The anticipation was palpable. Back in the mid-2000s, whispers of a high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 were electrifying the automotive community. Enthusiasts, myself included, eagerly awaited a successor to the beloved Neon SRT4, fueled by promises of blistering speed and track-ready performance. The Caliber SRT4 was touted to potentially break into the low 13-second quarter-mile range straight off the showroom floor. However, the road to its eventual release was paved with delays and a slight deviation from initial expectations.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4 first burst onto the scene at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show in February, a mere five months after the Neon SRT4 production ceased. The initial plan was ambitious: launch the car in late spring or early summer of the same year. Unfortunately, unforeseen challenges emerged. Complications with engine component placement, particularly around the turbocharger and other performance-enhancing parts, pushed back the Caliber SRT4’s debut. Frustration mounted as the promised release window came and went.
Dodge attempted to quell growing impatience on September 1st, 2006, by releasing production details. The announcement boasted impressive figures: “300 horsepower and 260 lb ft of torque.” Yet, the car remained elusive, still not available for purchase. For many eager buyers, including myself, the wait became too long. I ended up purchasing a brand-new Neon SRT-4 in May, deciding to enjoy the performance readily available rather than continue waiting for the Caliber SRT4 to materialize.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4 resurfaced at the 2007 Sema show on October 30th, aiming to reignite the hype.
These images, likely brochure shots, presented a polished image, though questions lingered about the car’s actual presence at the show itself, or at least in a prominent location.
This picture captures the Mopar section of the 2007 Sema show, prominently featuring both white and red Caliber SRT4s at the center, offering a glimpse of the actual vehicles on display. (Click image to enlarge).
These detailed shots showcase a white Caliber SRT-4. Despite searching, images of the red variant from the event are harder to come by. These images originate from 2007 SEMA Show-7 | SuperCars.net, providing a source for further visual exploration.
Finally, after much anticipation, deposits for the Caliber SRT4 became possible in early November, with the earliest recorded purchases occurring around mid to late December 2007. This meant the 2008 Dodge Srt4 arrived approximately seven months behind its initially projected launch. While some sources might incorrectly list 2007 as the debut year, all Caliber SRT4s produced and sold in 2007 were officially designated as 2008 models.
Upon release, the final specifications slightly deviated from the earlier announcements. The 2008 Dodge SRT4 delivered 285 horsepower, a bit less than the promised 300, but torque figures were revised upwards to 265 lb-ft from the initial 260 lb-ft estimate.
The Dodge Caliber SRT4 had a brief production run, lasting only for the 2008 and 2009 model years. In total, a mere 5,562 Caliber SRT4s were manufactured: 4,586 in 2008 and a significantly smaller 976 in 2009. While some sources, like Allpar, suggest even lower sales figures, the generally accepted production numbers highlight the rarity of this performance hatchback.
The broader Dodge Caliber range was launched in early 2006 and remained in production until December 21, 2011. However, overall Caliber sales figures declined significantly from a peak of over 100,000 in 2007 to just 34,000 by 2011. This limited production run and declining sales figures mean that finding replacement parts for the Caliber SRT4 can be more challenging compared to the Neon SRT4, which benefited from a longer production run and higher sales volumes (between 140,000 to 180,000 annually during its peak years).
For a deeper dive into the comparisons and nuances between the Neon SRT4 and the Caliber SRT4, Car and Driver offers an insightful review:
Tested: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Is Still a Caliber
This archived review from Car and Driver explores how SRT’s performance enhancements invigorated the Dodge compact hatchback, while also acknowledging its inherent Caliber characteristics.
Further information and historical context can be found at Mopar Insiders:
Throwback Thursday: 2008 & 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4:
Mopar Insiders provides a retrospective look at the 2008 and 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4, examining its place in Dodge’s lineup after the Neon and its blend of compact car, crossover, and hatchback design elements.
In conclusion, the 2008 Dodge SRT4, while carrying the esteemed SRT badge and offering a potent turbocharged engine, faced a somewhat turbulent journey to market and ultimately had a short production lifespan. Its rarity today adds to its appeal for collectors and enthusiasts, making it a unique chapter in the SRT lineage. For those wanting to delve deeper, the provided links offer a wealth of additional information.
