Can anyone confirm that the new Dodge Caliber (neon replacement) uses the same block? If so we might have a viable AWD option as the Caliber is AWD and the trans shoud mount right up...

 

Getrag makes a unit that mounts right up to the motor.
But then the rear end..i dunno what they did for that..

 

I know that they used a MINI for their AWD test car, but is that trans available? As for the rear end you could just probably just get something that fit decently and fab some parts

 

I dont believe the caliber is going to be awd...

 

The latest issue of Motortrend does a review of the caliber and yes...AWD is an option

 

Dodge Ewww....in the MCS forum

 

hahaha, we already share a motor And I'll put a dodge trans on my MINI if it means I can turn it into AWD!

 

I hear yah there. I'm down for that

 

The Caliber's engine is all new with an aluminum block so I am not certain they are the same anymore. Also the AWD system can't handle a ton of power, which is why the new SRT-4 Caliber is going to be FWD with a 6 speed getrag gearbox....

 

four wheel drive in a Mini may be a bad idea. The car will most likely become sluggish due to extra weight and driveline HP loss. Unless you want to do rally or a lot of snow diving, I see no advantage myself.

 

I owned Neons for almost ten years. The current MINI 1.6L engine had a lot in common with the Neon 2.0L engine, and a little in comon with the SRT-4 and PT Cruiser 2.4L engine, but the Caliber engine is a completely new design. It's got as much in common with our 1.6L engine as the new 2007 MINI engine does (basically nothing). If you want an AWD car, buy an AWD car. Trying to convert a MINI isn't a good idea. Maybe try to find an old Mazda 323 GTX for a snappy small AWD car.

-Keith

 

Look at Getrag's Twinster design. It worked great, and only gained a few extra lbs. The weight can be easily offset by other lighter components. I do see an advantage if it's done correctly.

And Mineon if I wanted an AWD car I'd bought one. I like the MINI, and to me an AWD MINI is better than a FWD setup we currently have. I personally think it's a great idea, another way to make the ULTIMATE MINI for me

Come back to me in about a yr and we'll see

 

Good luck with that

 

Yes it is.

melissa
motortrend.com

 

Alright thanks guys. I've found out what I needed to know. Just following up what I heard from a friend. Already got some ideas going for rear end and to deal w/ the exhaust pipe, driveshaft space

 

No it isn't. I don't know where you got your information, but it is incorrect.

This is from a guy I know who works for Daimler-Chrysler:

The World engine (from the Caliber) is completely unrelated to the Brazil-built 1.6L engine that was used in export 2nd gen neons and is still used in Mini Coopers. The World engine is built by the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA), a partnership between Hyundai, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler.