Dodge Reveals Global Concept Car

Dodge is going global in 2005 and chose the 75th Annual Geneva International Motor Show to debut its Caliber Global Concept Car, hinting at the direction of the next-generation Dodge C-segment vehicle. With a global stage in the centre of a European marketplace it intends to conquer, Dodge designers aimed their sketch pads at the global car market and the result is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.

“With its bold styling and clever packaging, Caliber is pure Dodge,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President—Design, Chrysler Group. “This concept is a new slant on one of the world’s most competitive segments. The Dodge Caliber concept brings emotion to the C-segment sea of sameness and strongly hints at the future direction of Dodge in the global car market.”

The signature crosshair grille gives Caliber the distinct face of Dodge and defines its strong, muscular front view. Wide, sculpted wheel forms, impressive 19-inch wheels and tires, broad shoulders and bulging hood give Caliber its proud, powerful stance. Large, crystal headlamps and fog lights complement the chrome grille and create an integrated look that completes Caliber's modular appearance.

A black graphic appliqué runs the length of the roof and melds into an integrated spoiler, creating a coupe-like quality from the side view. Dodge’s “do more” philosophy is evident in Caliber's five doors, including a rear hatch, which provide easy access to the vehicle’s spacious interior.

New and unique glass-to-body proportions give the Caliber concept a tough, protective presence. The forward sweep of the tailgate emphasizes Caliber's sporty profile. Chrome door handles and body-side moldings add a sense of style and polish that completes Caliber's machined exterior.

The rear view of the Dodge Caliber is as distinctive and powerful as the front grille. The black roof spoiler with center high-mounted stop lamp, the chrome exhaust tail pipe, and large, modular crystal taillamps that fill Caliber's rear corners provide distinct focal points of Caliber's design.

“Dodge Caliber's bold, graphic design and inherent interior functionality shatter the conventional definition of a compact car,” Creed added. “It strongly hints at what Dodge can do to appeal to global markets.”