From my pit lane notes: Snap. Crackle. Pop. Whoosh.

One of the problems with writing part time is that it can be hard to stay on top of all the latest and greatest news from every manufacturer. There really is just too much information on a daily basis. As a result, sometimes I get thrown a curve ball and it takes me by surprise. Suffice it to say, the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 was the surprise of the day at the IMPA Test Days at Pocono Raceway. I hadn’t heard so much as a peep about its’ existence.

As the day progressed, I had noticed this Caliber on the grid, looking mean with it’s lower stance than normal. it wears some subtle add on aero bits and a not so subtle hood scoop. It wasn’t until I heard the thing launch that I realized that this was no gussied up grocery getter. The SRT-4 is quite loud and sounds mean.

Once my turn behind the wheel came, I must say I was more than a little impressed with the look, both inside and out. The candy like red paint and crystal lamps shimmered like jewels in the hot sun. Inside, the fit and finish and material quality was far better than I expected. I wouldn’t be going too far to say the interior looks like it was lifted from a Japanese designed car. The seats have deep, supportive side bolsters. It’s a good thing, as owners who take their SRT-4 lapping are going to need some support!

Snap. Crackle. Pop. Woosh.

Blip the throttle on the line and the 285 horses make their presence known with a bark and a pop from the pipe. Accelerate hard out onto the track and the turbo whooshes. When lifting to shift, the wastegate chirps. Under braking, unburnt fuel pops and bangs on it’s way out the tailpipe. Those who love listening to turbo race cars and going to be in heaven when they drive the boosted Caliber, as it makes all sorts of cool noises.

On the track, it shows that the SRT engineers haven’t just been focusing on building power. The chassis shop has put together a sweet package that just loves to be tossed around the track. With all that power going to the front wheels, one might expect a bit of understeer and one would be right. On the exit from low speed corners, applying full throttle causes the front wheels to light and wicked understeer follows. The good thing is that the Caliber is almost as responsive as the Mini and just as tossable. In fact, the Caliber performs best when a few front drive rally tricks are thrown into the mix. Approach a low speed corner with a bit of left foot brake, to begin weight transfer, while keeping the revs up with the right. Using a late apex and clipping the apron up high allows the car to drift out to the exit. The straighter exit allows the power to be fed on earlier, as the wheels are already pointed in the right direction. During all this, there is that constant chirp from the wastegate to remind you that this beast has bite!

Up onto the banked section of Pocono Raceway, the Caliber SRT-4 accelerates hard and on our short section managed to reach about 125 mph. All the way, the car felt stable and confident. Under very heavy braking for the turn onto the second infield section, the brakes stayed firm and modulated well.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 was definitely the biggest surprise of the event for me. With 4 doors, a usable cargo area and a great interior, the Caliber is a great choice for daily family life. Throw in the SRT-4 bite and the family track dog has an incredible weekend warrior that will challenge even the most seasoned lapping day addict.