Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Dodge Caliber replacement to be unveiled at 2012 Detroit Auto Show

We know it's coming, we just don't know when. During the long-winded marathon set of product announcements and long-term strategies laid out by Fiat and Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne, it was revealed that both Chrysler and Dodge would get new compact vehicles to replace the no-longer-in-production PT Cruiser and unloved Caliber hatchback.

Both machines were scheduled for release mid-year 2012, and, assuming things are still on track, you can be sure the Detroit-based automaker plans to make a splash with the unveiling of its new compact warriors. After all, both the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze have been extremely well received by both the press and new car shoppers, and Dodge has nothing that can directly compete.

That said, there's no bigger place to make a big splash for an American automaker than the Detroit Auto Show. Wowing the home-town crowds and receiving international coverage from the media would be a major boon for Chrysler, so it comes as little surprise to read reports that Dodge is eying the Detroit show floor in January of 2012 for a hopeful debut of its 2013 Dodge Caliber replacement.

According to Wards Auto, only the Dodge small car is confirmed for debut in Detroit; we don't know what that means for a would-be PT Cruiser replacement (Chrysler 100 anyone?). In any case, expect the next-gen compact (which may or may not keep the Caliber moniker) to be based on the Fiat C-Evo platform with slightly larger dimensions for the U.S. market.

We don't yet know what it will look like, but if you're thinking Alfa Romeo Giulietta with a Dodge-appropriate fascia and styling cues, we bet you're probably not far off.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/2...12-detroit-au/

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Hopefully it's not just a Caliber in a new body because the Caliber had one of the worst interior I've ever seen.

ArmyofOne

It wont be, Like the rest of MoPar's Lineup it is (one of the last models) being TOTALLY redesigned under the guidance of italian's, from the contact patch, to the antenna mast.

RAM was the first to get it, then Dodge with the Durango...The ones who are left for the revamp are...

Jeep:
-Patriot
-Liberty
-Wrangler

Dodge:
-Journey
-Nitro
-Caliber
-Avenger

Chrysler/Fiat was smart when they did it this way. It keeps them from having to redesign their ENTIRE lineup at the same time, which is EXTREMELY cost prohibitive, and leads to build quality problems, among other things.

rkyat

new srt-4 anyone?

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I'm looking forward to seeing a new SRT-4 Caliber.

<VENOM>

Dodge obviously has made improvements, I know more then a few people with Dodge vehicles especially smaller ones that have over 100k trouble free miles

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

what is the point of this thread? there's no news.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^^ speculation hah. That said, its kinda important considering the Motortrend 8 car comparo thread that was recently posted here, lacked a Dodge entry. Why? well because it couldn't compete with the 8 redesigned/refreshed cars (although Dodge wasn't the only one missing; Mitsubishi Lancer, Suzuki Kizashi, Subaru Impreza, and Nissan Sentra also were absent). Admittedly I never like the Caliber, but I did like the Neon SRT-4 yes it was cheap, but they were insanely easy to make fast and could look downright vicious at times. With the 8 competitors already out and doing battle, this is a great opportunity for Dodge to come out with a new Caliber/Caliber replacement considering everyone else has played their cards. And with Fiat at the helm, the interior will no doubt be miles ahead of what the new car will replace. I also think that adding a legitimate SRT-4 trim would trump the Si's, Spec-V, GTI, of competitors. Playing more with the Speed3s and ST, WRX etc.. Overall this is an important product, and if Dodge wants to reap the benefits of such a hotly contested segment. They need to step it up.

Lil4X

The Alfa Romeo Giulia of the '60's was a hot little number that expressed the Italian approach to the driving experience as well or better than some of its contemporary Italian offerings. Beginning with a DOHC 1.6L four that knew how to sing one of the loveliest contraltos in motorsport, it produced about 110 hp, but when slung into a chassis/body that weighed just over a ton, it could take the measure of most popular sports cars of the era. It's secret was refined handling coupled with a responsive engine and five-speed gearbox that could keep the little engine on the cam from about 20 mph on up to a max of just over 100.


Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, 1964

In racing and rallying, Giulia's TZ coupe rivaled Ferrari in the lower displacement classes - and with a "birdcage" frame, it weighed in at around 1400 lbs, making it as agile as it was quick. It was also one of the prettiest racers you'll ever see, thanks to ignorance of aerodynamic aids that would forever wreck automotive design in years to come.

Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ Coupe, 1963 - 1967

While slow in today's market, you have to remember that 0-60 times under ten seconds were rare in European sports cars of the era - in fact until the muscle cars surfaced in the US in the mid-sixties, not too many American cars could touch that mark either, unless they were blessed with behemoth engines. Remember too, that the curse of the American car, that lauded "road-hugging weight" was thought to be a great advantage until the hot-rodders of the '50's discovered otherwise and began fabricating their own automobiles from the ground up.

If Fiat brings a Caliber replacement to market in the guise of an "Americanized" Giulia, it could become an affordable fun car that might be a game-changer for the college crowd and young couples. I sure hope it comes in "Alfa" red.

If you can't wait, take this TZ2 (later version with the ugly "Kamm" tail) for a test drive. Crank up the speakers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxvyywrSvtk

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^^ sounds awesome but yeah that rear is um....