For enthusiasts who live and breathe performance, the Chrysler Group’s SRT – or Street And Racing Technology – brand is more than just a badge; it’s a philosophy. Since its inception, SRT has been dedicated to designing, engineering, and manufacturing American vehicles that not only meet but exceed the benchmarks for high-performance. In 2013, the highly anticipated SRT Viper marked its return, embodying this ethos and signaling the continued commitment of SRT to the high-performance sports car market. This fifth-generation icon isn’t just a car; it’s a carefully crafted machine that blends superior craftsmanship with cutting-edge performance technology and driver-focused ergonomics, all while honoring the raw power and visceral thrill that defines the Viper legacy.
Joining the Viper in the 2014 SRT lineup are other formidable machines: the Chrysler 300 SRT, Dodge Challenger SRT, Dodge Charger SRT, and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT. Each vehicle in this stable carries the SRT promise of exceptional performance, infused with street and racing technology.
Ralph Gilles, then President and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports at Chrysler Group LLC, perfectly encapsulated the SRT customer and brand mission: “The SRT brand customer is a passionate, performance-enthusiast, and we are committed to providing them with track-proven vehicles that offer a unique blend of value, technology, power, and character. Each of our vehicles are designed and engineered by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.” This passion is evident in the 2014 lineup, a showcase of vehicles boasting the latest automotive technologies, striking color palettes, and unique features designed to stand out while staying true to the core values of the SRT brand.
Every SRT vehicle is born from a foundation of five key performance hallmarks, each meticulously engineered to deliver an unmatched driving experience.
The Five Hallmarks of SRT Performance
SRT engineers understand that in the realm of high-performance automobiles, power is paramount. However, it’s not just about raw horsepower; it’s about intelligent power. SRT powertrains are engineered to extract maximum power and efficiency from every engine, regardless of displacement. This commitment extends to the transmissions, which are chosen not only for their ability to reliably harness and deliver power to the road but also for incorporating fuel-saving technologies, ensuring that performance and responsibility go hand-in-hand.
Awe-inspiring Powertrains: High horsepower and torque are just the starting point. SRT engineers meticulously tune each engine to maximize both power and fuel efficiency, meeting the sophisticated demands of today’s performance drivers. Proven transmissions ensure reliable power delivery while integrating the latest fuel-saving technologies.
Outstanding Ride, Handling, and Capability: An SRT vehicle is not confined to the racetrack; it’s built for real-world roads. Countless miles of testing on diverse terrains, from challenging race circuits to everyday city streets, ensure that every SRT model delivers masterful handling and a refined ride. Tire and wheel packages are selected with precision to guarantee exceptional performance both on and off the track.
Benchmark Braking: SRT vehicles are synonymous with world-class braking power. Utilizing top-tier components, SRT braking systems provide drivers with consistent, reliable, and rapid stopping power, instilling confidence in every driving situation. This commitment to braking excellence ensures that SRT vehicles are not just about going fast, but also about controlled and safe deceleration.
Aggressive and Functional Exteriors: An SRT vehicle’s design is instantly recognizable, a testament to the collaboration between designers and engineers. Every exterior element is meticulously crafted to be both visually striking and functionally purposeful. From the wind tunnel to the design studio, the focus is on achieving performance objectives while maintaining distinctive brand styling. Aerodynamics play a critical role; SRT exteriors are designed to minimize lift and maximize stability at high speeds, while also ensuring efficiency during everyday driving.
Race-inspired and High-performance Interiors: Stepping inside an SRT vehicle is an experience in itself. Interiors are crafted with high-quality materials, including premium leathers and fabrics, designed to offer both comfort and a performance-oriented feel. Features like confidence-inspiring steering wheels, stylish ambient lighting, and state-of-the-art performance hardware and sound systems transform the cabin into a sophisticated space that enhances the driving experience at any speed.
The Legacy of SRT: From Viper to a Dynasty of Performance
The story of SRT began in 2002, evolving from Chrysler Group’s internal performance divisions. The core mission was, and remains, to create the most daring and distinctive vehicles within the Chrysler portfolio, vehicles that set new benchmarks for performance. The initial SRT team was composed of talent drawn from the legendary Dodge Viper development team, Dodge motorsports, and Mopar engineering – a powerhouse of automotive expertise. Dan Knott, the leader at SRT’s inception, attributed the early successes to this dedicated “team of die-hard performance enthusiasts.”
The 2003 Dodge Viper SRT10 was a natural flagship, the first official vehicle to bear the SRT badge, boasting a formidable 500 horsepower 8.3-liter V-10 engine. Following closely was the Dodge Neon SRT4, a groundbreaking vehicle that redefined expectations for affordable performance. It quickly became the quickest car in its price bracket, capturing the attention of the import tuning scene and demonstrating SRT’s versatility.
Over the years, ten Chrysler Group nameplates have been specifically engineered to wear the prestigious SRT badge, including iconic models like the Chrysler 300 and 300C SRT, Dodge Charger SRT, Dodge Challenger SRT8 and 392, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and of course, the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.
The roots of SRT can be traced back even further, to the 1989 North American International Auto Show where Dodge unveiled the Viper concept. Its raw, muscular design and powerful 8.0-liter V-10 engine immediately captivated the public and fast-tracked the Viper into production. This marked the beginning of a dedicated team focused on honing the Viper for both street and track, leading to significant endurance racing victories in the late 1990s.
Concurrently, another specialized team was developing the Plymouth Prowler concept, unveiled in 1993. By 1997, with the Prowler’s production launch, Chrysler merged these elite groups into Special Vehicle Engineering. This consolidation brought Chrysler’s top talent together, fostering innovation in niche vehicle creation. In 2002, this evolved into Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO), further emphasizing Chrysler’s commitment to high-performance. The SRT badge was officially adopted for all PVO creations, first showcased with the Dodge Ram SRT-10, Dodge SRT-4, and Viper SRT-10 concepts at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. Finally, in 2004, PVO officially became SRT, and in June 2011, SRT was established as a distinct brand within Chrysler Group LLC, with Ralph Gilles at the helm.
Today, SRT continues to embody its foundational principles, delivering vehicles that represent the pinnacle of street and racing technology. With a lineup that includes the SRT Viper, Chrysler 300 SRT, Dodge Challenger SRT, Dodge Charger SRT, and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT, SRT remains dedicated to providing performance enthusiasts with vehicles that are not just powerful, but technologically advanced, meticulously engineered, and genuinely thrilling to drive. The legacy of Street and Racing Technology is alive and roaring, continuing to push the boundaries of American high-performance.
