Chrysler’s SRT brand could offer supercharged 2013 models

According to the folks at Motor Authority, they have an inside source who has informed them that late in the 2012 calendar year, the new SRT brand will launch an upgrade package that will use forced induction to boost the power of the 6.4L Hemi from 470hp to somewhere in the range of 540-570hp. This kind of power would afford the Challenger SRT8 to stand a much better chance against the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and with 570 horsepower, the Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300C SRT8 could certainly stand toe to toe with any performance sedans in the world.

Since this is a rumor based on insider information, we only have so much to go on but it sounds as though the 2013 SRT Charger, Challenger and 300C would use a twin screw supercharger package built by Eaton. It could come as a package that would be purchased and installed through the dealership or it could come as a new factory-built option but in either case; a supercharger upgrade and 540-570hp would certainly help the Chrysler Group stake their claim for America’s top performance brand. While GM has models like the Corvette and Camaro and Ford has their Mustang and Mustang GT500, no American competition currently has an answer for Chrysler’s high performance sedans and SUVs. Also, when the new Dodge Viper hits the streets early next year, we can expect to see the Dodge name begin reclaiming records stolen by the amazing Corvette ZR1.

Sadly for lovers of high performance, road-going Jeeps, this rumor suggests that the supercharged package for the 2013 SRT models only applies to the Charger, 300C and Challenger. However, this rumor comes with an even more interesting twist…as it has been suggested that these supercharged SRT8 models would come with Chrysler’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. Honestly, we think that this portion might be a little farfetched and, if nothing else, including the 8-speed automatic transmission in the supercharged upgrade package would almost guarantee that this would be a factory option and not a dealer installed package – unless all of the 2013 SRT8 models come with the new 8-speed transmission.

In any case, the American horsepower war is alive and well with the current lineup from the Detroit Big 3 offering big power and if these rumors prove to be true – we could be looking at a new era of high performance from the Chrysler Group.

Source: Motor Authority

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