Spy Shots: Dodge Nitro SRT8???
by John Neff on Mar 12th 2008 at 11:58AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Dodge Nitro SRT8 spy shots
When one of KGP Photography's crew happened on a fairly innocuous looking Dodge Nitro in downtown Detroit, it was only a small badge on the rear lift gate that gave notice to this Nitro's hidden secret. Sporting the "SRT8" emblem, this high-po Nitro is likely packing the automaker's 6.1L HEMI V8 underhood. From what we can tell, the vehicle appears to be wearing the 20-inch wheels from the Mopar accessories catologue. Also, those front fender events that are usually capped with three chrome cross bars may be mesh on this particular vehicle and imply (gulp) actual functionality. Other than that, this Nitro SRT8 looks to have been modified very little on the surface, and unfortunately the camera man couldn't get a shot of the front end, which might be festooned with vents, slats and perhaps a deeper chin spoiler.
While the badge on the rear lift gate could be a ruse, we do know Chrysler is trying to do as much as possible with the vehicles that remain in its line up, and the Nitro could use some attention, for sure. A 425-horsepower Nitro, however, is just kind of nuts. Perhaps it's the poor man's Grand Cherokee SRT8.
UPDATE: We're fairly certain this is a fake perpetrated with a spare "SRT-8" badge and some super glue, having gotten confirmation from a number of sources that there's no way the 6.1L HEMI would fit in the Nitro. Thanks, Dodge.
Gallery: Dodge Nitro SRT-8 - spy shots
[Source: KGP Photography]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tricky dicky 12:12PM (3/12/2008)
is that a manufacturer's plate..
looks like rice to me. total BS. I would have a tough time believeing the suspension would not be modded as well.
I'd love to see them shoehorn a 6.1 in there. the 4.0 in mine takes up plenty of room.
lolo
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ambientFLIER 10:46PM (3/12/2008)
I bet the 6.1 is probably smaller or at least the same size as the OHC V6.
SPG 12:19PM (3/12/2008)
I can hardly see an SRT-8 model being built.
The last thing I heard about the Nitro is that it would be cut as to only offer the Liberty and streamline the product range.
P.S. those look like Audi Q7 rims.
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chrisdavis 12:22PM (3/12/2008)
Then how would they get an M plate?
lilmule 12:24PM (3/12/2008)
I've seen it here in Rocesther Hills! It sounded like a nasty V-8, and didn't look like a mule. It was put together like a production inteded vehicle...
SPG 2:09PM (3/12/2008)
Honestly, I'm thinking this is much like BMW's E30 pickup truck.
Somthing built for fun, and then used by the factory to run errands and such.
If not, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (love it) is going to get blown away.
PJ 3:47PM (3/12/2008)
The Nitro's gonna need a lot more help than a Hemi to stay alive. Anyone driven one of these? They're a mess.
six2one 9:08PM (3/13/2008)
nitro is slated till at least 2012
Eek 1:46PM (3/12/2008)
I'm one of the minority who like the Nitro, so an SRT8 is neat. Though I have no use for an SUV.
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eightyd 12:22PM (3/12/2008)
I agree with tricky. Pretty sure this is just some dunce who slapped an SRT8 badge on a standard nitro rt with some silly wheels.
They might as well have put a GTR or Si badge on there.
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Farris 12:22PM (3/12/2008)
I think the driver of this Nitro might be related to the driver of the Nissan STi I saw on Monday.
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Yubastard 1:03PM (3/12/2008)
jaja Toyovolvo
PAT 12:26PM (3/12/2008)
I don't see exhaust suited for the 6.1 either, so no way.
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lilmule 12:28PM (3/12/2008)
it's a V-8. Trust me, I saw/heard it from 5 feet away.
Scott 1:14PM (3/12/2008)
Actually, you can just see the two very large exhaust pipes tucked up behind the rear fascia if you look at the high res shots. It's obvious they didn't want to advertise them, but they are there. Look to be 3"+ just outside of the trailer hitch cover. Look closely.
It probably does have a V8, but could very likely just be a toy that is being built for SEMA, etc, and never intended for production.
Frat Stud 12:28PM (3/12/2008)
None of the doubters have explained the manufacturer's plate. I'm not saying this isn't a ruse, but if it is, it looks like an official ruse and not just some dipsh!t who found himself a cool badge on eBay.
I see no exhaust outlets underneath the rear bumper. It must be an electric car!
Just kidding. Maybe it's an upcoming Nitro diesel and Dodge is just trying to throw spy photographers off the trail?
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Farris 12:34PM (3/12/2008)
I didn't even notice those plates, good catch!
...although... are you sure it's not just an M that stands for "Michigan?" (Similar to the orange in the middle of Florida plates) I'm not familiar enough with Michigan's plates to know what they usually look like.
JP 12:52PM (3/12/2008)
I'm not familiar with Michigan plates either, but I doubt the standard ones say "Manufacturer" across the bottom.
Farris 12:58PM (3/12/2008)
*smacks forehead*
TriShield 12:29PM (3/12/2008)
Chrysler did show a HEMI Nitro concept and considering they already produce a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 I wouldn't think a Nitro SRT-8 would be a big stretch. I'd like to see it personally, the SRT Jeeps are mean machines.
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