Its other competitors simply don't come close, at least yet. The VW GTI VR6 puts out 200-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, but word is a 240-hp version should be available soon. The Mitsubishi Lancer OZ will be getting a performance boost too, but we'll have to wait to see just how much, and the awesome EVO 8 won't be coming to Canada anytime soon despite my persistent begging. Ford's SVT Focus delivers a reasonable 170-hp but its 145 lb-ft of torque should leave it gasping in the Dodge's rearview mirror. The same can be said for the 175-hp Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, the 170-hp MazdaSpeed Protegé, 163-hp Mini Cooper S and Honda's British built 160-hp Civic SiR. All are great cars in their own right, but none offers the SRT-4's blistering straight line performance.
And if it handles anything like last year's Neon R/T, and my guess is it will be much better, we're in for a driving dynamics treat too. Sticky Michelin P205/50R17 Pilot Sport tires circle four of the best looking manufacturer supplied 17-inch alloy rims available, optimizing the upgraded suspension. A larger 23.9 mm (0.94 in) diameter front anti-roll bar joins the 17.0 mm (0.67 in) stock rear component to flatten cornering, while new knuckles slightly alter its tuned but otherwise stock steering geometry. New high-rate springs compliment its firmer Tokico shocks and bushings too. Four-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS come standard, capable of stopping the little sedan in an estimated 36.6 m (120 ft). Hey, that's better than some supercars!