[dgc333]

Keep in mind the Neon product folks at Damilier Chrysler did not think up the SRT-4. It's a product of the SPO skunk works. It's a limited production (5000 units) one year only car. It's purpose in life was to generate show room traffic to sell non-turbo Neons by cashing in on the sport compact interest. Keeping that in mind DC may have been willing to risk the potential warranty claims on a more razor edged car that is in limited production than they would be with the main stream PT turbo.

Since the Neon becomes a Mitsubishi Lancer joint car next year (or is it the year after) and the PT continues you may see a PT SRT-5 next year, especially with the intro of the convertable and two doors. And, they may have learned enough to give us a 250 hp PT to boot.

Also, the 2.4l turbo motor has been around since 1996 (in non intercooled form). I used to see 4dr Stratus R/T's all over Mexico with 2.4l turbo motors when I was traveling there for work.

BTW, the whole LH line of DC cars switches to rear wheel drive over the next couple of years. It is my understanding the Charger Hemi has been resurected to be Dodge's answer to the Cherysler 300N Hemi.

FWIW, there were only 75 Hemi Darts and 75 Hemi Barracuda's made in 68 and it was a race only car, no warranty and could not be legally registered. I do not know the actual production numbers but it as quite small. It would not suprise me that all street Hemi equiped cars made between 66 (first year) and 71 (last year) are less than the SRT-4 production.