Spy Shots: 2007 Dodge Nitro SRT

Dodge Nitro SRT8?!

March 12, 2008

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.

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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.

Dodge Nitro SRT8?! (jalopnik.com)


https://jalopnik.com/dodge-nitro-srt8-366857#replies

Sep 22, 2006



Two hot-rod Dodge Nitros are going to SEMA in Las Vegas. One is this Nitro with a 5.7-liter Hemi and 22-inch wheels and tires. (Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group)

The other is this Nitro Panel Van. The company says it's hoping to "stimulate thinking about the Nitro." This ought to stimulate the SEMA audience. (Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group)

IL Insider: Hemi-Powered Dodge Nitro Charges in to SEMA

Date posted: 09-22-2006


SAN DIEGO — Dodge is preparing two hot-rod versions of its new Nitro SUV for the annual fall SEMA show in Las Vegas, including a Hemi-powered edition with 22-inch wheels and tires.

A Dodge Challenger Super Sport concept also will be unveiled at SEMA, but Chrysler declined to provide details.

Senior Design Manager Dennis Myles said Dodge will install a modified 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the first SEMA Nitro, as well as a Tremec five-speed gearbox, Brembo brakes and 22-inch Alcoa wheels.

The idea, Myles said, is to create "an all-out performance" version. "We want to stir up and stimulate thinking about the Nitro," he said.

The Hemi-powered SEMA Nitro will be painted in black-purple metallic, with a two-tone black and slate-gray interior, according to Myles. A lower aero body kit will include new fascias, wheel arches and side sills. The cabin will sport four bucket seats from the Viper.

A second Nitro conversion — both are being done in-house — will be a white Mopar-themed panel wagon with special graphics on the sides. The rear seats will be removed and a sliding load floor installed to accommodate surfboards and other large gear.

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