Jalopnik
Chrysler can't seriously be thinking of bringing an SRT8-badged Dodge Nitro to market, can they? Well, if this latest batch of spy photos from the spy shooters at KGP are right, then they are. But they can't be! Seriously. It's inconceivable. We don't care where they found this manufacturer-plated madness (right outside of the Firehouse in downtown Detroit) or what it has slapped on the back (an SRT8 badge), but it's hard to argue with photographic evidence. We'll assume it's an engineer having a little bit of fun or perhaps another media outlet playing around with the cameras. Because seriously — it's got to be that. The other option? It's just too horrible to imagine. Full spy report from KGP after the jump.
We caught this SRT-badged Dodge Nitro prototype running on the streets of downtown Detroit, causing us to wonder: Is a Nitro SRT8 really in Dodge's future? The undisguised Nitro was spotted pulling out of the famous Detroit Firehouse—the favorite Chrysler-sponsored hospitality spot for journalists covering the Detroit Auto Show. As the Nitro pulled into traffic and stopped at a red light, the SRT badge came into view, and we were able to get out our camera and start shooting just as the light turned green and the Nitro drove out of sight. Our view of this Nitro SRT8's nose was very fleeting, so we can't reliably comment on the prototype's front-end styling treatment. Overall, this Nitro doesn't seem to heavily modified.Sources familiar with Chrysler's current inner workings have stated
that the majority of the company's engineering resources have been
directed toward improving the current product range to improve and
enhance the vehicles currently in showrooms—which could apply to this
addition to the Nitro brand. Given Cerberus' cautious reassessment of
the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge model lineups, however, we're not sure
that the notion of a Nitro SRT8 makes much sense. But there is no
arguing with the SRT8 badge on this Nitro tester. We'll stay on the
case to see if any more Nitro SRT8 evidence surfaces.
Comments
Oh hell no...
Why not just slap a Viper motor in it and have the fastest ugly on the planet?
Does it come with a cup holder?
SRT8 means there's a transverse V8 in there, right? ;)
me thinks its a case of "Honda-Type-R-itis". I'm surprised they did add some NOS stickers to it too.
grody to the max.
As horrible as the Nitro is, this thing would be bloody fast!
Soon, we'll see those badges on everything. SRT-8 is the new Type R.
Now, if they could, out of the kindness of their hearts, and in true Dodge bros. spirit, make something like a neon available in a widebody RWD SRT-8 Hemi, I'd become a disciple of Chrysler again. Oh, and don't even think about an auto trans. T56, pls.
um, urp - glurg; ack, koff. damn, couldn't keep that poached egg down. curse you, Chryberus!
@disgustepated: Damn, I was typing and drinking when you posted that.
I don't see what all the horror is about..
Makes more sense than a grand cherokee srt-8..
I kinda like the nitro.. with a real engine under the hood it's even better :)
The most pointless car Chrysler ever built just became a whole lot more pointlesser.
I call fake: no visible exhaust tips, no body-kit, & those rims don't look OEM even for SRT.
Nah, it just indicates that it has 8 cupholders.
in times of higher mpg why make ur small ute a guzzler..
@ash78:
You mean the second most pointless. I think the Challenger is the most pointless.
Nothing Chryco does suprises me anymore.
Just to answer the question of if it's real or not:
Not lowered.
No manufacturer plate
No exhaust pipes
regular Mopar accessory wheels.
@Rabbi Dave:
Doesn't the small "M" in the middle of the plate indicate it's a manufacturer?
Maybe it's just an "SRT Appearance Package?" I hope?
Here's how I would "direct engineering" to improve this product - Stop producing it!
@Rabbi Dave: I too doubt it's real. I'm not even sure the Liberty/Nitro engine bay can fit a V8. But that's definitely a manny plate.
@Rabbi Dave: As far as I know here in Michigan the little "M" in the middle of the plate means it's a manufacturer's plate.
Yep. Shenanigans. That's a stock Nitro with whatever pos guzzler V6 they put in it.
@ash78: Pointless??? How can you call that pointless? Imagine how fast you could get the kiddies to their soccer games in this thing! If the price was right I'd be all over it. I can just hear the groceries getting slammed against the back hatch now...
Maybe it just has a plastic cover that looks kinda like a SRT-8 Hemi!
...Like the Fierenzo's V-12
Well, I saw a C240 AMG yesterday, there's always a chance this is developed by the owner's skunkworks. If it's legitimate though, I'm ok with that - at least it'll have something interesting about it.
@hapless: If the stock Nitro (a bastard-coated Liberty with a bastard filling) has a longitudinal engine, I don't know why the SRT-8 would go transverse. Of all the things they got from AMC and Renault, weird wasn't one of them.
First off, it has manufacturer plates!!! Says it on the plate.
Chrysler had done a Hemi powered Nitro a while back for the SEMA show as an engineering study. Nitro's are actually pretty cool. For a first shot into that marget segment is is actually pretty nice. Compared to an Escape, I'd take the Nitro. I don't care what anyone says about the "plastic" interiors, all of the vehicles in this segment are "plastic".
If they used a 5.7 Hemi, which is a big upgrade from the 4.0, they would have the MDS and the new generation 5.7 makes a lot of HP and gets pretty good mileage. This looks like a true win win and exactly the point of the SRT program. Best engine combination, best suspension combination, and best interior combination.
I doubt it is real, but I don't see what is so bad about it. I think it is a great idea. In a vehicle this small and lighterweight (compared to the Ram) it should get just as good if not better mileage then the upcoming 09 Ram with the same engine, probably better.
If it is real and anything like the Jeep SRT it'll be great! Size and cost may be the perfect lower level to the Jeep SRT. This would be an awesome upscale model for this segment that no other manufacturer can compare with.
I dig it. You can have V8's and good gas mileage.
Mike
Maybe they are going to dump the Jeep SRT and make it a Dodge? Makes more sense then a performance Jeep.
@PASTOЯ POLAЯ: The difference is the Fierenzo is teh awesome. A Dodge Nitro SRT8? Teh suck.
I think Chrysler's sending a message to gays who are dyslexic, because although I'm not gay, I am dyslexic...
...and everytime I look at the SRT8 badging I see STR8!
@Ray Wert: Teh Nitro suffers from "Frontal Overhang Envy"
when compared to teh Fierenzonomaly!
Presuming it's real, it's like a dumb, ugly girl who can't cook getting a boob job.
@Ray Wert: yeah my bad.
There is room for an SRT-6 in my life. Sure its a POS, but when was the last time we had an exciting SPORT utility from the big three
and I would probably have to say syclone/typhoon from GMC in the early 90's - they were POS, no doubt, but that torque spoke to me in a language that $3-$4 per gallon cannot undo....
If somebody form Chryslerberus was testing an SRT8 that hadn't hit the market yet, why on Earth would they brand it as such in the open? Wouldn't they rather run it quietly, without any particular badge?
Although I see the possibilty that somebody may be trying to gauge the market's response to the very idea of an SRT8 Nitro, without such a thing actually existing... yet.
Did the photogs bother to LISTEN to the exhaust note?
I'm pretty sure even a trained monkey can tell the difference between a V6 exhaust note and a "Hemi" exhaust note.
Oh, and VW called, they want their Jetta wheels back.
If this is real, Chryslerberus' product planners are higher than a kite with JATO rockets.
Congrats Chyrsler. By pulling this goof you just set SRT brand goodwill back 10 years.
Ha! Ha! KGP just got Punked!
What, no Nitro/explosion jokes? Nothing about Alfred Nobel spinning in his grave?
You guys are really slipping!
Could this Nitrostiphe be the replacement for the Magnum SRT8 Wagon?
OH NOES!1!11!!!!!!!!1!!
TEH HORRER!!!1!!!1!!!!
Erm... Hate to disagree, but I would think the FWD jeeps (Patriot and... Hells, I can't even remember the puffer-fish version's name), the school bus (Commander), and the Sebring (go on, just try to picture the latest version in your head... I knew you couldn't) are the most pointless Chrycerberii.
The nitro at least appeals to men with tiny wallets to match their tiny brains and bits.
Jeez, Chrysler will put SRT8 badges on anything. It's a pretty simple formula actually: huge fenders, big 20 inch rims, a turbo and viola! What a disgrace.
Ignorance is bliss with this group.
@ turbofreak: At least it is better than the Chevy formula for the SS.
@Feds: You mean the Compass, right?
Why do people hate this thing again?
This is one of the least ugly vehicles Chrysler makes. It is an SUV, but not nearly as bad as something like an H2, and it is a real truck with a frame (welded to the body Jeep Cherokee style) and a live rear axle, so it is durable and able to tow, unlike a cute-ute.
The AWD Grand Cherokee SRT has had good reviews and sales, so maybe they are trying that drivetrain in a cheaper truck.
@no_slushbox: I'm with you on this one, I like the Nitro! It's boxy, butch, and a damn sight better looking than a CR-V, for God's sake. Add in a stoopid V8, and it's just that much more appealing, in my book.
Produce one for $30,000, pop a Hemi w/ cylinder deactivation in that thing, upgrade the interior, watch it sell. Makes a hell of a lot more sense than a $46,000 monster Grand Cherokee, for sure.
I think the whole concept was based on "People think the Liberty is too feminine!" concept. It's like a branding-driven overraction to a problem nobody had. But lots of good points above. Chryslerberus does have a disproportionate amount of questionable vehicles.
I am surprised they jumped to the SRT8 as opposed to the SRT6? Is the Avenger slated to be the SRT6? I think it is front wheel drive, which would cost more to switch it over. That would be fun to have the SRT8 motor in there...
@no_slushbox: Mainly because it drives like shit and has a crap interior.
@no_slushbox: Jalopniksters hate on everything...where have you been???