Spy Shots: Dodge Nitro SRT-8???

[wonderbot]

Filed under: Spy Photos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/), SUVs (http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/), Crossovers/CUVs (http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/), Dodge (http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/nitrosrt8.rc1.kgp.ed_opt.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/695049/)
Click above for high-res gallery of Dodge Nitro SRT-8 spy shots

When one of KGP Photography's crew happened on a fairly innocuous looking Dodge Nitro in downtown Detroit, it was only a small badge on the rear lift gate that gave notice to this Nitro's hidden secret. Sporting the "SRT-8" emblem, this high-po Nitro is likely packing the automaker's 6.1L HEMI V8 underhood. From what we can tell, the vehicle appears to be wearing the 20-inch wheels (http://www.autotrucktoys.com/dodge_nitro/Mopar-OEM-Dodge-Nitro-20-Wheels-P16405C5634.aspx) from the Mopar accessories catologue. Also, those front fender events that are usually capped with three chrome cross bars may be mesh on this particular vehicle and imply (gulp) actual functionality. Other than that, this Nitro SRT-8 looks to have been modified very little on the surface, and unfortunately the camera man couldn't get a shot of the front end, which might be festooned with vents, slats and perhaps a deeper chin spoiler.

While the badge on the rear lift gate could be a ruse, we do know Chrysler is trying to do as much as possible with the vehicles that remain in its line up, and the Nitro could use some attention, for sure. A 425-horsepower Nitro, however, is just kind of nuts. Perhaps it's the poor man's Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

Gallery: Dodge Nitro SRT-8 - spy shots (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/nitrosrt8.rc1.kgp.ed_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/695049/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/nitrosrt8.rcd.kgp.ed_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/695048/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/nitrosrt8.re.kgp.ed_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/695050/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/nitrosrt8.rrb.kgp.ed_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/dodge-nitro-srt-8-spy-shots/695047/)

[Source: KGP Photography]
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[TA^Guy]

Not like it matters, I think I have seen one, maybe two on the road since they have been out.

No one is buying the basic Nitro, why introduce a overpriced one? lol

[matts]

i think it's a fake. i remember reading something about an SRT nitro and chrysler said "not happening". i'm with john, they're hideous at best

[Nitr0Racing21]

When I think dodge nitro I think of something FAST not a SUV, the name fails the truck


NiTR0 is how it should be spelled :D (lowercase i and a zero)

[04REDGT1]

Mixing street performance with a SUV is like mixing oil and vinigar as far as I'm concerned.

[SikMindz]

Mixing street performance with a SUV is like mixing oil and vinigar as far as I'm concerned.

I'm sure a drive in a TBSS or an older Typhoon would change your mind. ;)

[matts]

I'm sure a drive in a TBSS or an older Typhoon would change your mind. ;)

thank you for you defense while i was gone :lol:

just a couple quick links i'd like you to look at :D

10.63 1/4 TBSS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HP8IgBYyUM&feature=related

SRT8 vs. Trans Am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_8pQx2kZx4

apparently the SRT crowd needs to spend some money on video cameras. LOTS of crappy quality videos. they must also be proud of losing, or they're going after too big a fish:lol:

Typhoon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxDkQ9cGzN0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-LzboZVBaE
not a typhoon, but it's brother the syclone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rlXkoWg85s
i'd be giggling like a school girl :lol:

[matts]

Mixing street performance with a SUV is like mixing oil and vinigar as far as I'm concerned.

shake it up and you get salad dressing...people like salad dressing :lol:

[TA^Guy]

I love when people think that Trucks and SUVs can't handle well...

[RazorDX]

I love when people think that Trucks and SUVs can't handle well...

Definitely. My S10 Blazer has the best turning radius than any vehicle I've driven; it handles amazingly well (albeit I do feel like I have a risk of rolling it if I were to push it). If it were lowered or had any aftermarket suspension I'm sure it wouldn't be nearly as bad.

I really don't think this Nitro is going to make it to production. Nobody is buying it as it is. I thought they had already axed it actually, but maybe it was just speculation.