Styling is what sets the Dodge Caliber apart in the small car segment. Up front is a raised hood, below which is the familial cross-haired grille trimmed in chrome with large headlights serving as bookends. Coupled with exaggerated front wheel flares, the mug of the Dodge Caliber bears a striking similarity to those of the Ram, Dakota, Magnum, and Durango. The chin features a nicely integrated air dam and foglights. The side flanks include flared front and rear wheel wells, a rising beltline toward the rear, and a swooping roofline reminiscent of its big brother, the Dodge Magnum. Chrome trim accents the door handles and side moldings. In silhouette, the dropping rear roofline and large wheel wells make the Caliber look remarkably similar to the Infiniti FX SUV, and the Sunburst Orange paint used by Dodge matches the copper-colored tone sprayed onto many FX models. Finishing things off are massive 19-inch alloy wheels wearing 245/45 tires, though word has it they'll be replaced by 17s for production. Behind the rear wheel well is a very short overhang that ties in with a relatively bold rear end. Some of our editors have whispered complaints about the rather dull styling of the butts on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger - not so on the Caliber. Starting at the top is a matte black spoiler that blends in with the subtle roof rails, and below the glass are sizable jeweled taillights. The hatch provides a wide opening, and the bumper has cutouts to allow for a lower liftover height - making it easier to place items into and remove them from the cargo area. Shining below it all is a chrome exhaust pipe. Dodge has been a little skimpy with actual details, but there are enough to make some comparisons with the outgoing Neon and the comparable Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Dodge Caliber's wheelbase measures about an inch shorter than the Neon and an inch longer than the PT Cruiser. In regard to length, the Caliber is about an inch shorter than the Neon, but five inches longer than the PT Cruiser; its 68.6-inch width is about 1.5 inches greater than the others. Finally, the Dodge Caliber is roughly four inches taller than the Neon and four inches shorter than the Chrysler. Interior and cargo figures have not been released.
|
