Contact: Ariel Gavilan

Benjamin Syring

High-caliber Performance: With 304 , All-new Caliber SRT4 to Dominate Sport-compact Market (Outside North America)

Tyre-smoking 304 horsepower '' with 352 N•m (260 lb.-ft.) of torque

0-100 km acceleration in approximately 6 seconds

All-around performance of a true 'tuner ' right from the manufacturer with full warranty

Benchmark performance at the best price

February 22, 2006, Geneva -

Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group will take its ultimate-performance reputation to new heights with the introduction of the all-new, 223 kW (300 hp) SRT4.

"The all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission of offering benchmark performance for the best price," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Group. "With 304 horsepower (223kW) under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market."

Thanks to its true "tuner performance" right out of the box and a great price, enthusiasts in the USA immediately took to the original Neon-based Dodge SRT4, which was introduced in 2003 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the 2003- 2005 model years, more than 25,000 Dodge SRT4s were sold.

"We couldn't wait to infuse Dodge Caliber with the SRT formula and bring it to a European and international audience, " said Murphy. "The Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers a strong dose of all-around performance while delivering more than 28 miles per gallon on the highway in US tests. Our new SRT pocket rocket is going to be a hoot to drive."

Street and Racing Technology Since its inception in 2002, SRT has introduced 12 extreme-performance vehicles, including the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab TM , SRT6 and , Chrysler 300C SRT8, SRT8, SRT8, SRT10 and Coupe and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects:

Exterior styling that resonates with the brand image Race-inspired interiors World-class ride and handling characteristics Benchmark braking power Standout powertrains

The 4.4 m (174 in.) long Dodge Caliber SRT4's formula begins with powertrain, essentially explained by four numbers: 63 kW (85 hp), 93kW (125 hp), 223kW (300 hp) and 352 N•m (260 lb.-ft.). The 63 is rise in kilowatts (horsepower) compared to the original Dodge SRT4, which results in 93 kW (125 hp)-per-litre for a total of 223kW (300 hp). Then there's the 352 N•m (260 lb.-ft.) of tire-smoking, push-back-in-your-seat torque — with maximum power produced at 6000 rpm and maximum torque from just 2000 rpm.

Standout Powertrain The five-door hot-hatch Dodge Caliber SRT4 is capable of a 0-100 km time in approximately six seconds. How is that possible?

The latest SRT model gets its motivation from an all-new "World Engine" produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, , USA. The World Engine is a family of fuel- and emissions-efficient aluminium four-cylinder gasoline engines co-developed by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, and Corporation.

"The all-new 2.4-litre turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you'd expect from a V-8," said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager – Powertrain, SRT. "With the engine in the all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4, we were able to take advantage of tried-and-true performance improvements, such as increased cylinder-head flow and higher compression ratio, as well as newer technologies such as (VVT)."

To achieve its high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 configuration, the aluminium 2.4-litre World Engine, which is mounted transversely and drives the front wheels via a limited-slip differential, has a block specially machined for increased water and oil flow. Unique cast pistons travel within iron cylinder liners, and are cooled by oil squirters and affixed to forged connecting rods for high-revving reliability.

Tri-metal bearings are used for the connecting rods and crankshaft for high-performance durability. A unique oil pump/balance shaft module keeps the reciprocating assembly well-lubricated and running smoothly. An external cooler keeps oil temperatures within a safe range.

The aluminium cylinder heads are also a World Engine casting equipped with unique high-temperature exhaust valves. VVT uses computer mapping to open and close intake and exhaust valves at optimal points for efficient combustion and flow. The camshaft and micro-alloy steel crankshaft, shared with the non-turbocharged 2.4-litre World Engine, are fully capable of handling these high-horsepower loads.

Free-flow induction begins with an all-new air cleaner assembly that draws through an opening in a front chassis cross member for proximity to cool air. The air is then compressed in a TD04 turbocharger specially configured for the engine's inlet and outlet packaging requirements, and sent through an intercooler to a 57 mm throttle body.

Fuel is provided by a high-flow pump feeding injectors developed specifically for the Dodge Caliber SRT4. An all-new engine management system designed by Siemens — the Global Powertrain Engine Controller — keeps the powerplant running at maximum efficiency and power.

On the exhaust side, spent gases exit through a free-flow system that features two catalytic converters — one immediately downstream from the turbo, and another further along the 75 mm (3 in.) single-pipe exhaust system. Using two catalytic converters in this way provides significantly better "light-off" for decreased emissions. As with the previous-generation Dodge SRT4, the exhaust is tuned for maximum performance while meeting US federal, international and European noise regulations.

Power is transferred through a dual-mass flywheel to the six-speed manual . The dual-mass flywheel consists of two flywheels sandwiching internal springs that are specially tuned to reduce noise and vibration. The Getrag DMT-6 six-speed transmission, equipped with a limited-slip differential for uniform side-to-side power transfer, is capable of handling up to 407 N•m (300 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Torque is sent to the Dodge Caliber SRT4's front wheels through equal-length halfshafts sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size for their larger size and power-handling capability.

Functional, Performance-oriented Exterior Design Because there is only one chance to make a first impression, the all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 makes the most of it with muscular exterior styling.

"From the very first sketches of the Dodge Caliber SRT4, we wanted an aggressive, SRT-signature look," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "For example, because the intercooler is positioned so high behind the front grille, we moved the fascia slightly forward and extended the walls of the grille. The result is a much more aggressive look than the standard Dodge Caliber."

An all-new front fascia below the signature Dodge crosshair grille incorporates functional performance features including ducts that direct air to cool the brakes and a wide centre inlet that provides air flow to the radiator. Fog lamps are also set into the fascia, alongside the brake ducts. The Dodge Caliber SRT4's bonnet incorporates a functional scoop that brings cooling air into the engine compartment and a pair of extractors that exhaust hot air. "Exterior design that works as well as it looks is a requirement for all SRT vehicles," said Creed. "The hood design had to include the functionality of bringing cool air in and getting hot air out."

The lowest portion of the Caliber SRT4's fascia, which acts as an air dam to direct air around the front of the vehicle, wraps around to visually integrate with the carefully radiused wheel wells and lower side-sill moldings.

The rear fascia continues the muscular, functional character of SRT vehicles, with lower vertical strakes that direct underbody air flow out the back of the vehicle, contributing to more stability at high speed. A single, 89 mm- (3.5 in.) exhaust tail pipe exits from the right side of the fascia.

Aerodynamic efficiency is also aided by an integrated above the rear tailgate glass, which incorporates the Centre High-mounted Stop Light (CHMSL). This spoiler, which is nearly 60 percent larger than that on the standard Dodge Caliber, is tuned for smoother air flow and to generate downforce while maximizing the rear view.

Four exterior colors will be available on the all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4: Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.

Race-inspired Interior Appointments In the "business office" of the five-door Dodge Caliber SRT4, a new interpretation of traditional SRT themes is carried out.

"The Dodge Caliber interior is unique with sophisticated and contemporary appointments," said Creed. "When we enhanced it with SRT cues, we followed design themes that had been successful with the previous Dodge SRT4, including the graphic design of the instruments, separate boost gauge, and silver finish on the centre stack and interior trim.

"Overall, our strategy was to infuse the interior with performance-oriented enhancements to complement the Dodge Caliber SRT4's aggressive exterior," Creed added.

Unique SRT touches include sport seating with pronounced bolstering and performance fabric inserts to hold occupants during spirited driving, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a 'carbon fiber' pattern on the upper portion. The seats, steering wheel and leather gear shift boot feature contrasting stitching. Also unique to the Caliber SRT4 is an 'alloy silver' finish on the instrument panel and shift bezel, and bright aluminium pedal pads that feature rubber studs for enhanced grip.

The centre-stack-mounted gear shift lever includes a lift ring to engage reverse, unique to the Dodge Caliber SRT4's Getrag transmission, as well as a leather-finished shift knob.

The instrument panel features three gauge 'tunnels' outfitted with performance-oriented instrumentation, including a tachometer, 260 km/h (160 mph) speedometer and water temperature and fuel gauges. A turbocharger boost gauge is located on the left side of the instrument panel (and on right side of instrument panel on RHD).

For the enjoyment of audiophiles, the Caliber SRT4 is equipped with a standard AM-FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer control. An available SRT/Kicker high-performance audio system boasts up to 13 speakers in seven locations, powered by a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer.

The interior upholstery and trim of the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is offered in Dark/Light Slate Gray.

World-class Ride and Handling Another hallmark of SRT's balanced approach to performance is ride and handling characteristics that make a smooth transition from street to track.

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 rides on SRT-unique19-inch diameter, 187.96 mm (7.4 in.) wide cast aluminium wheels with 225/45 R19 W-rated Goodyear tyres. Wheel hubs and bearings on all four corners are adapted from Chrysler Group mid-size cars for strength.

Upgrades to the standard Dodge Caliber's MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension include new suspension knuckles and tuned dampers with revised spring rates. Unique, larger diameter front and rear anti- roll bars keep body roll to a minimum during hard cornering.

The standard-fit Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is uniquely calibrated for the Caliber SRT4 to provide excellent directional stability in all driving modes and a limited-slip differential is fitted as standard. In addition, stability is enhanced with a ride height 13 mm (0.5 in.) lower than the standard Dodge Caliber.

Rack-and-pinion power steering is tuned to produce easier low-speed maneuvering, without compromising performance at speed. The overall steering ratio is 16.6:1 and the steering is geared to give 2.76 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock.

Benchmark Braking Benchmark braking is another ingredient in SRT's performance recipe.

Although it's a , the Dodge Caliber SRT4 benefits from braking-system components designed for much larger, heavier cars. For example, front brake calipers were sourced from a premium brake system developed for the , Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, while rear calipers were sourced from Chrysler Group mid-size cars. However, all are painted in signature Dodge SRT red. Ventilated brake discs are 340 mm x 28mm in front with dual-piston floating calipers and 302 mm x 10 mm at the rear with single-piston floating calipers.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was uniquely calibrated for the Caliber SRT4's performance to maintain excellent directional stability without wheel lockup.

Dodge Caliber SRT4 Safety and Security Features Following are safety and security features in the all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4:

Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Offers enhanced protection for a range of occupants and is designed to identify the size of an occupant in the front passenger seat based primarily on weight Anti-lock Braking System: Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup, the ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions Auto-reverse Sun Roof: An advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof to the open position if it senses an obstacle (like fingers) BeltAlert®: This feature sounds a periodic chime to alert the driver and all occupants to fasten their seat belts if they have not buckled-up Brake Assist: The vehicle senses a panic brake condition and applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance Constant Force Retractors (CFR): A mechanical device in each front seat belt is designed to mitigate the force of a seat belt according to the load or force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system and gradually release seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): In the event of an impact, this system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and access occupants by automatically turning on interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. The system also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine Height-adjustable Seat Belts: Allows passengers to lift and lower the shoulder belt to a comfortable level. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit Knee Bolsters: The steering column, lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are reinforced to protect unbelted occupants during frontal impacts. They both restrain and position the occupant properly and enable air bags to work effectively Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): This system helps ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats Remote Keyless Entry: The remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system Seat-belt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, which reduces the forward movement of an occupant's head and torso Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: This utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security key code. If the correct key is not used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Standard side-curtain air bags extend protection to front- and rear- seat outboard occupants. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where the side impact occurs Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM): This advanced system monitors tyre pressure and alerts the driver to improper tyre pressure conditions. Low pressure on any tyre illuminates the amber warning indicator in the instrument cluster

Street and Track-tested Quality The all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product-creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new vehicles.

CDS emphasizes systems engineering, design and up-front planning to avoid time-consuming and costly trial and error, or changes during the later phases of the product development cycle. With CDS, all product and process planning is completed and fully integrated before production tooling begins.

Dodge Caliber SRT4 development also encompasses actual conditions, both on the street and on the race track. To simulate real-world conditions, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will have logged nearly 2 million customer-equivalent road miles by the time vehicles begin appearing in dealerships.

To ensure its track-ready character, extensive durability testing of the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has been undertaken at the Firebird Raceway in Phoenix; Texas Motorsports Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas; and Nelson Ledges in Garrettsville, Ohio.

Process, Productivity Key to Manufacturing Excellence The all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Group's Belvidere (Illinois, USA) Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber SE, SXT and R/T models.

Previously the home of the Dodge Neon, the plant recently underwent a multimillion-dollar upgrade to prepare for Caliber production. A new body shop and other upgrades are part of a total program investment of $419 million that was announced in January 2005. The robotic body shop can build the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Caliber and potentially three other vehicles with no negative impact on production. Robots can make necessary tool changes automatically within cycle time, in about 45 seconds.

For Europe and other international markets, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will be available in early 2007.

Dodge Brand Dodge sold almost 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2005. Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States. The Dodge brand arrives in European and international volume markets in 2006 with Dodge Caliber's international launch.

Dodge Caliber SRT4 — Preliminary Specifications All dimensions are in millimeters (inches) unless otherwise noted.

General Information Body style: Five-door Assembly Plant: Belvidere, Illinois Vehicle Class: Compact Car

Engine: 2.4-Litre DOHC 16-valve I4 with variable Valve Timing, Turbocharged Availability: Std. Type and Description: Four cylinders in-line, tuned intake manifold with Electronic Active Charge Motion Control valves, dual counter-rotating balance shafts Displacement: 2360 cu. cm (144 cu. in.) Bore x Stroke: 88 mm x 97 mm (3.46 x 3.82) Valve System: Chain-driven DOHC, 16 valves, electronically controlled dual Variable Valve Timing, direct-acting shimless mechanical bucket tappets Fuel Injection: Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless Construction: High-pressure die cast aluminium block with dry iron liners, cast aluminium cylinder heads, cast aluminium ladder frame, forged steel crankshaft Compression Ratio: 8.6:1 Power (SAE net, estimated): 223 kW (300 bhp) @ 6000 rpm (125 bhp/litre) Torque (SAE net, estimated): 352 N•m (260 lb.-ft) @ 2000-6000 rpm Max. Engine Speed: 6500 rpm (electronically limited) Fuel Requirement: Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M)/2 Oil Capacity: 4.7L (5.0 qt.) SAE 0W/40 Mobil 1 Synthetic Coolant Capacity: 6.8 L (7.2 qt.) Emission Controls: Twin catalytic converters, dual heated oxygen sensors and engine features Max. Gross Trailer Weight: N/A Economy MPG City/Hwy: 22/28

Transaxle: Manual, Getrag DMT-6 6-Speed Availability: Std. Description: Six-speed, overdrive, synchronized in all ratios, cable-operated, four-plane shifter with reverse lockout ring Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.231 2nd: 1.952 3rd: 1.321 4th: 0.971 5th: 1.061 6th: 0.886

Reverse: 3.831

Final Drive Ratio: Gears 1-4: 4.063, gears 5,6: 2.955 Overall Top Gear: 2.728

Electrical System Alternator: 140A Battery 700 CCA, maintenance-free

Dimensions and Capacities : 2635 (103.7) Track, Front: 1520 (59.8) Track, Rear: 1520 (59.8) Overall Length: 4413.9 (173.8) Overall Width: 1747.2 (68.8) Overall Height: 1533.1 (60.4) Ground Clearance: 178 (7.0) Frontal Area, sq. m (sp. ft.): 2.28 (24.5) Drag Coefficient: 0.4 Curb Weight, lb. – estimated (kg): 3189 (1447) Weight Distribution, percent F/R.: 58/42

Accommodations Seating Capacity, F/R.: 2/3 Front Headroom without sun roof: 1015.6 (40.0) Leg Room: 1061.5 (41.8) Shoulder Room: 1337.8 (54.2) Hip Room: 1325.3 (52.2) Seat Travel: Driver – 260 (10.2), passenger – 260 (10.2) Recliner Angle Range, deg.: Driver – up to 88, passenger – (76 fold flat/88 non-fold flat) SAE Front Volume Index, cu. m (cu. ft.): 1.485 (52.4) Rear Seat Headroom: 989.3 (38.9) Leg Room: 905.1 (35.6) Knee Clearance: 21.8 (0.9) Shoulder Room: 1357.2 (53.4) Hip Room: 1260.8 (49.6) SAE Rear Seat Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m.): 1.212 (42.8) SAE Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m.): 2.697 (95.2) Cargo Volume Indexes. Rear Seats Up, cu. m (cu. ft.): 0.525 (18.5) Rear Seats Folded, cu. m (cu. ft.): 1.36 (48.0) EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. m (cu. ft.): 3.225 (113.9) Liftover Height: 701.4 (27.6)

Body Layout: Transverse front-engine front-wheel drive Construction: Unitized steel body

Suspension Front: Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers and stabiliser bar Rear: Multi-link-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabiliser bar, gas-charged shock absorbers

Steering Type: Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist Overall Ratio: 16.6:1 Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 12 m (39.6 ft.) Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.76

Tyres Size and Type: P255/45ZR19 Performance Mfr. and Model: Goodyear Revs per Mile (km): 765 (1231)

Wheels Type and Material: Cast Aluminium Size: 19 x 7.5

Brakes Front Size and Type: 340 x 28 (13.3 x 1.1) vented disc with 2.2 (57) dual-piston floating caliper Swept Area: 1442 sq. cm (23.52 sq. in.) Rear Size and Type: 302 x 10 (11.8 x 1.39) solid disc with 1.4 (35) single-piston floating caliper Swept Area: 894.6 sq. cm (138.64 sq. in.) Power Assist Type: 10 (254) single-diaphragm vacuum Four-wheel Anti-lock: Std. Electronic Stability Program: Std.

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