The Caliber SRT-4 delivers 285 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine.
Launched by Dodge for the 2008 and 2009 model years, the Caliber SRT-4 was the performance variant of the compact Caliber hatchback. This article breaks down the official horsepower figure, how it was achieved, and how the power was delivered to the road.
Power figure and how it was rated
Key specifications that define the horsepower figure are listed below.
- Engine: 2.4-liter inline-four turbocharged engine (often referred to as the GEMA 2.4L Turbo)
- Horsepower: 285 hp (212 kW)
- Torque: about 260 lb-ft (353 N·m), depending on the measurement and market
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
In performance terms, the 285 hp rating helped the Caliber SRT-4 achieve brisk acceleration for a compact hatch, often cited in contemporaneous reviews as a standout feature in its class.
Year-to-year context
Both the 2008 and 2009 Caliber SRT-4 versions carried the same official horsepower figure, though torque figures can vary slightly across sources and tests.
- 2008 Caliber SRT-4: 285 hp, ~260 lb-ft torque; 6-speed manual; AWD
- 2009 Caliber SRT-4: 285 hp, ~260-265 lb-ft torque; 6-speed manual; AWD
Overall, Dodge did not materially change the power output between the two years, focusing changes on handling, brakes, and limited-edition options rather than outright horsepower.
Why horsepower mattered for the Caliber SRT-4
The 285-horsepower figure placed the Caliber SRT-4 among the quicker compact cars of its time, offering torque-rich response at typical driving speeds and a distinctive driving character for a small hatchback.
Summary
In short, the Caliber SRT-4 produced 285 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission helping translate that power to the road. Across its two-year run, this figure remained the defining spec of its performance identity.