Auto Extreme

Â

The 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4 (Street and Racing Technology) is the second fastest current-production Chrysler vehicle, and one of the fastest Dodges ever made. When I was contacted by Eric Kart from South Point Dodge about reviewing the SRT-4, I was nothing short of excited to have the opportunity to take this new symbol of American power for a ride.Â

In recent years I have taken a liking towards the power, performance and reliability that the imports have produced. I’ve often wondered if their American counterparts were ever going to understand that not everyone wants an oversized sedan that gets really bad gas mileage and mediocre performance. While a couple of the US manufacturers were consistently producing slower but equaled horsepower cars (Car and Driver, 2/98), the import manufacturers were producing real horsepower out of I4 that would equal American power and surpass in performance and reliable. Then a glimmer of hope came from Dodge in the form of the Neon. Its unique crossed-eyed and raised tail design took some getting used to, but it grew on us throughout the years.Â

The drive was nothing short of a lot of fun. Since it was not my car, I was a little apprehensive at first, but on the return trip I opened it up a little more. The cornering handled very well, but I felt Dodge could have lowered the car a bit to increase the cars handling. Pushing out of the corners was minimal and the steering was very responsive. The power felt very strong with some noticeable turbo lag, but no drop in power until about 4800 to 5000 rpm. The car redlines at 6000 rpm and offers continuous torque peak from 2000 rpm to 4800 rpm. The road noise was at a minimum if you could hear above the exhaust note coming from the muffler-less exhaust. The ride itself was smooth considering the upgraded suspension. Even teeth jarring potholes were of little concern.  Â

When I first saw the SRT-4 I was expecting to see the yellow version that you find photos of all across the Internet. It turned out that this one was black. The SRT-4 is available in four exterior colors, including Solar Yellow, Black, Flame Red and Bright Silver Metallic. It has all the outside styling of the previous years with the addition of the newly designed front fascia, which houses the cast aluminum intercooler. Also, is the essential air intake cut into the unique steel hood. This intake is designed to help cool the powerful 2.4-liter turbo engine underneath.

The 2.4 turbo in the Neon SRT-4 (0-60 in 5.9 seconds) produces 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is used in the PT Cruiser GT and may be in the Dodge Razor. The SRT-4 has a Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger that boosts anywhere from 11 to 14 psi. During the test drive I was consistently hitting 14 psi and it was stated that a local APD officer was able to hit 16 psi. It is similar to the 2.0-liter Neon engine in design and construction, but has a longer stroke, a taller block, a DOHC cylinder head and dual counter-rotating balance shafts that reduce engine vibration. Along with the 2.0-liter engine, it has a partially open deck, bedplate, powdered metal connecting rods, and crankshaft design, sealing features, fuel injection system and direct ignition system.

The SRT-4 sits on special 17-inch aluminum wheels, which were shown on the original 2000 Neon SRT concept car. The wheels were designed to look like aftermarket wheels and the unique spoke pattern allows for better airflow to the brakes. The tires, Michelin Pilot Sport, are an excellent choice for the SRT-4. The car sticks to the road aggressively with its fully independent front and rear suspension with gas charged Tokico struts and front and rear stabilizer bars that brings together a very responsive ride.Â

“The Pilot Sport is Michelin’s new flagship Max Performance tire, a position it achieves through new technology. The Michelin Pilot Sport is designed to be different than the Pilot SX MXX3 in that it also extends the capabilities of exotic and ultra high performance cars and their drivers in the wet, while providing progressive handling, exceptional feedback and refined road manners.” - TIRE RACK

The interior is all based around a performance-enhanced design that is clean, fresh and a welcomed change from the many of the standard US products. A satin silver finish found in select areas throughout the cockpit is an excellent enhancement that doesn’t go overboard and the carbon-fiber looking leather around the steering wheel and gearshift are a nice touch, as well. The high capacity clutch is easily managed with minimal force applied to the pedal, which is complimented by the short throw shifter topped by a satin silver finish cue-ball style knob. On the test drive I only scratched from 1st to 2nd once and quickly adapted to the car.

The first thing you will notice when you climb into the SRT-4 are the special performance seats. Taking from the seats in the Dodge Viper SRT-10, the SRT-4 front seats have enhanced lumbar and lateral sections for better support during cornering and other racing style maneuvers. The new Agate-colored cloth on the body of the seats is textured for better grip through the corners. The side bolsters of the front seats are trimmed in vinyl and curve to stabilize occupants; all brought together to further enhance the performance-racing feel of the vehicle. Passengers riding in the back of SRT-4 don’t have to worry about being left out of the racing fun, since the car’s rear seats also feature the textured fabric. Understandably, the seats are a serious issue for some larger drivers to the point where you just can’t fit in them. At this time I am not aware of Dodge offering to install the standard Neon seats to accommodate larger drivers. For me, a 6 ft. 210 lb guy, I fit perfectly. I didn’t find myself trying to hang onto the gearshift to counter the G’s. The seat allowed me to press against them freeing my hands for better control.

“the editors of Sport Compact Car thought it couldn’t be done - the fastest car in America for less than $20,000? But the Dodge SRT-4 did it, and Sport Compact Car awarded it the Sport Compact Car of the Year Award 2003.” – dodge.com

Eric and I spent what must have been over an hour talking about the SRT-4 and what else Dodge is about to put out on the table. It felt good knowing that American horsepower is not something of the past. Eric, a true die-hard MOPAR fan is very excited about the SRT-4 and is more than happy to get you in the seat for a test drive. If your interested in checking out the new Neon SRT-4, please don’t hesitate to give Eric a call at South Point Dodge. The number is: 512-443-9333 or 1-800-471-5204. If you’d like to just stop on by and check it out, they are located at 5210 IH-35 S in Austin. Stop on by and take a ride in the fastest 4 door sports sedan under $20,000. Dodge is currently offering a Standard transferable 7-year/ 70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.* I was also told that this warranty does include the turbo, so your best bet is to get this deal now before it’s gone.Â
*See South Point Dodge for a copy of this limited warranty.

Other noted information from across the Internet:

· Car and Driver: 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, top speed 153 mph

· Sport Compact Car: 5.8 seconds, quarter mile 14.2 seconds

Brooke McClelland wrote: According to their chassis dyno, this Neon puts out 223 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque at the wheels! … In comparison, their test of a 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R, which is rated at 175 HP, put out just 141 HP at the wheels.Â

Exterior
Length: 174.4 in. Width: 67.4 in.
Height: 56 in. Wheel Base: 105 in.
Ground Clearance: 6.1 in. Curb Weight: 2939 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 38.4 in. Front Hip Room: 52.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.4 in. Rear Head Room: 36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 52.8 in. Rear Hip Room: 52.9 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 34.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 13 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 215 hp
Max Horsepower: 5400 rpm Torque: 245 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3200 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 38.9 ft.
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.5 gal.Â
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 22 mpg / 30 mpgÂ
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Manual: 275 mi. / 375 mi.

Other Sites with information about the Dodge Neon SRT-4

2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4 4 Dr Sedan : At a Glance

For 2003, the Dodge Neon introduces the new SRT-4 model in addition to its existing SE, SXT, and R/T models. While a 2.0L 132-hp engine powers the SE and the SXT, and a 2.0L 150-hp engine powers the RT, the new SRT-4 is powered by a 2.4L 215-hp turbo engine. The vehicle can be coupled with either a standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic. For added safety, all models are available with anti-lock brakes, Sentry Key, and LATCH child safety seat anchors. New features on the SE include 14-inch wheel covers and an AM/FM radio with cassette and changer controls. 16-inch aluminum wheels and fog lamps are added to the RT model. The SRT-4 was introduced into production late in the model year.

Source: About Auto Buying

Sport Compact Car: 2003 Dodge SRT-4

The Americans fight back

Source: Sport Compact Car Magazine

Sport Compact Car Magazine: Dodge SRT-4

Source: Sport Compact Car Magazine

Motor Trend: 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Imagine a compact four-door sedan with 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque surging to the front wheels via a turbo four. If that makes sense, so does the sport compact phenomenon.

Source: MotorTrend Magazine

Sport Compact Car Magazine Car Of The Year Award: 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Source: Sport Compact Car Magazine

Poll: Street Tough Sport Compacts

Which sedan featured in a June 2003 comparison test would you most want to own?

Source: MotorTrend Magazine

Poll: Street Tough Sport Compacts

Which sedan featured in a June 2003 comparison test would you most want to own?

Source: MotorTrend Magazine

Turbo Magazine: Tech Blitzkrieg 4: Dodge Neon

Source: Turbo and High Tech Performance Magazine

Â

Â

Â

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.