Startech tunes, accessorizes the Dodge Caliber

Autoblog.Com | Alex Nunez | Germany - - Brabus' tuning arm for American-branded vehicles, Startech, has started paying attention to Dodge's entrant in the European marketplace: the Caliber. The Euro Caliber, as you already know, can be had with Chrysler's 2.0L CRD. Startech's new control module, when installed, bumps peak output up 40 horses to 180 hp. Torque rises to 266 lb-ft between 1,750 and 25,00 rpm. (The unmodified engine generates 229 lb ft). Acceleration to 62 mph drops to 8.6 sec -- a .7 sec improvement over stock.

Startech also drops the Caliber 30mm via the installation of new springs, and fits its smart-looking Monostar 5-spoke wheels in either 19" or 20" diameters. We like the look of the wheel/tire package, but there's much more in store. Still to come from the German tuners are a new sport exhaust with quad tips, Caliber aero kit, and an interior customization package. We'll bring you more on those when they're eventually released. If Startech's other work is any indication, the Caliber's going to be wearing some snappy new threads in no time.

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Exclusive STARTECH Accessories for the Dodge Caliber

The Dodge Caliber in all its variations is among the most interesting products on the market. STARTECH offers an exclusive and extensive customization program for all models.

For the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers powerful and reliable power tuning that ups power output by 40 hp / 29.4 kW. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour, thanks to an included custom wire harness. Like the production models the STARTECH-tuned Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD meets EURO IV emission limits.

With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at just 4,000 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.Thus equipped sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds. Top speed of the tuned Caliber diesel model increases to 201 km/h.

For all engine variants STARTECH will soon offer a stainless-steel sport rear muffler with four tailpipes. It lends the Caliber not only a more striking rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.

STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.

Wheels make a car and STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.

To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that'll be introduced shortly.

The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models: The STARTECH Lifestyle interior package will go on sale in the near future.

Extravagant highlights can be added with striking STARTECH accessories: Polished aluminum serves as the material of choice for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.