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Willow Springs Raceway

At AutoPacific we’ve been doing a lot of EV research.  A lot.  So it was with a smile that we accepted the Chrysler Group’s offer to come to Willow Springs, north of Lancaster in California’s high desert.  No EVs here.  No range anxiety discussions. The Chrysler Group hauled a load of journalists and analysts to Willow Springs to remind us that anxiety should remain a small part of the driving experience. Exhilaration is better.

Once we were settled, Ralph Gilles, CEO, SRT Brand and Motorsports, announced that Chrysler has officially elevated its in-house performance division – the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team – to a separate company brand to build high-performance vehicles for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. The Chrysler public relations team was on hand the let us take a few of the latest SRT vehicles for laps on the famed racetrack. Not a bad day.

SRT History

Bringing SRT to this level of commitment has taken some time. The Dodge Viper concept car from the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit got the ball rolling.  A huge hit that was immediately approve for production, the Viper started a new area of performance at Chrysler.  By 2002, SRT was created to be Chrysler Group’s in-house performance group.  The team consisted of Dodge Motorsports, the Mopar Engineering team, and original members of the Dodge Viper Development Team.  In 2003, Chrysler released the Dodge Viper SRT10^® as its first vehicle with an 500 horsepower 8.3-liter V-10 engine. Over the years, we have seen 10 Chrysler Group SRT vehicles.   With the elevation of SRT to a separate company brand, we can expect to see many more.

SRT Method

The backbone of the plan is to start with existing Chrysler Group vehicles and make significant improvements in five specific areas: Powertrain, handling, braking, exterior styling and interior styling.

Powertain: The current lineup shares a common 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 powertrain for best-ever horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency ratings.  On the track, these vehicles move!
Handling: Every SRT vehicle is tested to assure superior handling on racetracks and city streets. The available tire and wheel packages are selected to guarantee the best possible performance.

Braking: SRT vehicles get monster brakes designed for each vehicle.  Given the performance of the HEMI, this is a welcome addition on the track.

Exteriors: SRT exterior elements set the vehicles apart. All the design elements on the exterior are functional. Since SRT vehicles are drag limited, they are designed to be stable at very high speeds with a goal to achieve the least amount of lift as possible, while being efficient at touring speeds.  How does, North of 170 MPH sound?

Interiors: Chrysler has made great jumps in interiors recently.  The SRT lineup takes it a bit further. High-quality materials, leather and fabrics are seen throughout. Sporty steering wheels, upgraded ambient lighting and sound systems add to the SRT experience.

For 2012 the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is joined by the Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Two muscle classics, one muscle cruiser, and a muscle family hauler.  After taking all three around Willow Springs its pretty clear that all have what it takes to be considered true muscle.  Even the Grand Cherokee leaves the impression of excessive power and control.