Autoblog

Dodge SRT offers behind-the-scenes look at new 'Stryker' Viper logo [UPDATE]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Dodge, Design/Style

Fans of ~~Dodge's~~ SRT's all-American supercar likely know that there have (so far) been two different logos used to depict the fanged Viper. The first, affectionately referred to as "Sneaky Pete," ran from 1992 until 2002. The second appeared in 2003, when the Viper got a major styling update, and was called "Fangs."

An all-new Viper is set to debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show, and it will do so with an equally fresh logo. We're not sure exactly when the Stryker design was first revealed - anyone who looked closely enough got an early black-and-white glimpse when the automaker released the upcoming car's first teaser image in January of this year - but we do know that the latest set of images released by the SRT hive mind offer a much more detailed look at the logo.

According to ~~Dodge~~ SRT, the logo was named at the 2010 Viper Owners Invitational in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was chosen by Viper owners from amongst a handful of options. While we know very little about the actual car it will adorn, Mark Trostle, Head of SRT Design, said the following: "The new Stryker badge is the most refined, sinister looking and beautiful badge yet, just like the shape of the car." Consider our interest piqued.

UPDATE: A representative from SRT reached out to remind us that the next-generation Viper will not be part of the Dodge lineup, but instead the newly formed SRT brand.

~~Dodge~~ SRT offers behind-the-scenes look at new 'Stryker' Viper logo [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dodge Durango SRT8 may happen for 2013 [w/poll]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

We're completely smitten with Chrysler's latest hi-po Hemi, which displaces 6.4 liters and offers up to 470 horsepower and a matching 470 pound-feet of torque in the engine bay of such vehicles as the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Of course, not everyone can manage a two-door with limited space inside for passengers and cargo, which is why Chrysler has placed the massive lump under the hood of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as well.

Inside Line cites "a source close to the project" as saying the Grand Cherokee's platform sibling, the Dodge Durango, may also be in line for a 470-hp power infusion for 2013. It only makes sense, since the Jeep and the Dodge share major assemblies between them and both offer the same V6 and V8 engines (besides the range-topping SRT8, for now...) and since Dodge has historically been Chrysler's performance division.

Possibly tipping the scales in the opposite direction, though, is the fact that the Durango R/T, which features a 370-horse version of the Hemi mill, has reportedly not been selling up to expectations. IL also cites pricing as a possible roadblock, since the Jeep SRT8 already tops $50,000 and the Durango SRT8 would likely hit that figure as well, since it would use the same engine, all-wheel-drive system, adjustable suspension and massive Brembo brakes.

As for us, we can think of few better ways to shuffle yourself plus six passengers and their luggage than in a 470-horsepower Durango. And so we ask you: Should Chrysler offer a Dodge Durango SRT8?

View Poll

Dodge Durango SRT8 may happen for 2013 [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted

Chris Paukert — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Dodge

SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always been intrigued by the notion of a higher performance people carrier, from back before Car and Driver magazine's Ford Windstar-based SHOStar to various shadetree high-strung turbocharged Chrysler minivans and outright lunacy like Renault's Espace-bodied F1 car.

Of course, that isn't what you're looking at here: it's what appears to be an SRT-tweaked Dodge Journey R/T, a vehicle that we want to like for its useful size and packaging, but can't because of its indifferent drivetrains and tragic interior materials and ergonomics.

Now, normally we wouldn't get too excited about something like this, in part because private owners often add badges from other vehicles in order to make them seem more impressive (we just saw an i-VTEC Chevrolet Beretta the other day), but these spy shots sent in from reader Nick Leonard appear to be the real deal - not only does the Journey in question boast a well-integrated new front fascia, but also unique wheels, a lowered stance and a quad-outlet rear exhaust surrounded by a different valance. The clincher? Michigan manufacturer licence plates.

Nick says notes that he came upon the car in the parking lot of a Best Buy in Saginaw, Michigan, and he only noted a laptop bag and a jacket in the passenger seat - no sign of any further testing equipment or interesting things on the dashboard. He further instructs that there was an AWD badge on the car (not pictured).

Now, it isn't at all clear that this is a production-intent vehicle, especially considering that R/T and SRT are usually mutually-exclusive designations in the House of Pentastar. This vehicle might be something that bored engineers cooked up for their own entertainment, for a SEMA reveal, or perhaps for a customer clinic - but who knows? It could be something, right? If so, let's hope there's some genuine chutzpah under the sheetmetal, otherwise we're looking at the decline and dilution of the SRT-branded vehicles as we know it.

Check out our gallery of images below... and thanks for the shots, Nick!

Gallery: Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T

Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mopar(ty) On: Dodge's SRT performance division to stay the course

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

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]

Mopar(ty) On: Dodge's SRT performance division to stay the course originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SRT safe from the firing squad

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

It's no secret that Chrysler's going through a rough patch right now as it sets its turnaround plan in motion. Just last week, the automaker announced additional job and manufacturing cutbacks and killed off four underperforming models. Of interest to enthusiasts, however, is the news that SRT, the in-house tuner responsible for niche vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT8 shown above, went unscathed.

In an interview with Edmunds Auto Observer, SRT marketing head Michael Accavitti weighs in with his thoughts about SRT's current position and future direction, how the Daimler split affects it (not much, apparently) and how it'll fare under new Chrysler boss Bob Nardelli (Accavitti is extremely "up" on the former Home Depot chief). We encourage you to read the interview in full, but based on his comments, it seems that SRT remains very much in the plan for Chrysler. It has received support from new sales/marketing/product czar Jim Press, who understands the need to have halo cars such as the SRT models, and for his part, Accavitti doesn't come across as someone who's worried his toys might get taken away from him anytime soon. Check it out by clicking here or hitting the "Read" link below.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]

Photo Copyright (C)2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

SRT safe from the firing squad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram SRT-10 to be put to pasture?

Alex Nunez — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:21:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Dodge

A Knight-Ridder story in Canada's National Post reports that Dodge will pull the plug on the Ram SRT-10 after the 2006 model year.

The all-conquering Ram SRT-10 is powered by the 8.3L V10 from the Dodge Viper and comes in both two-door and crew-cab configurations. With its big polished wheels, imposing face and hood scoop, the SRT Ram is not for the shy, but oh, how fun it must be to to work the Hurst shifter and behold the fury your right foot can unleash.

One thing the SRT-10 does is walk the walk. With a top speed over 150 mph, it earned the title "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" from the bookworms at Guinness.

Since its debut in 2004, it has sold around 2,000 units per year.

If it's really on the way out, it'll leave behind a worthy legacy and gaping hole in the performance pickup niche segment. I'm sure someone will step in to fill it...

Thanks to reader Omar for the tip.

[Source: National Post / Knight-Ridder]

Ram SRT-10 to be put to pasture? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments