This box 3 socalled second generation includes a strap steel

Dodge hopes are therefore based on the Caliber, a mix of break, MPV and SUV. A somewhat nondescript cocktail to halfway between a 307 SW, a Scénic and a Chrysler PT Cruiser. This vehicle, the concept shifted, both on its versatility and its design. But the Caliber has also a formidable advantage: a price defying any competition. Indeed, the Caliber are proposed from 15.990 euros for the 1.8 S model, equipped with ABS, 4 airbags, wheels 17 inches and various storage and development finds. And diesel versions are priced at lower prices from 2,000 to 4,000 euros to those of their competitors.

Even taking into account the fact that the car is produced in dollar zone, with the advantage of a slightly undervalued currency, such a price deserves explanation. And, all the more so that the base price of the Caliber 410 dollars lower than the Neon deceased.

A mix of components

The economic model of the new pull-ups before Chrysler is an absolute master of all the costs: evoked industrialization page 6 in addition, it should be noted that the more rigorous development process aims to avoid the phases of type "test-failure-return" necessarily costly and time consuming. With the Chrysler Development System, the Group considers that the cost of development per unit sold declined 40 between 2001 and 2004. Moreover, each program vehicle is now led by a project manager who is responsible to the branch. With regard to its implementation, the Caliber presents itself as a savant mix of components and cooperation. The platform (1) has been designed with Mitsubishi, the gasoline engine is the "World Engine" jointly developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi (2). This is already what seriously limit the amounts originally invested in the project. And this is not all, Chrysler did his shopping in the world for its main components: mechanical box with the 1.8 engine is a T355 in Magna, box six speed of the engine, Turbo-diesel is an Aisin BG6 three-axis, and the CVT box comes from Jatco, subsidiary of Nissan. This box (3), so-called second generation, includes a strap steel. The logic of functioning of this dialog box to make it work in sequential mode and create six virtual reports. Chrysler indicates that this continuous variation box to lower the consumption of 6 to 8 compared to a traditional automatic transmission. With 8.1 l / 100 km in mixed consumption, the result is particularly interesting for a 1,400 kg empty car with engine 2 litres. As a comparison, Scénic 2.0 BVA and Picasso are all two to 8.6 l / 100 km. Remains to determine if these good theoretical figures correspond to actual use. Moreover, the home made this type of boxes by the customer is more than warm: only Audi (but with a longitudinal engine) header, while sales of Ford Focus as well equipped, but available with the 1.6 IDD diesel engine, remain confidential.

For the diesel engine, Chrysler chose to equip its Caliber with the 2.0 TDI 140 c. Volkswagen engine Engine 2.2 Mercedes, later in a career in any event, that team the PT Cruiser was too large to pass under the hood of the Caliber. In addition, the VW engine is described as "least expensive" by Mike Merlo, the Program manager of the Caliber. During development, some arbitrations have helped to limit the cost of the vehicle. Thus, the plastic material of the plate edge and the storm doors are more in line with US standards to European habits, while the telescopic steering column adjustment was rejected. Nevertheless, the structure of dash is magnesium, which ensures a weight gain to a high place of the vehicle.

In General, the Caliber is the first vehicle of the Chrysler Group to have fully benefited from the systematic study of the coins program launched by Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard in 2001.

(1) It is a common platform that will be used on the vehicles of the C and D segments.

(2) This engine is manufactured by three factories in the world, including one in Michigan in Dundee.

(3) In Renault, the X 95 (replacement Megane) project includes a version equipped with a CVT Jatco box.