Tuning News: STARTECH 2007 Dodge Caliber

Tuning specialist Startech revealed it's first interpretation of Dodge's new 2007 Caliber. As with all Startech versions, the Caliber can benefit from an upgraded suspension and engine kit (the latter is available only for the diesel model for now), and a variety of exterior and interior accessories.

Press Release

40Hp+ for the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD: The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour. With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at 4,000 rpm. Even more important is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Sprint time from 0-100 km/h (62mph) is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds while top speed of the tuned model increases to 201 km/h (125mph).

Exhaust: For all engine variants STARTECH will soon offer a stainless-steel sport rear muffler with four tailpipes. It lends the Caliber not only a more striking rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.

Suspension: STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.

Wheels: STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.

Bodykit: To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that'll be introduced shortly.

Interior: The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models including polished aluminum for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.

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Dodge Caliber Pig and Bear add: “It’s Anything But Cute”

Found this "black humor" video of the 2007 Dodge Caliber, which continues the “It’s Anything But Cute” philosophy of the other commercials of the car. This specific add tells us the heartwarming tale of two gentle creatures, a pig and a bear and their encounter with the “menacing” Dodge Caliber.

Technorati Tags: Dodge+Caliber, auto+news, automobile, automotive, 2007, video, cars, autos, commercials, add,

Dodge “High Caliber Challenge”: Cross Country Road Trip For Students

Dodge is promoting its new compact Caliber by organizing a cross country road trip challenge aimed specifically to college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas.

Three teams of three college students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas will compete in a five-day, cross-country road trip to Miami in Dodge Calibers equipped with a Chill Zone beverage storage bin, MusicGate Power liftgate speakers, MP3 jack and self-charging flashlight.

Members of the winning team each win a 24-month lease on a 2007 Caliber.

Along the way, each team will be challenged to use the Dodge Caliber to creatively raise awareness for the Global Music Project, a nonprofit organization that allows individuals to download songs for a minimum donation of $1 per song with proceeds going to select charities. All of the money raised during the Dodge High Caliber Challenge will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

The student teams will stage events with the Dodge Caliber to encourage the local communities to download songs from the Global Music Project Web site. Points will be awarded to each team for successfully executing awareness-raising events in each city, involving community members in their charitable efforts and updating blog sites with photos and daily journal entries that highlight their experiences on the road in the Dodge Caliber.

On June 9th in Miami, all the teams will participate in one big activity. When that’s done, the winning team will be announced.

For more details on how students can qualify to become a member of a team, please go to http://www.DodgeHighCaliberChallenge.com That’s also where

DESTINATION CITIES

From BOSTON

Day 1 - Boston to PHILADELPHIA

Day 2 - Philadelphia to RALEIGH, N.C.

Day 3 - Raleigh, N.C. to JACKSONVILLE , FLA.

Day 4 - Jacksonville, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 - MIAMI

From CHICAGO

Day 1 – Chicago to NASHVILLE, TENN.

Day 2 – Nashville, Tenn. to ATLANTA

Day 3 – Atlanta to TAMPA, FLA.

Day 4 – Tampa, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

From DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Day 1 – Dallas to HOUSTON

Day 2 – Houston to MOBILE, ALA.

Day 3 – Mobile, Ala. to ORLANDO, FLA.

Day 4 – Orlando, Fla. to MIAMI

Day 5 – MIAMI

Technorati Tags: Dodge+Caliber, High+Caliber+Challenge, auto+news, automobile, cars, press+release