Dodge Neon SRT - Trends Top News - American Car

First DriveThis is a car with an attitude attempting to change an attitude. Currently, the Dodge Neon is seriously dissed by the slammed-Asian-tuner-compact contingent. According to Dodge, this one-off-for the moment-Neon SRT, recently displayed at both SEMA and the Los Angeles Auto Show, is a first effort to turn heads and change minds.

By almost any critic's standards, the SRT captures the movement's essence: outrageous race-bred styling, lowered suspension, big wheels fitted with super-low-profile tires, more power, booming exhaust, and window-thumping audio. We had a chance to sample the SRT and, unlike most concept cars, this pocket-rocket really had plenty of go to match its show. How quick is it? Dodge claims to have run 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds flat with the SRT, 1.5 seconds quicker than the last 150-horsepower box-stock Neon we tested.

A fairly well-sorted collection of both aftermarket components and Chrysler prototype pieces developed for other projects, the SRT gets its main muscle from an Eaton supercharged version of the firm's familiar 2.0-liter SOHC four. It makes a stout 208 horsepower at 6200 rpm and ships that force to the front wheels via a T350 five-speed transaxle adapted from the Neon ACR. Completing the driveline are a Torsen limited-slip differential, low 3.94:1 axle ratio, and a street-friendly, overdrive fifth gear-for when you're just out cruising. Eibach springs and Tokico shocks help slam the SRT 1.5 inches lower than a standard Neon. Grip is optimized courtesy of sticky 205/40VR17 Yokohama A520 tires mounted on 7.0-inch-wide TSW aluminum wheels, while the SRT's four-wheel disc brakes feature vented, cross-drilled rotors up front.

Most obvious styling elements are the SRT's tall rear wing and front fascia, both reminiscent of those seen on European touring car racers. There are also PIAA halogen foglamps and clear taillamp lenses, both signatures of the trend. Inside, this new-gen Neon sports blue leather inserts on its Momo Street Racer seats, Sparco aluminum pedal covers, and dash vents with a silver spray paint treatment. And let's not forget the car's proper eardrum-bashing sound system, bolstered by a 4400-amp amplifier.

The SRT drives like what it is: an extremely well put-together tuner car. We found wheelspin off the line a formidable issue, but torque steer was not. Well-balanced handling and decently compliant ride characteristics actually make the SRT both competent and fun through the corners.

Could the SRT make production? Not likely as it sits. However, don't be surprised to see a fair number of its key functional elements show up in the next Neon R/T. Initial public reaction has been quite favorable thus far, and that's always a big first step in transforming any one-off concept into a series-built reality.Mac DeMere

{{{Ferrari 360 Modena}}} SpiderNext up for Italy's primo supercar producer is this open-air version of the 360 Modena coupe, shown here in computer-enhanced guise. Set to replace the F355 Spider in 2001, the alfresco Modena should make its public debut this October at the Paris Auto Show.

The new Modena Spider shares virtually all of its key structural and mechanical elements with its closed-top kin. Styling of the car's Pininfarina-penned bodywork also carries over largely intact, although the top itself benefits from improved noise and weather sealing. An optional hard lid also is expected to be offered as an option. If rumor proves true, the throaty roar of its high-winding 3.6-liter/400-horsepower DOHC V-8 will be heard first in the North American market.