Does the Dodge Caliber SRT4 have a turbo?
Yes. The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 uses a factory turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four, delivering far more power than the standard Caliber lineup.
Turbocharged under the hood: how it works
The Caliber SRT-4 refines the 2.4-liter World engine with a single turbocharger and intercooler. This setup increases air density into the engine, allowing more fuel to burn and producing substantially more horsepower than the naturally aspirated versions. The SRT-4 also features a close-ratio 6-speed manual and performance-tuned suspension to transmit that power to the front wheels.
Engine family and tuning
Key technical specs of the turbocharged powertrain include the following:
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four from the Chrysler World engine family
- Turbo/intercooler: single turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler
- Output: roughly 285 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission
- Production years: the SRT-4 variant was offered for 2008 and 2009 model years
The combination of turbocharged power, a manual transmission, and aggressive chassis tuning gave the Caliber SRT-4 a unique place in the hot-hatch landscape of its era.
Performance snapshot and historical context
Owners and automotive observers often highlight the Caliber SRT-4 as a sleeper: a practical five-door hatchback with performance credentials that rivaled some dedicated sports cars of its time.
Performance highlights
- 0-60 mph time is typically cited in the mid-5-second range, depending on conditions and launch technique
- Estimated top speed around 140 mph
- Notable for its aggressive exhaust note and front-wheel-drive handling characteristics
- Production ended after 2009, making well-maintained examples relatively rare today
In practice, the turbocharged engine and the SRT-4's chassis work together to deliver a compelling blend of daily usability and weekend-warrior performance.
Bottom line and takeaway
In short, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is indeed turbocharged. It uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that helped the car stand out in its segment during its brief run in 2008–2009, pairing with a manual transmission and sporty handling to produce a distinctly punchy hatchback.
Summary
The Caliber SRT-4 represents Dodge’s bold attempt to inject high-performance capability into a practical hatchback body, using a factory turbocharged 2.4L engine to achieve about 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With a manual transmission, tuned suspension, and front-wheel-drive layout, it remains a notable entry in the history of American hot hatches, even though it was produced for a brief period. For collectors and enthusiasts, verified documentation of maintenance, boost control, and service history is especially important given its age.
