Fiat-Based Dodge Caliber Replacement Coming in 2011 With 40-MPG Target

The first Fiat-based Dodge model is set to debut in late 2011 and is believed to be the replacement for current Caliber. Like the Caliber it will be a compact model and will be based on Fiat’s new Compact Wide architecture, which first debuted on the all new Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Power will come from Fiat’s 1.4-liter FIRE MultiAir engine and the engine, like the car will be produced in the U.S. Fiat is targeting a 40-mpg highway rating for the car, possibly as a special high-mileage model, although with Ford claiming 40-mpg highway for the 2.0-liter Focus, it’s possible all versions of the Caliber replacement will get 40-mpg highway if not better.

The Caliber is set to continue on in production until mid-2012 at which point it will be replaced by the Fiat-based model.

The same architecture is likely to be used for a Chrysler model in the future.

[Source: Automotive News]