And it's not like the Caliber wouldn't show up with class-leading underpinnings either. I drove the regular Caliber at a

The Caliber SRT4, like the regular Caliber, benefits from a suspension architecture designed alongside Mitsubishi's next-generation Lancer, which will be the basis for the upcoming EVO X. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

press event in Scottsdale, Arizona last week, and found its handling to be extremely competent despite being set up for less entertaining errands than charging across tight, winding tarmac at 250 km/h or launching into the air off the crest of a dirt road before pounding its suspension through a series of washboard ruts while powering sideways through a corner with all four wheels spiting rocks at grinning spectators - you call NASCAR entertainment? Snore...

The SRT4 will without doubt up the stock Caliber's performance threshold to racecar-like levels, a suspension architecture that came to fruition through a great deal of cooperation with Mitsubishi's next-generation Lancer team - yes, the same car that will be the basis for the upcoming EVO X. No wonder it handles so well, and this side of equipping it with all-wheel drive, the Caliber SRT4 is a rally car in the making.

The trick will be in launching it without burning up the front tires, now that a maximum of 260 lb-ft of torque is on hand. Dodge says that it can zip to 100 km/h

Dodge says that the SRT4 can zip to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, but my guess is that this is a conservative estimate. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

in less than six seconds, but my guess is that this is a conservative estimate. While it won't be a match for the much more powerful Magnum SRT8, or a lighter car with similar power, it should be able to accomplish the task in the mid-fives.

"We couldn't wait to infuse Dodge Caliber with the SRT formula," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers a strong dose of all-around performance while delivering at least 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Our new SRT pocket rocket will be a hoot to drive."

The engine comes via Chrysler Group's all-new "World Engine" family, available in naturally-aspirated 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-litre configurations in base, SRT and R/T trim levels. Made at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Michigan, the world engine is the result of a joint effort by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi

The SRT4's 2.4L turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder makes a maximium of 300-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Motors Corporation. By pooling resources the three automakers have developed an engine that is truly world class, featuring top-tier technologies to help them compete with Japanese leaders.

"The all-new 2.4-litre turbocharged World Engine delivers a level of power you'd expect from a V8," said Pete Gladysz, Senior Manager, Powertrain, SRT.  "With the engine in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4, we were able to take advantage of tried-and-true performance improvements, such as increased cylinder-head flow and higher compression ratio, as well as newer technologies such as Variable Valve Timing (VVT)."

But

There's more to the upgraded 2.4 than merely the addition of a turbocharger and intercooler. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

there's more to the upgraded 2.4 than merely the addition of a turbocharger and intercooler, as the all-aluminum engine also features a machined block for improved water and oil flow, specially made cast pistons that are fixed to forged connecting rods before being encased in iron cylinder sleeves and cooled via oil squirters. Those connecting rods, as well as the engine's crankshaft, feature tri-metal bearings for reduced friction and therefore higher performance with less metal degradation, while an exclusive oil pump/balance shaft module keeps the moving parts well-lubricated. The SRT engineers keep the oil temperature within prescribed levels via an external cooler.