Fiat to Introduce Two New Dodge-Based Sedans in China and Russia by 2013

As time goes by, Fiat SpA’s integration with the Chrysler Group LLC deepens and the results become more evident with the two carmakers making several plans for the future. Speaking at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting on March 30, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to launch two new Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia.

The first sedan will be a compact model built on the next generation Dodge Caliber, which is expected in the USA next January. According to an Autonews report, this model will enter production in China in the second half of 2011, while timing for the Russian launch has not yet been disclosed. The other four-door saloon will be a mid-size model based on the replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled for launch in the USA in 2013. It will go on sale in China and Russia the same year.

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10:14 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Dodge Readying Newly Styled Interior for 2010MY Caliber?

A member of the Caliber Forums has posted what looks to be a computer generated image along with some specific details on the changes that Dodge is supposedly working on for the 2010 Caliber's interior. We can't vouch for the photo's authenticity, but just like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, if there's one thing that the Chrysler Group needs to fix on the Caliber ASAP, is the poor choice of materials in the cabin.

If we are to believe the forum poster, the 2010MY Caliber will receive a more contemporary styled dashboard with better materials and new HAVOC controls on the center stack along with restyled door panels with soft-touch plastics on the armrests and vinyl-wrapped upper sections.

Source: Caliber-Forums , Via: Le Blog Auto

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2011MY Dodge Caliber: Retuned Steering System and Equipment Upgrades

Continuing to chart the changes on the Chrysler Group's 2011MY cars, the Dodge Caliber has received some modest enhancements for the new model year, the most noteworthy being the re-tuned steering system which, according to the automaker, provides in a "more direct and precise feel". Other than that, you'll find new available exterior colors and some trim and equipment upgrades on certain models, which you can check in detail in the list after the break.

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Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).

10:49 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).

10:49 AM | 0 comments | Read More