The shifter and clutch are heavy and a bit stiff, respectively, but they work towards a tough and heavy-duty feel. On the drag strip, the clutch held plenty of power with no slippage during hard launches. Get off the line properly, and you'll run the quarter mile in around 14 seconds. A built-in performance computer allows you to practice on empty roads when nobody's looking.

On a road course, the Caliber handles predictably. The front end plows around corners if pushed too hard, though overall handling is commendable for an overpowered front-drive setup. The non-defeatable ESP gently pulses out throttle cuts and brake applications to keep things in check. It's appreciably non-intrusive.

A bit of a handfull
SRT4's Charger-sourced brakes bite down powerfully, though the pedal lacks the precision and easy-to-modulate character one might expect in a track-ready car.

The steering is much the same story. The SRT4 has plenty of grip and stopping power, it just doesn't quite bring all of the elements together at the drivers fingertips the way some of its competition does. Once finished with corners, SRT4 packs enough power to pull away from WRXs, RX-8s and S2000s all day long.

On day-long track trips, plenty of room is available for the spouse and kids.

Unquestionable utility
If your racing event requires overnight camping, the folding rear seats allow Caliber to be used as sleeping quarters in a pinch. It's not entirely uncomfortable, and it doesn't leak like a tent if it rains.

On day-long track trips, plenty of room is available for the spouse and kids. They'll be safer, more comfortable and less rattled than in the former SRT4 as well, so if you owned the earlier Neon-based model, this one's a great upgrade into something bigger and a bit more civilized.

The value leader
You may hear reviewers complain about the cheap interior, harsh ride, noisy engine and numb brake and steering feel--and they're correct. SRT4 makes no apologies for being a bit rough around the edges though, because it's delivering more power for less money than anything else like it.
If you're after something similar but more refined, and you're willing to take a horsepower hit, then a few thousand dollars more will get you a Mazdaspeed3 or VW GTI. These may be tidier around a track in the hands of the right driver, but for the other 99.9 percent of time, the price premium may prove questionable.

If you're simply after the most powerful ride that $25,000 will get you, SRT4 is an absolute no-brainer.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard