[Jerome81]

Beyond the debate about CVT vs manual, what is and is not coming in the future?

Currently:
5 speed or CVT 1.8L FWD
CVT 2.0L FWD
CVT 2.4L AWD

Will we (and when?) see
5 speed 2.0L and 2.4L
5 speed AWD?
CVT 1.8L and 2.0L AWD

I also read that stability control will show up sometime as well. Any word on that?

I'm looking into a new vehicle to replace my 97 Miata, a car I love dearly but is so compromised on utility and long distance touring. I'm considering the Honda Element, but am not sure I need all that space, but would like more creature comfort. My current frontrunner is the VW GTI, but I have some real reservations about VW quality/reliability. I'm not in any hurry to buy something new, so if good comfort or safety features are in the near future, I'll wait. Ideally, I'd like a 5 speed AWD 2.4L, but something tells me thats not showing up.....

Anyway, any word on the above questions? What else is in the pipeline near term (say by this fall)?

Glad to be here.

 

[Ramsport47]

I don't know what's in the future except a 2.4 5 speed on the R/T. But I do know that the car is loaded with creature comforts right now...including leather and a beverage cooler, which I might add, really works. Oh... and a sunroof, which in my opinion, is a must in any car. The one I test drove had stability control and ABS, and side curtain airbags...which are standard...not bad equipment for a car that starts under $14,000

 

[Xxsrt4xX]

I think one of the other possibilities is a 2.5L diesel.

 

[Silverfox]

I'm not sure if we're going to see the diesel in the States. I know it'll be an option in Europe but other than that, I don't know.

 

[5itgog]

I also have the 5 door GTI in my scope- had 4 in the past.
The R/T fwd 5spd should be here in (May?) according to my source. about the same time as the 4 door GTI. I'm leaning toward the Caliber, but if I test drive the new GTI, Passion may overtake. EPA Mileage without AWD on the R/T (cvt or 5spd) will be the determining factor.

 

[Harley]

Beyond the debate about CVT vs manual, what is and is not coming in the future?

I'd like to see:

- A convertible version.

- A limousine version.

- A wood-grain sides "woody" version.

- A dual rear axle version.

- A "police package".

and...

- An factory option that makes the Caliber into one of those amphibious vehicles:

(Gee, I really need to have my VA-prescribed medications reviewed...)

 

[sonicman]

yeah the new gti is truly "fast", theres no way the 2.4 5 speed caliber will touch the gti. i cant wait to test drive the 5 door gti once it arrives this summer. honestly, i think its a dead heat with the gti and caliber. imo, the superior interior, transmission (DSG is amazing, or the base 6spd is good too), & 2.0T engine justify its $3-5k premium over what the caliber r/t fwd should come out at, around 18-19k. I agree w/5itgog that mileage is a concern, but i think they will be similar, since vw's 200hp engine is a turbo, it is probably comparable to the new world engine in terms of overall efficiency.

after all this, i know i'll end up with a caliber since my old man works at dcx and i am not rich enough to bypass an employee discount yet =)

 

[srtman]

yeah the new gti is truly "fast", theres no way the 2.4 5 speed caliber will touch the gti. i cant wait to test drive the 5 door gti once it arrives this summer. honestly, i think its a dead heat with the gti and caliber. imo, the superior interior, transmission (DSG is amazing, or the base 6spd is good too), & 2.0T engine justify its $3-5k premium over what the caliber r/t fwd should come out at, around 18-19k. I agree w/5itgog that mileage is a concern, but i think they will be similar, since vw's 200hp engine is a turbo, it is probably comparable to the new world engine in terms of overall efficiency.

after all this, i know i'll end up with a caliber since my old man works at dcx and i am not rich enough to bypass an employee discount yet =)

i'm definantly with you there, my father also works for Diamlerchrysler, and i cant have anything but a dodge, or i cant park it in the driveway....

 

[Jerome81]

Any chance for 5 speed AWD on any trim? I could do 2.0 or 2.4L 5 speed AWD and be happy.

 

[sr4tuner]

I'm not sure if we're going to see the diesel in the States. I know it'll be an option in Europe but other than that, I don't know.

I seem to be growing alot toward deisals, and it would not be to hard to pull off biodeisel in the future. There is now way we are going to run out of mcdonald's oil. I think it a liable future energy source and the power is pretty good and gas mileage. So i do hope the diesel comes to america.

+ I wwant my cab to smell like fries.

 

[Ramsport47]

I'd like to see a sedan and a coupe...I heard of a probable sedan (Rebel), and the Razor would make the lineup complete