Note: Dodge Demon Concept Pictured Here.
Chrysler->ke21’s SRT is an undeniably hot division within the Pentastar, but it seems the loyal fans are wanting more. Ralph Gilles, the brand’s CEO, let loose of some interesting information during a recent interview with AutoGuide. Gilles says SRT is receiving tremendous feedback about the brand’s need to build a competitor to the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S twins.
“I’m happy to see that a lot of our fans want that,” Gilles says. “They ask us about that a lot.” Whether or not SRT will move forward with such plans is still unknown -- and Ralph wasn’t saying much past acknowledging the hole in the vehicle lineup and the roaring customer demand.
Chrysler’s last major stab at building a small, affordable sport car was in 2007 with the Demon concept (pictured above). It was powered by a 2.4-liter in-line-four that made around 170 horsepower. The car never made production due partially to the “Great Recession” and Chrysler’s need for public assistance. However, times have changed and the possibilities for a new SRT-exclusive product are greater than ever.
Even if SRT wasn’t able to materialize a small, front-engine, rear-drive car of its own, it still has a few options with modifying existing cars in Chrysler’s portfolio; namely the Dodge Dart. Rumors have swirled about the Dart getting its own SRT4 makeover since its launch in 2012, with some suggesting it will sport as much as 300 horsepower.
“The community goes deep,” Gilles says about owners of past SRT4 models. “ still care about what we’re up to.” We suspect the SRT team may have something fun up their high-performance sleeves.
Click past the jump to read more about Subaru BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ and its platform mate, the Scion FR-S are two cars made from the right recipe: light weight, strong engine mounted up front, power sent to the rear wheels, a manual transmission, and a low MSRP. The two-door 2+2 sports cars have sold well since their launch in 2012.
Powered by a boxer-style, flat four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, the twins aren't considered overly powerful, but make up for the lack in raw power with their ability to hold the road and handle like a car costing exponentially more.
Starting price for a Subaru BRZ is $25,595 and grows with options.