Fiat-Based Dodge Caliber Replacement Coming in 2011 With 40-MPG Target
The first Fiat-based Dodge model is set to debut in late 2011 and is believed to be the replacement for current Caliber. Like the Caliber it will be a compact model and will be based on Fiat’s new Compact Wide architecture, which first debuted on the all new Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Power will come from Fiat’s 1.4-liter FIRE MultiAir engine and the engine, like the car will be produced in the U.S. Fiat is targeting a 40-mpg highway rating for the car, possibly as a special high-mileage model, although with Ford claiming 40-mpg highway for the 2.0-liter Focus, it’s possible all versions of the Caliber replacement will get 40-mpg highway if not better.
The Caliber is set to continue on in production until mid-2012 at which point it will be replaced by the Fiat-based model.
The same architecture is likely to be used for a Chrysler model in the future.
[Source: Automotive News]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I want to purchase a truck that gets 40mpg+. A 2000 GMC is for sale with a 5speed, v-6, has 185,999+ miles on it. In this vehicle I want to put a 40-60mpg engine and transmission in it-5speed. The truck is $4,000. How much for the engine/transmission switch and a warranty 36,000/50,000 miles? If Ford made an F-150, with a Ford Fusion 40-60mpg engine, in Automatic - they'd sell them fast as they make them and I'd buy one, a 2000-new but with a 2012 engine, $10,999-in 2012.