Chrysler's Rip Roaring SRT Family of Vehicles

Step back in time some fifty years ago and you wouldDaimlerChrysler decided to expand the SRT line up to
see that the American automotive market was muchinclude certain vehicles sporting Dodge, Jeep and
different than it is today. Three companies dominatedChrysler nameplates.
the scene: GM, Ford, and Chrysler with the newlySo, what qualifies a vehicle to wear the SRT
formed American Motors making up the bulk of thedesignation? Several things including:
sales. Volkswagen was new to the U.S. market with--Potent engines. Only the most powerful engines are
its legendary Beetle while Toyota was still a fewreserved for SRT vehicles. While some are normally
years away from marketing its very first cars.aspirated, many have been turbocharged or
Although the term "muscle car" wasn't used until thesupercharged to beef up horsepower.
1960s, a series of "Hemi powered" vehicles from the--Responsive handling. Relying heavily on its Mercedes
Chrysler Corporation began to hit the streets. Theseconnection, the SRT team employs state of the art
particular models influenced this unique segment forsteering and suspension systems in every model. Add
several years until market changes in the early 1970sin more powerful brakes and you have a vehicle that
effectively eliminated that category. Today, musclemasters every turn and stops on a dime every time.
cars are back and the Chrysler Group is leading the--Bold styling. No ordinary vehicle is eligible for the SRT
way with its expansive line up of SRT vehicles.treatment as massive aluminum wheels, front and rear
Although consumer tastes have changed as has thespoilers, and bold air intakes are included to enhance
overall automotive market, Chrysler's SRT family ofperformance. On the inside, race inspired aluminum
vehicles remains a popular choice for performancepedals and sports car derived seating gives SRT
enthusiasts everywhere. Read on and we'll explore thedrivers a true performance feel to match the energy
vehicles that are shaping the new muscle car era.brimming underneath every hood.
Several years before Daimler-Benz and the ChryslerCurrently, the SRT line up includes the following models
Corporation merged to form DaimlerChrysler, a teamwith more vehicles expected to receive that
of Chrysler employees was tasked to invigorate thedesignation:
automaker's line up with bold and exciting models. TheDodge: Ram SRT10 Quad Cab; Ram SRT10 Regular
first vehicle produced by "Team Viper" was theCab; Viper SRT10 Coupe; Viper SRT10 Roadster;
Dodge Viper, Mopar's answer to the Chevy Corvette;Charger SRT8; and the Magnum SRT8.
a few years later it was followed by the PlymouthChrysler: 300C SRT8; Crossfire SRT6 Coupe; and
Prowler, a limited production retro-style roadsterCrossfire SRT6 Roadster.
produced by a parallel group, "Team Prowler". Clearly,Jeep: Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Chrysler was attempting to erase its uninspiring K-carMuch like the muscle car era of long ago, SRT
image with the production of these two models andenthusiasts are beefing up their already potent vehicles
although production was very limited, the vehicleswith nifty aftermarket parts and supplies including
managed to positively impact the Dodge and Plymouthsupercharger systems, exhaust headers, cat-back
brands.exhaust systems, cool air intakes, lowering kits, traction
Team Viper and Team Prowler later mergedbars, and more. Popular aftermarket performance
operations to become SRT - Street and Racingsuppliers are matching the introduction of every SRT
Technology - a high performance automotive groupmodel with new products of their own. Definitely, the
that is part of the Chrysler Group at DaimlerChrysler.SRT crowd is a unique group of automotive
Although the Plymouth brand was eventually dropped,enthusiasts who simply won't settle for the status quo.