FAST
FACTS
- The Neon SRT-4 was the fastest FWD production car in the U.S, and up until the 2017 Civic Type R, was the fastest FWD car that Car and Driver had ever tested. Even when taking FWD out of the equation, the SRT-4 was the 2nd fastest vehicle in the Dodge/Chrysler model line, losing only to the Viper
- This is one of the few FWD production cars in history that could eclipse the 1/4 mile in under 14 seconds (13.9 @ 103 MPH), beating out more powerful RWD cars like the Honda S2000 of the same year (14.1 @ 97)
- The DOHC turbocharged and intercooled 2.4 liter (A853 engine) is nearly identical to the ’03 PT Cruiser’s engine (A855). The only difference was that the SRT-4 didn’t need the special intake manifold required for the PT Cruiser’s engine bay
- This was a very torquey motor in boosted form: peak torque lasted for over 2000 RPM (from 2200 to 4400 RPM) thanks to the turbocharger
- The New Venture Gear T-850 5spd manual transmission is a heavy duty unit from Chrysler’s European turbodiesel minivans. Equal length half shafts and a high capacity Sachs performance clutch/pressure plate were used. Also featured upgraded steering gear and steering knuckles from the PT Cruiser
- Features a factory Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) limited slip differential, which manages power to the aluminum front wheels
- The front seats are baby Viper SRT-10 seats (literally)
- The idea for an SRT Neon came about when Tom Gale (Exec. VP of Chrysler Product Development and Design) attended the SEMA auto show in 1998. He was shocked at the amount of attention that all the sport compact cars were receiving. This was the beginning of the tuner scene, and Tom could see it coming. The very next year, the Neon SRT concept was displayed at the 1999 SEMA show
Key Model Year Changes:
- 2003 is the first year and has the lowest power (215hp/245tq) and no Quaife LSD
- The biggest changes occurred in 2004, where it received the Quaife LSD, a 15hp power bump (from larger fuel injectors and ECU remap allowing peak boost at higher RPM). The “Neon” designation was removed from the name as well, leaving it simply as the “Dodge SRT-4”
- Only minor changes occurred between the ’04 and ’05 models
- 2005 (final year) is the only year of the Commemorative Edition (pictured)
Specs:
2.4L Turbo 4 cyl | 5spd manual (T-850) |
230 hp @ 5300 RPM (2004+) | 250 lb/ft torque @ 2200-4400 RPM |
0-60 MPH: 5.3 seconds | Top Speed: 153 MPH |
Base Price in 2005: | $22,300 |
– Click for shipping quote –
Model year pictured: 2005 (Commemorative Edition)
Mileage: 58,000
