Is the Dodge Neon SRT-4 turbo?
Yes. The Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a turbocharged version of the Neon, produced by Dodge’s SRT performance division in the early 2000s with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine aimed at delivering high-performance in a compact package.
What defines the SRT-4’s turbocharged setup
The SRT-4’s defining feature is its factory turbocharging, paired with an intercooler and upgraded engine management to push more power from a relatively small displacement. This setup was designed to deliver strong acceleration and a sporty driving character while remaining a practical compact car.
Engine and performance
The heart of the SRT-4 is a 2.4-liter inline-four that is turbocharged. The system was designed to provide higher boost and better throttle response than the naturally aspirated Neon, resulting in notably quicker 0-60 mph times for a car in this class and era.
Drivetrain and handling
The SRT-4 uses front-wheel drive with a manual transmission and performance-oriented suspension and brakes to manage the extra power. The setup emphasized straight-line speed and handling balance suitable for a hot hatch, rather than all-wheel-drive capability.
Key specifications and performance
Below are the core specs that defined the SRT-4’s turbocharged performance, noting year-to-year variations.
- Engine: 2.4-liter inline-four, turbocharged with intercooler
- Horsepower: typically around 215–230 hp depending on model year
- Torque: roughly 235–260 lb-ft, varying by year and tune
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard)
- Drive layout: Front-wheel drive
- Body and chassis: Performance-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and distinctive SRT styling
These specifications summarize typical configurations across its production years; exact figures can vary by year, market, and any factory updates.
Production history and evolution
A concise look at when the Neon SRT-4 came to market, its updates, and its eventual end helps explain its place in automotive history.
- 2003: Dodge introduces the Neon SRT-4 as a high-performance variant with turbocharged 2.4L engine and 5-speed manual transmission.
- 2004: Power and cooling refinements appear, with slight increases in output and improvements to durability and driveline tuning.
- 2005: Final production year for the Neon SRT-4; the model ends as Dodge shifts focus, with later SRT offerings appearing on other platforms (e.g., Caliber SRT-4) rather than the Neon.
In summary, the Neon SRT-4 ran from 2003 through 2005 in most markets, establishing the template for turbocharged hot hatch performance in a compact Dodge package during its era.
Ownership considerations and market status
Today, the Neon SRT-4 is a recognizable classic in the hot hatch segment, prized by enthusiasts for its turbocharged performance in a light, affordable chassis. As a used-buy, potential owners should check for turbo-related wear, cooling system condition, and routine maintenance records, given its age and the stresses of turbocharged operation.
Bottom line
Yes—the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a turbocharged variant of the Neon, meaning it was designed around forced induction from the factory. It offered a distinctive blend of compact practicality and hot-hatch performance during its brief production window in the early to mid-2000s.
Summary
The Neon SRT-4 stands out as a turbocharged, front-wheel-drive hot hatch from Dodge’s performance division. With a turbocharged 2.4L engine, manual transmission, and a focus on aggressive acceleration, it represented a bold but short-lived era of turbocharged small-car performance. For collectors and enthusiasts, it remains a notable example of early-2000s turbocharged engineering in a compact, affordable package.
