Dealer selling Dodge Chargers branded "SRT-6"
Click above more more images of the Dodge Charger "SRT-6"
When is a Chrysler product branded as an SRT-6 not really an SRT-6? When it comes from Scott McCorkle's Liberty Dodge in Charlotte, NC. The dealership has created what it is referring to as a Dodge Charger SRT-6, though its fitted with just the standard 2.7 liter V6 engine and no performance mods. Also absent are the normal SRT-spec suspension, braking or interior refinements. So, what exactly is it that makes this vehicle qualify as an SRT? Umm, nothing; besides some cosmetic tweaks that range from new wheels to some leftover Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 badges, there is nothing at all with which to distinguish this model from a run-of-the-mill base model Charger. Sheesh, way to dilute the SRT brand, guys.
We would never suggest that making modifications to a stock vehicle is a bad thing. Far from it, in fact. We do, however, feel a bit bad for all the SRT engineers at Dodge who do an admirable job of taking a normal car and making it much, much better. When pressed, the dealership admits that what it's done amounts to nothing more than simple cosmetics, but we feel that they shouldn't have messed with the SRT badge in the process. Thanks for the tip, Bill!
Gallery: Dodge Charger "SRT-6"
[Source: Dodge Charger Forums]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Pat 11:37AM (5/28/2008)
Yet again proving that car dealers are pretty much the least informed car people on the planet. I've never been into a dealership and had the sales guy know more than I did about the car. Putting an SRT-6 badge is about as cool as some ricer putting a Type-R badge on his stock civic. I hope Dodge corporate sends a cease and desist notice for false advertising
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josh linder 7:52PM (6/09/2008)
Look at the demographic. Clearly not aimed at me.
"dubs" and SRT-6 badges a performance car does not make.
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Corey W. 12:05PM (5/28/2008)
What's the demographic?!? Dubs and performance usually don't go together. Unless you're talking about upper middle class suburbanites trying to "be down".....
John 1:54PM (5/28/2008)
@josh linder - your comment reminds me of a saying we have around here (Metro DC area)...
wheels and a badge do not an AMG car make..
and it's all too common
M 11:07AM (5/28/2008)
In today's market . . . anything for a sale(!).
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Way of the Future 11:07AM (5/28/2008)
now some street racer is going to say they beat a SRT charger, when in fact it was a regular charger... i guess anything to sell cars, and dealers need all the help they can get
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aa[ro]n 11:14AM (5/28/2008)
thats stupid
now people are going to think they are racing an srt car and say they spanked it in their freaking camry.
good job. they could have at least put it on a 3.5 to make it not as bad.. not in the smallest engine possible in a full size sedan.
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Mr. Oak 11:22AM (5/28/2008)
Agreed: The 3.5, free breathing headers\exhaust and better intake. That car should be lowered, It rides as tall as a freaking stage-coach.
hydrogenvodka 1:16PM (5/28/2008)
IT HAD TO BE a 6 cylinder version, though...
ronzo 11:19AM (5/28/2008)
Someone needs to notify Chrysler corporate... maybe they can shut this practice down. I don't think they'd appreciate one of their dealers watering down their performance team's image... but I could be wrong, based on some of their moves lately...
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Brad 12:49PM (5/28/2008)
Dealers of a lot of makes do the same thing. A local Ford dealer used to put two stripes over the top of base model Mustangs and called them some sort of performance package. Another Toyota dealer would put a spoiler on a Celica and refer to it as a certain performance package. It happens more than you realize.
FrankTheCrank 2:06PM (5/28/2008)
Yeah, agreed. If Chrysler or the SRT team finds this out...they've got to do something about this. Chrysler has done a great job with the SRT brand. To have some cheesy dealer water down the brand like this is appalling.
This reminds me of a ZR-2 Geo Tracker I've seen driving around. lol.
Benfolio 2:36PM (5/28/2008)
Uh, there WAS a ZR-2 Tracker offered direct from Chevrolet.
FrankTheCrank 9:12AM (5/29/2008)
Benfolio,
I know. I occasionally see an aqua green ZR-2 Tracker whining around town. That's why I mentioned it.
Allan 11:22AM (5/28/2008)
It is amusing to me that 2 of the first 4 entries immediately think of the mistake street racers will make in thinking that this is an actual SRT.
Back on topic... I'm surprised Dodge would allow this - if just for the confusion this would cause regarding the SRT nameplate.
Then again, from a marketing standpoint, it's probably genius. I know the Southeast Region of Toyota dealers were making up their own "limited edition" Scion tCs for a while with just optional dealer accessories and none of the actual Release Series parts. We had a few people on forums I frequent that were confused when we told them it wasn't actually an RS version that they bought.
Many people really don't care though. So that's why it's still done.
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rouse42 11:26AM (5/28/2008)
its like the ricers and there type R badges.
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IK47 12:05PM (5/28/2008)
not even close
this is a DEALER we are talking about
not a 15 year old kid with a hand-me-down integra
ASEVENCFOUR 11:27AM (5/28/2008)
The 2.7L is dreadfully slow, like Honda Fit slow.
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rouse42 11:28AM (5/28/2008)
check out the wheel gap.
is this the SRT6 All Roads edition
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Torrent 1:17PM (5/28/2008)
Really. Was it lifted to frickin go off-roading? That's at least a 2 inch lift. Please Dodge- save it for the Jeep Liberty and it's 9 inch ground clearance.