- Dodge Caliber concept car reveal at 75th annual Geneva International Motor
Show
- Concept designed for global appeal; hints at future of next-generation Dodge
small car-segment vehicle
- Powerful Dodge design statement provides a new slant on one of the world's
most competitive segments
Dodge has hinted at the direction of the brand’s global expansion, revealing
a bold, distinctive Dodge Caliber concept at the 75th Geneva International Motor
Show yesterday.
The five-door concept vehicle combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the
strength, stance and functionality of a four-wheel-drive.
Caliber's sheer surface styling commands attention and evokes attributes that
define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.
“The Dodge Caliber concept evokes passion in the small car-segment and
strongly hints at the future direction of the brand,” said Gerry Jenkins,
managing director for Chrysler Jeep Australia.
“Although it’s still a long way off, we are excited at the prospect of Dodge
coming to Australia, which will probably happen in 2007,” said Jenkins.
Dodge will become the Chrysler Group’s third brand in Australia when it
arrives and will sell alongside Chrysler and Jeep® products.
The Caliber concept car, painted a vibrant sunburst orange, would appeal to
buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them
the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. “With
its bold styling and clever packaging, Caliber is pure Dodge,” said Trevor
Creed, senior vice president - design, Chrysler Group.
“This concept is a new slant on one of the world’s most competitive
segments,” said Creed.
With more than 90 years of heritage Dodge is the second oldest brand in the
DaimlerChrysler stable.
Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2004.
With a 6.9 per cent market share, Dodge is the fifth largest nameplate in the
United States and the eighth largest in the automotive industry.
Bold, powerful proportions with razor sharp lines
There’s no
mistaking Caliber – this concept has Dodge’s imprint stamped into its DNA from
the grille to the chrome exhaust pipe, and every body panel in between.
The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and
defines its strong, muscular front view.
Wide, sculpted wheel forms, impressive 19-inch wheels and tires, broad
shoulders and bulging hood give Caliber its proud, powerful stance.
Large, crystal headlamps and fog lights complement the chrome grille and
create an integrated look that completes Caliber's modular appearance.
A black graphic appliqué runs the length of the roof and melds into an
integrated spoiler, creating a coupe-like quality from the side view.
Dodge’s “do more” philosophy is evident in Caliber's five doors, including a
rear hatch, which provide easy access to the vehicle’s spacious interior.
New and unique glass-to-body proportions give the Caliber concept a tough,
protective presence.
The forward sweep of the tailgate emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile.
Chrome door handles and body-side mouldings add a sense of style and polish
that completes Caliber's machined exterior.
The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the
front grille.
The black roof spoiler with centre high-mounted stop lamp, the chrome exhaust
tail pipe, and large, modular crystal tail lamps that fill Caliber's rear
corners provide distinct focal points of Caliber's design.
Dodge Caliber concept preliminary design dimensions
| Wheelbase: |
2635 mm |
|
| Overall length: |
|
4414 mm |
| Overall width: |
|
1743 mm |
| Overall height: |
|
1534 mm |
| Front overhang: |
876 mm |
|
| Rear overhang: |
902 mm |
|
| Front track: |
1520 mm |
|
| Rear track: |
1520 mm |
|
|
