It’s been no secret that Chrysler Group was going to replace the compact Dodge Neon car built at its Belvidere plant with a different model.
But, other than hints that the vehicle was going to resemble a crossover, exactly what the vehicle would look like has been a bit of a mystery.
Until now.
Dodge has released photos and sketchy details of a concept vehicle it will unveil March 1 at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland, and insiders say that machine, called Caliber, is the one destined for Belvidere early in 2006.
Now some may wonder why Dodge choose Geneva to unwrap a car to be built in Belvidere, when it had the Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows to do the honors.
But then, who are we to question a trip to Switzerland in ski season–or any season–to give the Dodge crew some much needed R&R?
Dodge says Caliber is sort of a multipurpose vehicle in that it combines a sporty coupe-like profile in a four-door hatchback sedan that has the function of a sport-utility vehicle.
Caliber brings to mind some vehicles now on the market: the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, which obviously are two of its targets.
Caliber was developed with Mitsubishi, which also helped Chrysler Group come up with the next-generation Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring sedans. They will be based on a stretch of the Caliber platform.
Chrysler recently announced it was converting Belvidere to flex plant operation capable of producing up to four models at the same time based on two small-vehicle platforms: the Caliber platform and a stretch of it.
So Belvidere will be able to assemble Caliber as well as the Stratus/Sebring replacements, along with a couple sport-utility vehicles in the works if it chooses. Chrysler Group also hopes it can export any of those models globally.
Caliber is built on a 103.7-inch wheelbase and is 173.8 inches long overall. By comparison, Neon is built on a 105-inch wheelbase and is 174.4 inches long.
Caliber features the Dodge brand’s signature crosshair grille. The concept sits on 19-inch radials, but concepts typically have oversize wheels to attract attention, then give way to smaller treads when reality–and the cost-cutters–move in.
Other notable features are crystal-like headlamps, fog lamps to complement the chrome grille and chrome door handles and body side moldings.
But some details weren’t released, such as engine and transmission offerings and whether it will have all-wheel drive as an option like Vibe and Matrix do.
There is one concern with the concept: The Caliber name. Insiders say it’s very likely to be the moniker on the production model, but some folks are edgy about whether political correctness will permit a name associated with guns and bullets.
Where were those folks when Dodge named the Magnum? Maybe this is why some automakers simply give their cars numbers and avoid names.
While saving Caliber for Geneva, Dodge is using the Chicago Auto Show to unveil the concept Nitro sport-utility vehicle, a peek at an SUV smaller than Durango due in 2007.
Hmm. Caliber raises eyebrows and Nitro doesn’t?
The 2006 Ram Mega Cab pickup is unveiled here, too.
Mega Cab is for those who want more cabin room and can get by with less cargo-bed room, by shortening the regular 8-foot box to 6 feet 3 inches and adding the space in the cabin. The move means the rear bench seat back will recline.
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Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation and Wednesday and Friday in Business. Hear him on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:22 a.m. Sundays.
