Special Report: Chrysler Group's SRT Division Unleashes 2,740 Horsepower on the Racetrack

Chrysler Group will soon add three more SRT variants to the mix, the first being the Charger SRT8, followed by the Jeep Grand

Chrysler Group will soon add three more SRT variants to the mix, the first being the Charger SRT8. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Cherokee SRT8 and new Viper SRT-10 Coupe. These might be the most intriguing models to sport the three-letter acronym yet, being that the performance team has not only added its formula for value-priced performance, but also enhanced each car's styling to a much greater degree than the current group of vehicles, SRT-4 and Ram SRT-10 aside.

Are you right for an SRT Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep? Well, while Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were previously seen in a Ram SRT-10, when they were an item at least (he's now involved with Alias' Jennifer Garner, or so I've been told by a much younger associate), and Vipers have been the rides of the rich and famous for almost two decades, and the new 300C and Magnum, if not necessarily in SRT trim, have appeared in a number of rap music videos, these are definitely cars that will find their way into the homes of the less rich and almost famous.

An SRT-4 can be had for $27,280, while the ultra-hot 300C SRT8 starts at only $49,995. That's about $20,000 less than a Cadillac CTS-V, by the way. The Crossfire SRT-6 goes for $62,475, which is amazingly low compared to the Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG that shared all of its mechanicals. Truck buyers will find the Ram

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and new Viper SRT-10 Coupe will be available shortly after the Charger SRT8. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

SRT-10's $58,465 base price attractive, while the Viper's $127,000 might be pricey for a Dodge, but considering that it can outrun, out-handle and out-brake the majority of premium Europeans that cost tens of thousands more, it's another bargain.

Rival domestic brands Ford and GM should take notice that one of the reasons Chrysler Group is doing so much better in profitability is because it's making more products that people can get passionate about. While the SRT cars are among the top performers of their respective classes, even base and mid-line Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps are garnering attention from buyers.

Building cars that people want? What a concept!