Click here for a video review of the Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Some added SRT muscle joins Dodge's lineup in summer 2008 with the addition of the '08 Dodge Caliber SRT4. Unveiled at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, Caliber SRT4 joins mainstream Calibers as Dodge's smallest car and replaces the outgoing Neon SRT4. On top of a basic 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Caliber, Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology, or SRT for short, adds a 6-speed manual transmission and turbocharger that boosts horsepower to 300. Dodge claims the front-wheel drive compact Caliber SRT4 will race from 0-60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds.

Unique SRT4 features include a specific grille and front fascia, fog lamps, slightly lowered ride height, a hood scoop, a larger rear spoiler, 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, and SRT4-specific colors like Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver, and Inferno Red. SRT4 cues can be found inside the hatchback on the sport seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

Caliber joins seven other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles, including Dodge Ram SRT10, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Viper SRT10, and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Prices for this 2008 model were not announced, but we'd expect the starting point to be under $25,000.

2007 Dodge Nitro

Dodge's Nitro concept was on the stand at Chicago last year, and this year it's the production version's turn. Officially a 2007 model, Nitro is a midsize SUV that's based on the Jeep Liberty platform but rides a stretched 108.3-inch wheelbase. Dodge hopes Nitro will grab sales in what it feels is a "bland midsize SUV market."

A 3.7-liter 210-hp V6 comes standard on base and SLT models. Sportier R/T models feature a new 4.0-liter V6 that makes 255 hp. Also standard on R/T are chrome 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Base models come standard with a 6-speed manual and SLT models come standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is an option across the lineup. Standard safety features include stability control, antilock brakes, Dodge's Electronic Roll Mitigation, and curtain side airbags. A feature exclusive to Nitro is a sliding "Load 'n Go" cargo floor. Standard on SLT and R/T models, the "Load 'n Go" floor slides out to the rear of the vehicle and can hold up to 400 lbs.

The 2007 Dodge Nitro comes to dealerships in late 2006 and will be built alongside Jeep Liberty in Toledo, Ohio. Pricing was not announced, but we'd expect Nitro to compete favorably with other midsize SUVs like Chevy Equinox and Nissan Murano.

Click here for a video review of the Dodge Rampage Concept.

Look out Honda Ridgeline! Dodge unveiled a new concept sport-utility truck dubbed Rampage at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, the SUT is the width of the full-size Dodge Ram and the length of the compact Dakota. Dodge's goal with Rampage was to meet the needs of those who want a family sized people mover without sacrificing cargo-carrying pickup utility.

Riding on 22-inch brushed aluminum wheels and flared side fenders, Rampage has conventional front doors, but sports a rear door that slides open like a minivan. Easing entry is the lack of a B-pillar and self-deploying side steps. Inside, Dodge's "Stow 'n Go seats," previously found only on Chrysler Group's minivans, allow the front and rear passenger seats to fold flat into the floor if the under-seat storage compartment is empty. Other interior cargo space is found above both rows of seats, and is flanked by dual skylights running the length of the cabin. The 5-ft cargo box features a trunklike under-bed storage compartment, retractable cargo hooks, a dual-mode midgate, and retractable tailgate with three possible positions: up, down at a 98-degree angle, or further angled downward at 117 degrees for ATV or motorbike loading. Dodge officials would not comment on production possibilities.

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