A series of brand presentations given at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Investor Day have given us a window into Dodge’s near-to-midterm product plans. As part of the bombshell news that Dodge will absorb the SRT brand comes news of a planned Dodge Dart SRT for 2017. In addition, there will be an SRT version of the upcoming crossover that will replace the Dodge Journey.
The 2017 Dart SRT is obviously the big news here. It will arrive in December 2016, about six months after the refreshed current-gen Dart is introduced. The new car will be the spiritual successor to the Caliber SRT4 and, of course, the beloved beloved Neon-based Dodge SRT-4. While there is no “4” in the SRT suffix, it will most certainly be powered by a high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as were its predecessors.
Unlike the hopped-up Neon and Caliber models, the Dart SRT will have all-wheel drive, which would allow it to get its power to the ground far better than its raucous, bucking, torque-steering forebears. How “high-output” are we talking? Well, considering that the Caliber SRT4 made 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque way back in 2008, you can bet the Dart SRT will do considerably better than that. Plan on the low- to mid-300-hp range, with at least 300 lb-ft of torque. Subaru WRX, Ford Focus ST, VW Golf R: You’ve all been put on notice.
- Dodge Dart Research: Pricing, Reviews, Photos, and More
- Long-Term Road Test: 40,000 Miles with a Dodge Dart 1.4T Rallye
- First Drive: 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan
The other news here is that the Dart’s crossover spinoff—set to replace the aging Journey and due about a month after the redone Dart—will get the SRT treatment. That version should launch shortly after the Dart SRT. And according to the Dodge presentation, the SRT-branded crossover also will get a high-output turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Will it effectively replace the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the future of which is in peril under the new Dodge/SRT plan? Not unless it has a stonkin’ Hemi under the hood it won’t, but it could be entertaining in its own right.
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