length, and a differential of increased friction with electronic locks appeared in the gearbox, which, as it turned out, works much better than mechanical, and provides the model with quite intelligible controllability.
However, everything in order. To begin with, with the dynamics of the car, everything is in perfect order. After 2000 rpm of the arrow of the turbine pressure indicator, it jumps closer to one, and it is not imprinted in a chair. You would exchange a second hundred in 6.7 seconds. It is pleasant that the electronics blocks a slightly blocking differential, which is why the wheels do not stop, but the energy is spent significantly less, and the potential of the motor is realized to a greater extent.
There are also no problems with quick switching, although you can’t call the clutch pedal. But it is informative, and the short and clear course of the IAA lever allows you to not lose pace with intensive acceleration. Naturally, the brakes are fully consistent with the dynamic potential. The diameter of the disks itself and the size of the calipers have grown. But the main thing: Caliber SRT4 is excellent stability.
Now I am not only about the fact that you can fly at a speed of 200 km/h in a straight line, and many cars are capable of this. But in the bends, with competent handling, you can feel the rigidity of the rollers of the side support of the seat with the whole body. After all, on SRT4, not only installed new, shorter springs (clearance reduced by 13 mm) and hard shock absorbers, but also increased diameter d -stability stabilizers. Hence the almost complete absence of body rolls and the stunning tenacious turning, you pass without hesitation, on one movement of a steering wheel. But the most pleasant thing is that the car, despite the presence of an electronic blocking of the center differential, remains quite friendly. There are no jerks on the steering wheel, which is characteristic of machines with mechanical locks, there is no excessive insufficient rotation, which was noticed, for example, on Mazda3 MPS. In addition, Caliber SRT4 is equipped with a well -working ESP stabilization system, and not too sharp, but very informative steering from the edge to the edge of the steering wheel, makes 2.76 turnover.
In other words, Caliber SRT4 is very fast, but still not insane. He is demanding of the driver, but not so much that he had to go to racing driving courses (although they will never interfere). He is kind to the owner, but is able to break most competitors. And, of course, it is always ready to raise the level of adrenaline in the blood to the required consistency.
It remains for me to say only about the price that it now makes sense to indicate in dollars from 39,600.
Andrey Osipov
Photo Dodge

 

Source: Magazine Automobile Izvestia [December 2008]