Type Division Area served United States CEO Ralph Gilles (Jun 2011–) Parent organization Chrysler | Fate Absorbed under Dodge Products Performance Vehicles Founded 2002 | |
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Industry Automotive industry
Motorsport & Performance Key people Ralph Gilles President and CEO Headquarters Detroit, Michigan, United States Profiles | ||
Street & Racing Technology (commonly called SRT) is a high-performance automobile group within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. SRT began as "Team Viper" to develop the Dodge Viper. It later merged with "Team Prowler", the developers of the Plymouth Prowler, to become Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE). This was renamed Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO). Since all PVO vehicles used the SRT name, the PVO development group was renamed SRT in 2004. SRT heavily tunes and produces vehicles for the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands.
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The naming convention used by SRT for its models are indicative of the vehicle's engine type. The number that follows the "SRT" prefix denotes the number of engine cylinders the vehicle has. For example: the Chrysler 300C SRT8 has a 6.1 liter Hemi V-8; Therefore, the SRT version is known as the Chrysler 300C SRT-8. Similarly, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 along with the Dodge Ram SRT-10 had an 8.3 L V-10.
Currently the fastest SRT production models are the 2015 Hellcat Charger with a quarter mile of 11.0 seconds and the 2015 Hellcat Challenger with 11.2 seconds. 2013 Dodge Viper SRT-10 series with a recorded quarter mile time of 11.1 seconds. The other SRT models have recorded quarter mile performances from 12.8 seconds for the AMG-based Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 to the Dodge Neon SRT-4 at 13.9 seconds.
Chrysler released the 6.4L Hemi engine in early 2011. New SRT-8 versions have 392 HEMI (6.4L) engine, rated at 470 hp (350 kW) and 470 lb·ft (637 N·m).
The new engine is used in the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. With the improved engine, current SRT8 model are not only faster than the previous model, but also has better fuel efficiency than the previous one.
In 2012 Chrysler implemented a plan to turn SRT into a separate brand under the Chrysler Group umbrella. During the 2013 and 2014 model years, the Dodge Viper was sold under the model name SRT Viper. In May 2014, the SRT brand was re-consolidated under Dodge, with former SRT CEO Ralph Gilles continuing as senior vice president of product design and also as the CEO and president of Motorsports.
In late 2014, Chrysler announced a new variant of the SRT named "SRT Hellcat" and another variant called the "SRT Demon" in early 2017.
Future and concept vehicles
SRT in China
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is being sold in China by dealer import methods. Due to increasing interest in American muscle cars, dealers are considering also importing the Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT-8 into China.
Chrysler Group leadership changes
After two years of SRT as an independent division, the recently formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles "FCA" announced on May 4, 2014, that the SRT family of vehicles will be consolidated under the Dodge brand. This includes renaming the "SRT Viper" back again to the legendary "Dodge Viper". This will expand the Dodge lineup to focus it as a performance-dedicated brand. HJSIII