Not much talk about the RT. why?
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I think it's more of a matter of lack of availibility with the R/T at the moment. I haven't seen one, and most dealers I know of in the Dallas-Fort Worth area aren't getting one for the first few shipments. They're sticking with SXTs and one or two SEs until the market opens.
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I think it is somewhat Silverfox mentioned about availability. If you want to put out the extra 3g's (base R/T starts at 19,XXX) or so thats great, but I think 18-20K is the cut off for me that is, unless I wait 1-2 years and get the SRT-4 then I will have enough cash. If I were to buy in August timeframe then I would be able to do R/T. I am also thinking about MPG? AWD may hinder that a bit if a more fuel efficient vehicle is what you are looking for considering I have no idea what you are getting for MPG now. The R/T with AWD may get you YOUR targeted performance/options/MPG. Personal preference I am thinking to.
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So do I! I am really looking forward to seeing what companies come up with for it.lebowski1 said:
SRT looks good, but I need something my wife can drive (auto) and a stick shift daily driver is a pain in the ass. Plus, if I'm looking in that range, I'll spend a little more for a STI. I think AWD is a must have for me with high power. I'v had my mustang and a camaro ,both stick, and had my fill of it for now.
If they come out with a AWD auto (CVT preferred to keep boost up) SRT, something that will hang with a Impreza WRX auto, then I'll kick myself.
If they come out with a AWD auto (CVT preferred to keep boost up) SRT, something that will hang with a Impreza WRX auto, then I'll kick myself.
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The R/T is receiving some attention but we estimate the majority of sales will be SXT models. For the casual buyer the $19K price tag on the R/T might seem a bit high in comparison to other Dodge models such as the Magnum or Caravan.
I anticipate that R/T buyers will know exactly what kind of vehicle they want and are willing to pay the premium for a well performing small multipurpose vehicle.
Its well know that dealerships buy what they can sell, if the local market has little demand for R/T's you might have trouble finding them. (The exact opposite is true for the LX line where SE models are typically hard to find)
Since the US market has only had limited exposure to CVT transmissions, it’s only a matter of time before Mopar or other aftermarket companies develop a high-strength upgrade or modification.
Much like the Neon, we hope there will be strong aftermarket support (Mopar or otherwise) for the Caliber.
Dan
I anticipate that R/T buyers will know exactly what kind of vehicle they want and are willing to pay the premium for a well performing small multipurpose vehicle.
Its well know that dealerships buy what they can sell, if the local market has little demand for R/T's you might have trouble finding them. (The exact opposite is true for the LX line where SE models are typically hard to find)
The exact tolerances of the CVT2 are not published but they are well above normal operating strain. Figuring out the correct balance in performance and durability is key.lebowski1 said:
Since the US market has only had limited exposure to CVT transmissions, it’s only a matter of time before Mopar or other aftermarket companies develop a high-strength upgrade or modification.
Much like the Neon, we hope there will be strong aftermarket support (Mopar or otherwise) for the Caliber.
Dan
i think most people see the 20k base for the r/t and run. what i dont understand is why no one's talking about the fwd r/t w/ manual that's coming in august. the awd has a worse power to weight ratio than the 1.8 according to edmunds. fwd r/t should retail at 18, which we all know means buy for around 16,500.
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Well for me the R/T is a turn off. AWD is great, but the lack of an MTX turns me off. Until they offer the MTX matted to an engine larger than the 1.8 I'm going to be waiting on the sidelines. The SRT4 is a little to too much for me to justify!!
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Yeah, I don't see myself personally ever buying a Caliber with AWD or any car for that matter. I like the FWD R/T w/Manual too, but I will have to see how deep my pockets are for the extra 4g's+- vs. an SXT. I haven't driven one yet, probably will like it 99.9% chance of that so I will have to see if I want to wait till August or '08 model year. Tough decisions I guess.
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The problem is that "most people" don’t check Edmunds to see what might be offered on the Caliber. For the casual (majority) buyer, the first reference is our website. If the manual option hasn't been announced yet, it won’t be listed and thus not offered.sonicman said:
There should be much more talk once the configuration is confirmed and officially announced. Until then its all speculation (I can't even confirm if the R/T will be available as a FWD Manual or not).
To be honest, I’m not interested in AWD vehicles either. For the amount the AWD would make a difference, I would rather save the money. AWD shines in poor weather or quick launches but rears its ugly head in driveline power loss, weight and the possibility of additional driveline component failure.Xtreme Thunder said:
I am sure many people will openly welcome the FWD models if they become available.
Dan
haha.. why cant you just release the info that the fwd r/t is coming in august? you dont wanna potentially harm the awd r/t sales for the summer?DodgeInfoCenter said:
you guys shoulda came out with the fwd r/t over the spring/summer when its nice out and then as winter was approaching hit them with the awd r/t, maybe with a small incentive like a few extra horses, then spring 07 launch the srt. just a thought
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The awd is going to be awesome! The cvt really isn't a turnoff just because it is so much smoother.
lebowski1 said:
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We can say they'll be out in the summer but it’s not official. If we say something and it doesn’t transpire people often come back to us with a “you said…” argument. I don’t like to make promises or provide information unless it’s 100% true and confirmed.sonicman said:
Until we get the final confirmation from DaimlerChrysler that a vehicle/option/power train will be available we honestly do not know for sure. It’s just a part of the business.
Dan
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Talking about keeping certain things locked up!! LOL
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