dodge caliber SRT4...holy cow?

[formula]

Anybody seen these little buggers yet?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

300hp, 260 lb-ft of torque...in an econobox that looks like a very angry caravan? WTH? why?

[Damn True]

Saw one the other night in front of the local dealer. The profile looks a LOT like a Chevy Malibu in person.

[Blitz]

Why not? :) Everybody loves horsepower, young and old. You've got folks buying the Honda Element, Scion Xb, Pontiac (thingy-whatchamajig). Not to mention that to me the Neon is ugly, but can be a lil evil for it's size/displacement. Remember how disappointed everybody was when the PT cruiser went from a '37 Ford looking concept to an underpowered, tiny let down? Bring it out. I love the idea. Not sure how it looks just yet, but ugly doesn't automatically mean slow. I've been saying that Daimler/Chrysler ain't BS'n. They're bringing out hot vehicles that will sell! Too bad GM is giving half hearted effort. One reason they are in my heart and not in my driveway.

[formula]

true, since most people have no idea that front wheel drive+power=suck, it will probably sell like hotcakes...I just can't imagine trying to launch the damn thing. It'd come off the line sideways.

[BonzoHansen]

Saw one the other night in front of the local dealer. The profile looks a LOT like a Chevy Malibu in person.Looks a lot like on in the pics in mags I have seen. A maxx wagon with a truck nose. Must Dodge put that ugly snout on everything they make?

[Damn True]

Looks a lot like on in the pics in mags I have seen. A maxx wagon with a truck nose. Must Dodge put that ugly snout on everything they make?

It's called sillouette branding. It centers around form language consistancy.
The idea being that from a distance, in the dark, even at a glance people should recognize your product.

[BonzoHansen]

I understand the concept, but it is the truck nose for Pete’s sake. A Pontiac split grille, now that is a theme. What Dodge does is just odd. The noses are not massaged to fit. They look proportionally out of place, IMO. Like Chevy putting a Tahoe nose on a Camaro.

[Damn True]

I understand the concept, but it is the truck nose for Pete’s sake. A Pontiac split grille, now that is a theme. What Dodge does is just odd. The noses are not massaged to fit. They look proportionally out of place, IMO. Like Chevy putting a Tahoe nose on a Camaro.

I don't disagree. I think the execution of it is poor at best.

The SRT4 Neon's were starting to break out of thier chick-car shell and gain some favor with people who appreciate "performance imports". This, I think is a further attempt to break free of the chick-ness. But IMO they went too far. I kinda doubt this will resonate with the fast-n-furious types.

[6'9"Witha69]

Like Chevy putting a Tahoe nose on a Camaro.Shhhhh:ssst: , you'll give the stupid people ideas!

I agree that the front end is out of place.

As for the FWD and power, yeah, sideways can be an understatement. I hate nailing the gas in anything FWD with some balls. [Mr.Rogers voice] Can you say Torque Steer?

[dhardison]

Yeah, I don't know why they went to that platform. I like my SRT-4 much better.

Mopar Stage 2, short throw shifter, full height intercooler itching to be installed - heckuva daily driver.......

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/03/DSC01269JPG-1.jpg

[Nine Ball]

I like it better than the Neon. Probably has to do with the Neon being known as a "chick car" perhaps. This neon replacement looks more rugged I suppose.

The Dodge nose doesn't bother me, I like the aggressive styling and sharp edges.

[trapin]

I saw those at NAIAS. I didn't care for the packaging on them. Then again, I'm not a big fan of the Vibe/Matrix cars either. They remind me of the old Chevette's and Chevy Citations. Yuck.