2003 Dodge SRT-4 Preview

2003 Dodge SRT-4 - 215 Reasons to Get Excited

Sure the launch of the new SX 2.0 is exciting news for budget minded car shoppers, its $14,995 base price and load of standard features will be hard to pass up. But Dodge has an entirely different purpose for its SRT-4. Simply, its bang for the buck won't only be hard to pass up, on the open road it'll be near impossible for most cars to pass at all.

Under the 'Viperette' air scoop adorned hood lies a Dodge 4-cylinder engine, but unlike the 2.0-L SX 2.0's base 132-hp, already one of the most potent standard engines in its class, or the optional 150-hp R/T, the SRT-4's larger 2.4-L will produce 215-hp! That's a ton of forward thrust strapped into a car that weighs only 1,347 kg (2,970 lb). As in the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Turbo that shares its powertrain, the SRT-4 derives momentum from an intercooled turbo, driving the front wheels. Yes, the PT does experience a little torque steer as should the front-drive SRT-4, but it's nominal considering its 245 lb-ft of torque. A New Venture Gear T850 5-speed manual transmission should hold up under the strain, and reportedly offers precision shifts and short throws, matching the engine perfectly.

How does this compare with rival diminutive dynamos? While its horsepower rating is 12 down on the 227-hp Subaru WRX, the SRT-4's available torque is up by 28 lb-ft. That should provide for a broader, more usable powerband, especially appreciated if Dodge plans to offer its AutoStick automatic - Subaru currently has a manual-mode automatic WRX available.