Engine

Dodge Caliber Powertrain Lineup Offers World-class Performance and Fuel Economy

• 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 2000-bar direct injection delivers excellent performance and fuel economy for markets outside of North America.
• World Engine family targeted to improve fuel efficiency by 5 percent compared with the engines they replace.
• Second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle, CVT, gives customers improved performance and fuel economy.

Dodge Caliber is powered by new global powertrain components engineered to meet the demands of customers around the world. Caliber features innovative engines and transaxles that deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

The Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer a Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT), the World Engine family of four-cylinder gasoline engines, and a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.

2.0-liter Turbo Diesel

The 2.0-liter engine is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically controlled, leading to high power and torque and optimal fuel efficiency. The turbo diesel engine positions the Dodge Caliber among the best in its class for power, torque and acceleration. Maximum power is 103 kW (140 hp DIN), and peak torque is 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.). A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is available from launch as a Mopar after-sales option.

World-class Petrol Engines

Fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder petrol engine market. The Chrysler Group World Engine family, which is based on a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is targeted to improve fuel efficiency by 5 percent compared with the engines they replace - rivaling the best four-cylinder engines in the world.

The Dodge Caliber is available with three displacements: 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. Performance objectives were targeted to match the best in the segment. The 1.8-liter engine provides 110 kW (150 hp DIN) and 168 Nm (124 lb.-ft.) of torque, and the 2.0-liter engine provides 115 kW (156 hp DIN) and 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Chrysler Group brought its engineering expertise to the World Engine program in the areas of cylinder port and intake manifold design using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. Chrysler Group engineers led the development work on dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), as well as an integrated 2:1 oil pump/balance shaft assembly. Chrysler Group engineers also refined the engines for exceptional smoothness and sound quality, resulting in a pleasant engine feel and sound for the customer.

Manual Transaxles Add Efficiency and Sportiness

Dodge Caliber's 1.8-liter and 2.4-liter petrol engines are mated to a Magna Driveline T355 five-speed manual transaxle with overdrive and synchronized in all forward ratios. The new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is paired with an Aisin BG6 six-speed manual transaxle with a three-shaft gear train.

Both manual transaxles provide high performance, durability, quiet operation and smooth shifting. Fuel economy is also enhanced through efficient operation. For both, the shifter is packaged in the center stack within easy reach of the driver.

New-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle Improves Fuel Economy

Dodge Caliber's 2.0-liter petrol engine is matched with the newest generation of Continuously Variable Transaxles, CVT, offering several advantages compared with previous CVTs.

The Dodge Caliber's CVT continuously varies the transaxle ratio, providing an infinite number of gear ratios and allowing the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range. The transaxle uses two "V" pulleys and a steel push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.

Through the use of electronic controls, Dodge Caliber's CVT provides a familiar engine feel while delivering improved fuel economy. For example, drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.

Chrysler Group's CVT contributes a 6-8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional automatic transaxle. Eliminating upshifts allows the transaxle to engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped transaxles and results in more efficient operation, especially during city driving.

The CVT also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle. Optimized gear ratios, especially in the 50-100 km/h (30-60 mph) range, improve Dodge Caliber's passing maneuvers and contribute to a responsive feel.