Mopar(ty) On: Dodge's SRT performance division to stay the course
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Click above for high-res gallery
After learning that General Motors would be disbanding its High Performance Vehicle Operations team to focus on less performance-oriented projects, our thoughts naturally turned towards Ford's SVT and Chrysler's SRT groups. Would Detroit's other automakers follow GM's lead and kill off their fellow speed divisions? Apparently not. Ford has gone on record stating that the SVT program will continue on in its current capacity and now Chrysler has announced that it will continue to develop SRT versions of its volume sellers.
In a posting on Chrysler's Red Letter Dodge blog, Steve Bartoli, Chrysler's vice president for global product planning, had a few choice comments regarding the future of the Pentastar's SRT models, saying, "We are working on a sedan as we speak. We will look at many styling options." Admittedly, that's short on detail, but it does portend good things to come for fans of big HEMI engines and fat rear tires.
Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
[Source: Red Letter Dodge Blog via Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dougbshepherd 4:00PM (3/06/2009)
good to see they still have souls
unfortunately performance cars like those dont seem like a good investment when theyre struggling for money
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the vegas style guy 4:24PM (3/06/2009)
I think that's the wrong attitude to take here. I personally think they must have something to keep people thinking about them. You don't drape homely girls on cars at auto shows. You drape hot girls on homely cars. It's all about mktg.
AZZO45b 4:56PM (3/06/2009)
Any press release can declare the "soul" alive. Most of the SRT engineers I know took the buyout in late November '08. Many of the others were re-assigned to "regular" programs.
airswingman 4:08PM (3/06/2009)
Hyundai is taking over Ford,this Dodge crap aint gona work~~~~~
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thomas 5:36PM (3/06/2009)
wha?
sense. that makes none.
TriShield 4:16PM (3/06/2009)
SRT isn't all HEMI, they're also responsible for Chrysler's modern turbocharged four cylinder engine in the Neon SRT4 and Caliber SRT4 (which is nowhere near as good or popular as the former, but I digress).
SVT just released the Raptor F150 and refreshed Mustang GT500.
Many of GM's performance cars were already part of their respective vehicle programs and regular engineering like the Camaro SS (so they claim, it was tuned on the 'Ring where PVO operates) so they aren't affected.
GM has already just released quite a few different performance vehicles too so they aren't in danger of running out in awhile. In fact GM will probably cease to exist as we know it before those product cycles are up.
lolz.
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Murray 4:33PM (3/06/2009)
I was going to buy a Challenger last weekend. Then I got laid off! :(
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Tony 9:27AM (3/07/2009)
You're luckier than you think, you could of had a Challenger (blah) in your driveway with payments.
m 4:51PM (3/06/2009)
The SRT group is a joke now anyway. Most of the vehicles that get that label these days aren't even available without a torque converter.
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refugee7 4:56PM (3/06/2009)
SOOOO agreed.
Serge 5:11PM (3/06/2009)
Except for the Caliber, Challenger, Viper...
thomas 5:38PM (3/06/2009)
yeah, unlike the Chevy's SS line...............
Tom 7:18PM (3/06/2009)
Rumors continue to swirl that they will be dropping the 392 HEMI into future SRT models. I think it's great to keep SRT alive. I mean just because some people want more fuel efficient cars doesn't mean you should ignore those who don't.
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Snix 9:32PM (3/06/2009)
I keep waiting for the new Camaro, but a TorRed six speed SRT Challenger is looking mighty good.
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Revs 5:54PM (3/09/2009)
If dealers are willing to actually deal, hopefully you will be able to get a good deal on a leftover '09 SRT8 model as the 2010 models come in around mid/late summer or so.