| The Chrysler Group's series of SRT or Street and | | | | --Potent engines. Only the most powerful engines are |
| Racing Technology vehicles are an overwhelming hit | | | | reserved for SRT vehicles. While some are normally |
| for the automaker. Key models from Dodge, Chrysler, | | | | aspirated, many have been turbocharged or |
| and Jeep represent the performance side of the | | | | supercharged to beef up horsepower. |
| house and are taking American streets by storm. | | | | --Responsive handling. Relying heavily on its Mercedes |
| Step back in time some fifty years ago and you would | | | | connection, the SRT team employs state of the art |
| see that the American automotive market was much | | | | steering and suspension systems in every model. Add |
| different than it is today. Three companies dominated | | | | in more powerful brakes and you have a vehicle that |
| the scene: GM, Ford, and Chrysler with the newly | | | | masters every turn and stops on a dime every time. |
| formed American Motors making up the bulk of the | | | | --Bold styling. No ordinary vehicle is eligible for the SRT |
| sales. Volkswagen was new to the U.S. market with | | | | treatment as massive aluminum wheels, front and rear |
| its legendary Beetle while Toyota was still a few | | | | spoilers, and bold air intakes are included to enhance |
| years away from marketing its very first cars. | | | | performance. On the inside, race inspired aluminum |
| Although the term ?muscle car? wasn't used until the | | | | pedals and sports car derived seating gives SRT |
| 1960s, a series of ?Hemi powered? vehicles from the | | | | drivers a true performance feel to match the energy |
| Chrysler Corporation began to hit the streets. These | | | | brimming underneath every hood. |
| particular models influenced this unique segment for | | | | Currently, the SRT line up includes the following models |
| several years until market changes in the early 1970s | | | | with more vehicles expected to receive that |
| effectively eliminated that category. Today, muscle | | | | designation: |
| cars are back and the Chrysler Group is leading the | | | | Dodge: Ram SRT10 Quad Cab; Ram SRT10 Regular |
| way with its expansive line up of SRT vehicles. | | | | Cab; Viper SRT10 Coupe; Viper SRT10 Roadster; |
| Although consumer tastes have changed as has the | | | | Charger SRT8; and the Magnum SRT8. |
| overall automotive market, Chrysler's SRT family of | | | | Chrysler: 300C SRT8; Crossfire SRT6 Coupe; and |
| vehicles remains a popular choice for performance | | | | Crossfire SRT6 Roadster. |
| enthusiasts everywhere. Read on and we'll explore the | | | | Jeep: Grand Cherokee SRT8. |
| vehicles that are shaping the new muscle car era. | | | | Much like the muscle car era of long ago, SRT |
| Several years before Daimler-Benz and the Chrysler | | | | enthusiasts are beefing up their already potent vehicles |
| Corporation merged to form DaimlerChrysler, a team | | | | with nifty aftermarket parts and supplies including |
| of Chrysler employees was tasked to invigorate the | | | | supercharger systems, exhaust headers, cat-back |
| automaker's line up with bold and exciting models. The | | | | exhaust systems, cool air intakes, lowering kits, traction |
| first vehicle produced by ?Team Viper? was the | | | | bars, and more. Popular aftermarket performance |
| Dodge Viper, Mopar's answer to the Chevy Corvette; | | | | suppliers are matching the introduction of every SRT |
| a few years later it was followed by the Plymouth | | | | model with new products of their own. Definitely, the |
| Prowler, a limited production retro-style roadster | | | | SRT crowd is a unique group of automotive |
| produced by a parallel group, ?Team Prowler?. Clearly, | | | | enthusiasts who simply won't settle for the status quo. |
| Chrysler was attempting to erase its uninspiring K-car | | | | The Chrysler Group will be changing the SRT line up |
| image with the production of these two models and | | | | over the next several years with the introduction of |
| although production was very limited, the vehicles | | | | three more Dodge models: the Caliber SRT4, the |
| managed to positively impact the Dodge and Plymouth | | | | Avenger SRT6, and possibly a version of the Nitro |
| brands. | | | | SUV ? Dodge's twin model to the Jeep Liberty. Last |
| Team Viper and Team Prowler later merged | | | | but not least, the ultimate blending of two generations |
| operations to become SRT ? Street and Racing | | | | of muscle cars will become evident when the Dodge |
| Technology ? a high performance automotive group | | | | Challenger makes its debut within the next three years. |
| that is part of the Chrysler Group at DaimlerChrysler. | | | | Yes, an SRT version of this most desired retro coupe |
| Although the Plymouth brand was eventually dropped, | | | | will also find its way into the classiest of new classics. |
| DaimlerChrysler decided to expand the SRT line up to | | | | Copyright 2006 ? Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance |
| include certain vehicles sporting Dodge, Jeep and | | | | writer for Premier Truck Accessories an important |
| Chrysler nameplates. | | | | supplier of SRT aftermarket parts for the Ram |
| So, what qualifies a vehicle to wear the SRT | | | | SRT-10 as well as the SRT vehicles. Please stop by |
| designation? Several things including: | | | | today to explore our vast inventory. |