Chrysler SRT here in 2012

Chrysler’s in-house performance division SRT (Street & Racing Technology), recently elevated to a “unique brand” within the group’s structure, will make a comeback to Australia in 2012 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arriving in the first quarter, and the Chrysler 300C SRT8 here mid-year.

Both are powered by a 6.4-litre (392ci) Hemi V8 producing 351kW/637Nm (34kW/68Nm up on the previous 6.1-litre) mated to a five-speed auto transmission. And Chrysler claims the brutal 300C will blast from 0-100km/h in under 4.0-sec and cover the standing 400-metres inside the 12-second bracket.

Ralph Gilles, the newly assigned President and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports says, “Every SRT product will be built to excel in five key areas – awe-inspiring powertrains, outstanding ride and handling, benchmark braking, aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired interiors.” The proof of that pudding will be in the eating next year.

The SRT division was formed in 2002 and its first offering was the 373kW (500hp) Dodge Viper SRT10 in 2003. It was the first of 10 subsequent models to wear the SRT nameplate.