Roman military theorist Vegetius asserts that "he who wishes peace must prepare for war." If Vegetius is right, then the upcoming Dodge Neon SRT-4, which debuted at January's Los Angeles Auto Show proves DaimlerChrysler must be the most peace-loving carmaker on Earth.
Although the reformed nose and oversize wing are the most obvious changes to the SRT-4, what really counts is the turbocharger lashed to the 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four. DCX claims the 2.4 will spew out 205 hp, which is enough to slam the Neon from a dead stop to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. DCX also says the SRT-4 will carry a sticker of $19,995 when it goes on sale in January 2003, and it will be the quickest car available for less than $20K.
"You have to give customers the chance to really go for the extreme," says Larry Lyons, DCX's vice president, Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. "Dodge SRT-4 grants them that opportunity. It gives them the ability to earn respect and be accepted on the streets with a car that stands on its own merit."
Beyond the turbo, the SRT-4 will get the NVG T850 five-speed manual transmission, a dual outlet exhaust, an interior tweaked with "Viper-style" seats and just-like-aftermarket gauges, a lowered suspension and 17-inch wheels and tires. Furthermore, promises John Fernandez, director, Performance Vehicle Operations, "One of the great things about the SRT-4 turbo is that enthusiasts will be able to get extra power out of it later through packages available from our Mopar Performance Parts group."
We'll test an SRT-4 as soon as possible.
Rumors & Lies* Toyota has admitted it's considering adding a third dealer distribution channel in North America to go alongside Lexus and Toyota. The new division would be youth oriented. Proposed names for the division include Pamperolla, PlayScelica and Hot Sex!
* It's rumored that positive reaction to the SVT Focus has Ford considering an even more powerful version of the car. Our guess is it's supercharged.
* GM petitioned the U.S. government to require daytime running lights on all new light vehicles. We really wish it wouldn't do that.
* Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler will build a new engine plant together in eastern Germany. The small engines would go in Mitsus and Smart cars at a rate of about 300,000 a year.
* Meanwhile, Toyota and Peugeot will plop a cooperative plant down in Czechoslovakia to build small cars for both makers. There's no truth to the rumor that the cars will be labeled Peyotas.
* It's rumored GM is looking to bring various rear-drive, V8-powered vehicles into North America from its Holden division in Australia. If it happens, don't expect the first 'Roo car to make it here before 2004.
Question Of The MonthNow that the drag racing season is back in full swing, perspective on events is once again possible. Here's our question:* Has the NHRA's absorption of NIRA made any difference with you as a racer or fan?
If you find that the merger has made your life a sunnier, more fulfilling place, let us know. If you've decided that life has grown ever drearier since the merger, tell us about it.
E-mail your responses to SCCNews@mcmullenargus.com. We'll publish some responses in a future issue. If you'd like to write us by conventional mail, just forget it.
Answers Of The MonthIn the February issue, we asked if the NHRA was relevant to import drag racing. Here's what you had to say.
As far as an association between NHRA and "sport compact" car racing, I think in the long run, any benefits will go to NHRA. The sportsman numbers in NHRA are dwindling and they need new blood to support their organization. This support is needed in the form of sponsors (they've lost Winston and Federal Mogul recently) and participants. Sport compact racing provides access to both of these areas for NHRA and while a mutually beneficial association would be acceptable, NHRA does not provide any significant benefits. -Byron Clemens, Parts Unknown
I think the NHRA is relevant to import drag racing. Not so we can compare V8s with 4s, not to prove imports are better than traditional domestics, but to prove one thing: No matter what you drive, we all like to go fast. Nothing annoys me more than the V8 vs. import (and vice versa) debate. Grow up. We all like to go fast, and we all have our weapon of choice. -Rob No Last Name, Parts Unknown.
I believe the NHRA is relevant to import drag racing. In my opinion, the NHRA welcoming imports and front drivers is a major advancement for the U.S. import scene.
Now, because of this gesture, more people might see import racing as a real sport instead of some "rice boy's" backyard hobby and realize that no matter what car you have-even though it's not a top fuel V8-it can still be a hot rod. Just a different flavor.-Samuel Dale,Oakland, Calif.
The clear and obvious answer is, no. Would import drag racing be where it is today without the NHRA? That answer is a clear and obvious yes. It seems the NHRA needs the import racers to help inject some youth into its image.-Dave Hazim, Parts Unknown
WebsideDashing our pride on the rocks of editorial necessity, we're begging you to send us links to your favorite Web sites. We'll look at all the submissions and publish the best here. Of course we'll only feature the non-porn sites in the magazine. If you send us porn links, we promise to look at those too. After all, we're professionals.
It doesn't matter if the site is slicker than a vat of Mobil 1, or just something cobbled together with spit wads and acne medication; if it's cool and it's about small car performance, send the URL to SCCNews@mcmullenargus.com.