posted 04-03-2005 02:15 PM         

The Chrysler Group continued to expand its lineup of high-performance products with the introduction of two new SRT (Street and Racing Technology) vehicles at the New York International Auto Show.

For the first time, an SRT badge will be worn by a Jeep® brand vehicle, and the new 2006 Dodge Charger—a legend in street and stock car racing from the past—also will get an SRT version later this year. Both vehicles will get the 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that will crank out 425 horsepower in the Charger and 415 horsepower in the Grand Cherokee, and both will be able to go from 0-60 mph in the 5-second range.

The two powerhouse vehicles will get a number of standard SRT features and unique additions inside and out—including high-performance wheels, tires, brakes and suspensions. Both vehicles will go into production and be available later this year.

Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Dodge Charger SRT8

Grand Cherokee SRT8
The new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will combine the vehicle’s traditional qualities with the SRT group’s balanced approach to performance, resulting in the quickest, most powerful production Jeep vehicle ever created.

“When we set out to create the first Jeep-branded SRT vehicle, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented us with an incredibly capable starting point,” Dan Knott, Director—Street and Racing Technology, said. “With an infusion of SRT DNA, the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the new benchmark performance SUV. It has the raw power to outperform the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, while providing exceptional ride and handling, world-class braking, race-inspired interior appointments and functional, performance-oriented exterior enhancements.”

To create the first SRT vehicle with full-time, four-wheel drive, SRT engineers developed a drive system that was lightweight, yet robust and reliable enough to handle massive amounts of horsepower and torque from the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s powertrain. One part of the equation was to create a new transfer case, combining housing components from two existing units with the upgrades needed to make it SRT capable.

“We wanted the acceleration that only four-wheel drive can provide,” Knott said. “Our goal for the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was to have a well-balanced vehicle with a high fun-to-drive quotient. The SRT-developed electronic four-wheel-drive system is perfectly suited to this.”

The ride height of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is 1 inch lower than the regular Grand Cherokee, which lowers aerodynamic drag and contributes to the vehicle’s aggressive stance. To meet or exceed handling and safety criteria, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Further contributing to its aggressive stance, the vehicle is fitted with unique forged 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with high-performance Goodyear W-rated four-season tires with run-flat capability. All four wheels feature four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo.

Dodge Charger SRT8
When Dodge unveiled the new 2006 Charger for its lineup, performance-car aficionados had a lot to celebrate. Now, the party gets kicked up a notch with the introduction of the Dodge Charger SRT8.

With its infusion of Street and Racing Technology DNA, the Charger SRT8 will provide exactly what performance enthusiasts want in their American muscle sedans: more power, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional and aggressive-looking exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior.

“The SRT approach to performance is multidimensional,” Knott said. “For example, the Charger SRT8 incorporates Brembo brakes to stop as well as it accelerates. Its handling is world-class across a dynamic range. Its interior is designed specifically for the performance driver. And its performance exterior characteristics don’t just look great, they’re also functional.”

The ride height of the Charger SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the regular Dodge Charger. Handling is enhanced for performance with ESP, and all four wheels feature Brembo performance brake calipers.

The vehicle rides on unique SRT-developed, five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Tires are high-performance Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season tires with an asymmetrical tread.

An all-new front fascia includes integrated ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes. The front fascia also incorporates an air dam to reduce lift, and the hood is equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.

The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A dramatic decklid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for high-speed stability and traction.

posted 04-03-2005 10:26 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by jkburns:
Ou how 'bout the Prowler SRT!!! (lol)

Kevin

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Now that's a thought.......