Fanatics whose veins popped in their necks about reports that Stellantis is nixing the SRT performance division can breathe a sigh of relief. Indeed, technically the Avenue and Racing Know-how division no lengthier exists as a little dedicated engineering group, but the engineers have all been retained and folded into the Stellantis world engineering division, which will continue to make SRT and functionality-branded cars and trucks in the potential. They are nevertheless performing the exact function, it is an organizational restructuring only.
“These merchandise have delighted fans for nearly two many years, and Stellantis will carry on to offer and acquire the next era of Dodge/SRT-branded cars, as effectively as Jeep and Ram motor vehicles that [utilize] large-overall performance SRT engineering,” Stellantis claimed in a assertion. Sources also affirm to MotorTrend that SRT is not likely wherever and the badge even now signifies the pinnacle of overall performance.
SRT Historical past
The team begun underneath Chrysler and survived through multiple company ownerships. SRT was elevated to brand standing in 2011, run by design main Ralph Gilles. It was discontinued as a manufacturer in 2014, nevertheless, and went again to staying a growth crew.
The Potential of SRT
Now the get the job done of the disbanded SRT workforce will be dispersed across lots of of the 14 makes underneath Stellantis as engineers are absorbed into the worldwide solution growth firm, which also faucets abilities from motorsports. Efficiency and motorsports have a champion in Stellantis chief govt officer Carlos Tavares who is an avid racer himself.
Tavares, who frequented Detroit previous 7 days, explained to reporters he supports overall performance automobiles, like the Dodge manufacturer, but he expects electric powered motors and batteries to offer the torque and exhilaration of potential types. The CEO has a group functioning on programs to mature Dodge as a efficiency vehicle brand—just do not hope it to be a repeat of the combustion-fueled energy that was its hallmark in the past.
But we all know the Hellcat V-8 engine’s days are numbered with ever-stringent emissions laws. Electrification seems to be the way ahead for the firm’s efficiency cars, some of which are owing to don the “SRT” badge.
