๐ SRT is a division within Chrysler that keeps the muscle car tradition alive.
๐๏ธ In 1998, Chrysler's Tom Gale saw the growing popularity of tuner cars and decided to build a fast, affordable, and modable car.
โ๏ธ Team Viper and Team Prowler united to work on the project, using Dodge's compact Neon as their base.
๐ The Dodge Neon SRT4 was a factory-built tuner car praised for its handling and strong engine.
๐ฅ The public was unsure about the Neon SRT4 due to its styling and the idea of an American company competing with imports.
๐ฅ Despite facing challenges in sales, the Neon SRT4 paved the way for the SRT badge and Dodge's new performance wing.
๐ SRT changed their name from PVO and developed the Viper with a powerful ten cylinder engine.
๐ The Dodge Ram SRT10 was transformed into a performance vehicle by adding the Viper V10 engine and making aerodynamic modifications.
๐ SRT expanded their product range with the Chrysler Crossfire as their first non-Dodge product.
๐ The Crossfire SRT6 was a successful model for Chrysler, with a supercharged V6 engine and impressive performance.
๐ SRT engineers developed the Crossfire on German roads and were eager to work on a new project, resulting in the creation of a high-performance Jeep Cherokee.
๐ฅ In addition to the Cherokee, SRT also enhanced other Chrysler models like the Magnum, 300C, Charger, and Challenger.
๐๏ธ SRT became its own brand in 2012, unifying all of Chrysler's performance cars.
๐ค The independent SRT brand was dissolved two years later, causing confusion among consumers.
๐ฅ SRT launched a model with 707 horsepower, aiming to become the most powerful passenger car in the U.S.
๐ The Challenger and Charger Hellcats made their debut in 2015 and immediately put SRT on top of the muscle car game.
๐๏ธ SRT developed the Demon, a purpose-built street-legal drag car that runs nines at the drag strip.
๐ SRT introduced the Jeep Track Hawk, a powerful SUV with 770 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
๐๏ธ SRT has designed the world's fastest accelerating SUV with a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.
๐ง The next SRT build will be a new Ram called TRX, outfitted for off-road duty and aimed at the Ford Raptor.
๐ Dan Knott, the father of the original SRT8, passed away in 2012 but would have been proud of SRT's work on the track.