High-calibre engines for Caliber

CHRYSLER has confirmed production of its forthcoming Dodge Caliber small car and outlined the powertrains the Neon-replacing small car will offer.

Set to form the basis of the Dodge brand’s relaunch Down Under late in 2006, the Caliber hatchback will provide international markets with the first application of the so-called "World Engine" family of four-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines.

The petrol engine entourage will comprise a 104kW 1.8-litre, a 112kW 2.0-litre and a 127kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder - all with dual variable valve timing), while Chrysler has also announced a new 100kW/310Nm 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine and a continuously variable transmission with sequential-manual control.