2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4 Pictures, Specifications, Information

With the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, the Dodge SRT-4 was be the quickest car in the Dodge brand lineup except for the Dodge Viper at the time of its introduction. It's a fact not lost on the "fast and furious" fans of the sport compact car scene.

Launching off the hot customization trend that began in Southern California in the mid-90s, Dodge SRT-4 will appeal to both weekend racers and weekday drivers looking for a sporty, affordable compact car with "pocket rocket " guts.

Dodge SRT-4 will have broad appeal in the sport compact car market, attracting the true racing enthusiasts in the segment, as well as everyday drivers who value performance. By offering a true contender to 18- to 25-year-old enthusiasts, Dodge is uniquely positioned as one of the few domestic brands with a vehicle specifically aimed at this growing market segment.

"We"re excited about the brand's opportunity to reach an automotive performance enhancement market that's projected to reach more than $25 billion in the United States this year," said Jim Julow, Vice President—Dodge Division Global Brand Center.

It's a group that practically begged Dodge to produce this vehicle, Julow adds, citing notes left on the windshield of the Neon SRT concept car during auto shows and messages posted on enthusiast-dedicated Web sites. "It's a request we"re happy to fulfill, especially when we can do it with such a terrific offering like the new SRT-4, which attracts young customers to our brand," said Julow. "And that will have a positive effect on our entire brand lineup, while positioning SRT-4 as a new, affordable Dodge icon."

Dodge SRT-4's performance enhancements and "ready-to-race" design also are expected to appeal to everyday drivers as well.

"No other manufacturer really offers anything like this directly from the factory, under full warranty. This gives us a distinct advantage over the competition," said Paul Wilbur, Director—Dodge Car/Minivan Global Marketing Strategy. "Dodge SRT-4 is so well equipped from the start that you don"t have to add a thing if you don"t want to."

A competitive price positions the Dodge SRT-4 as the value leader in its segment. At just $19,995, the car will be the quickest production vehicle available in the United States under $20,000.

"Keeping Dodge SRT-4 at that price point was critical, since we wanted to make sure customers had some money left over to further customize their car if they wanted to," said Wilbur.