Auto Industry Revives: SRT Makes a Comeback, Tim Kuniskis Stepping as Leading Figure
In a significant move, automotive giant Stellantis has announced the relaunch of its high-performance SRT division, marking a renewed focus on engineering excellence across its American brands. The announcement, made on July 2, 2025, places Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram and head of American Brands and North America Marketing and Retail Strategy for Stellantis, at the helm of the division.
The revival of SRT signifies a return to the brand's roots, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of power, aerodynamics, handling, and technology. SRT will oversee the Direct Connection program and North American motorsports initiatives, such as participation in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and Ram's return to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026.
While specific models for the relaunched SRT have not been detailed, expectations are high. Dodge is likely to see high-performance variants of the Challenger and Charger. Jeep could potentially unveil enhanced versions of the Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. Ram, with its return to motorsports, is expected to debut performance-oriented trucks. Chrysler could see a return of the 300C or other high-performance models.
The return of SRT sets the stage for a significant increase in performance offerings from Stellantis over the coming years. However, the author hopes that the division doesn't focus solely on high-power Chargers, given the historical involvement of SRT in creating powerful and innovative cars that were renowned for their handling, not just power.
The SRT division was originally a skunkworks group that developed the iconic Viper in 1989. Chrysler's performance division was once about more than just drag strip domination, with the Viper and Neon SRT-4 being examples of vehicles that were celebrated for their handling as well as their power.
The new Charger has had a challenging debut and received negative reviews, but the return of SRT could breathe new life into the model. There have also been rumors about the long-rumored comeback of the Hemi V8 in the Charger. Dodge has reportedly refocused efforts on the Hurricane inline-six-powered versions of the Charger coupe and sedan.
The announcement of SRT's return was made in a YouTube video titled "SRT Returns," which showcases a deep dive into the bowels of Stellantis' North American headquarters, bearing the Pentastar logo. Kuniskis also mentioned recruitment efforts for the SRT division, stating that they are getting the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics to build a team worthy of the SRT name.
The relaunch of SRT is seen as a step towards a product launch cadence enabling more performance than ever before, making enthusiasts of Stellantis' brands happy. However, it remains to be seen how the division will evolve and what new innovations it will bring to the table. One intriguing possibility is the potential for a Hornet SRT, but no official confirmation has been made regarding this model.
In conclusion, the relaunch of SRT is a significant development for Stellantis and its American brands. With a renewed focus on performance engineering and a talented team at the helm, the coming years promise to be an exciting time for enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles.
- Stellantis' American brands are poised for a significant increase in performance offerings, following the relaunch of their high-performance SRT division.
- Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram and head of American Brands and North America Marketing and Retail Strategy for Stellantis, will lead the SRT division, focusing on engineering excellence across the industry.
- The revival of SRT signifies a return to the brand's roots, with a focus on power, aerodynamics, handling, and technology, extending to the home-and-garden sector with innovative gadgets and technology.
- Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and potentially Chrysler could see high-performance variants of their models, with Dodge's new Charger being a key candidate for a second chance.
- The SRT division was initially a skunkworks group responsible for creating iconic vehicles like the Viper and Neon SRT-4, known for both power and exceptional handling.
- With the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics now part of the SRT team, Stellantis enthusiasts can look forward to a product launch cadence that may include electric vehicles, car-maintenance gadgets, and sports-oriented models like the Hornet SRT.
- The transportation industry, retail sector, lifestyle trends, and even the sports world will be impacted by the return of SRT, with automotive giants like Stellantis setting new standards for performance and innovation in the future.
