and spent like 40 minutes talking about my Jeep.

Some questions asked:
What I liked most. The performance!!!
- Follow-up on why I like performance (was it the straight line, overall dynamics etc).
What I thought was missing.
- LSD diffs, a 6th gear, interface for better tuning
What could be better?
- one answer he wrote down -- update mygig to sync with iTunes
- sunroof delete option
- additional interior color options
- special editions or serialization (1 of 3000?)
- tires!
Did I have any issues with vibration? (that was an interesting one)
Would I buy another SRT8?
- hell yes!

On the interface for better tuning -- before going to mgmt I was a computer systems engineer so the idea of APIs (application programming interfaces (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_programming_interface)) is a method to allow connectivity to systems through a uniform set of rules/processes. So if our ECU had an API set to allow access to tuning that didn't require complete knowledge of the internal systems (from a software perspective), we could have the ability to tune to 10/10ths.

I have to say, thinking about the questions after the call, it seemed as if he was looking for data to build a business case on why there should be an SRT8 version of the WK2.

Perhaps we can help. Here's a definition of business case:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_case

You should of said it was too slow and needs a 6.4L with better driveline.

I have to say, thinking about the questions after the call, it seemed as if he was looking for data to build a business case on why there should be an SRT8 version of the WK2.

Perhaps we can help. Here's a definition of business case:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_case

Your probably right PJ... they're capturing voice of customer (VOC) to get the project funded.

At this point the only concern is not achieving the NPV hurdle and IRR based on the project and tooling costs for the SRT model. If the bean counters look at the volume and CapEx across the entire platform (all models) it may have a chance.

This is how we manage our portfolio and R&D projects.

Your probably right PJ... they're capturing voice of customer (VOC) to get the project funded.

At this point the only concern is not achieving the NPV hurdle and IRR based on the project and tooling costs for the SRT model. If the bean counters look at the volume and CapEx across the entire platform (all models) it may have a chance.

This is how we manage our portfolio and R&D projects.

There's a rumor (and I'm adding to it right now - sorry) of an WK2 SRT8 mule . . . I don't doubt it.

I had an interesting thought about the new Durango/Magnum as an option for an SRT8 vehicle (it's based on the WK2) too.

There might be a way of sneaking a question in tonight's chat session. Maybe ask if these phone calls are meant to gauge interest. They won't answer questions on future product, but they might give some insight as to why they'd be making phone calls.

Bernie

I like CentralTexHemi's answer.:D

I also received a call today from SRT. Nice guy, I only chatted with him for about 10 minutes. I told him I wanted to buy the new Jeep bodystyle SRT if it had the 6.4L and a heated steering wheel. I don't know what I will get if they don't make it, since I get a new car every 2 yrs or so.

Nice...Did you get their Caller ID? I'll call them right now and tell them I'd put a down payment on one if that will help! LOL!!!

no...Really...I would! :D

Nice...I think we all have a lot of insight and plenty of answers to any question they would have.

I am really hoping they give the next gen jeep the srt treatment. I saw a rendering of the new Durango/magnum and it looked okay but I'd like to stick with the jeep. I was never impressed w/the durango's at all.

They need to kill the Durango.... no need for it in the product lineup. The SRT8 in 2012 seems to be more of a reality every day.

I'm glad to see the engineers asking their consumer base questions. I wish they'd call me but I think there's a dart-board with my face on it in their office..... I've complained to them consistently about every single stock part that broke under heavy power, or didn't work well with lik 3x-4x the power it was intended to handle.

They need to kill the Durango.... no need for it in the product lineup. The SRT8 in 2012 seems to be more of a reality every day.

I'm glad to see the engineers asking their consumer base questions. I wish they'd call me but I think there's a dart-board with my face on it in their office..... I've complained to them consistently about every single stock part that broke under heavy power, or didn't work well with lik 3x-4x the power it was intended to handle.


When I asked them about shortshifting at 90mph instead of 100 they replied with a list of everything in my signiture!!

Nice...Did you get their Caller ID? I'll call them right now and tell them I'd put a down payment on one if that will help! LOL!!!

no...Really...I would! :D

I do have the number, it was a 248 area code. I am glad he did not block his number or the call would have been sent to voice mail.

Your probably right PJ... they're capturing voice of customer (VOC) to get the project funded.

At this point the only concern is not achieving the NPV hurdle and IRR based on the project and tooling costs for the SRT model. If the bean counters look at the volume and CapEx across the entire platform (all models) it may have a chance.

This is how we manage our portfolio and R&D projects.

Out of curiosity, do we know or have a rough idea whether the existing GCSRT8 has been a commercial success, all things considered (including the benefits in terms of image)?
I mean, producing the GCSRT8 in 2010 might just have been an opportunity to further amortize the existing production tool... My underlying question is: can Chrysler/SRT build their case for the 2012 GCSRT8 based on a commercial success or do they have to prove to the brass that it's going to work this time...?

Out of curiosity, do we know or have a rough idea whether the existing GCSRT8 has been a commercial success, all things considered (including the benefits in terms of image)?
I mean, producing the GCSRT8 in 2010 might just have been an opportunity to further amortize the existing production tool... My underlying question is: can Chrysler/SRT build their case for the 2012 GCSRT8 based on a commercial success or do they have to prove to the brass that it's going to work this time...?

good questions, a lot has changed over the past six or seven years.

Well, they did build the 2010s, I have one... my second GCSRT. According to dealers I've talked to, there was a significant spike in demand recently. My dealer couldn't get allocations... my order was picked up because it was considered a sold order.

The Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process... (my company's nomenclature) that aligns and maintains close watch on the various model sales demands, manufacturing schedules, current inventory, allocations, etc. is the feedback business leaders use extensively.

That's why I have said in the past, buying now helps the brand in the future... if sales dwindle, the opportunity for R&D projects follows. That could mean good or bad news...

This is a high level weekly or monthly meeting that typically includes senior and executive leadership...

The good news is they've sold every unit built from 2006-2010 and have satisfied customers buying their second SRT and trading up from other brands in a downed economy - I guess this could be the measure of commercial success.

I can't gauge what they're thinking and how they run their business from my vantage point... I can say this, customers receiving phone calls from SRT engineers with inquiry on the good, bad and ugly... and what things you would like in the future is a very good sign...

This means the business center leaders sent R&D out to seek project funding, VOC and the possibility to extend the approved platform and model beyond its current lineup – the SRT has been on hold or the backburner so to speak.

All positive signs...

good questions, a lot has changed over the past six or seven years.

Well, they did build the 2010s, I have one... my second GCSRT. According to dealers I've talked to, there was a significant spike in demand recently. My dealer couldn't get allocations... my order was picked up because it was considered a sold order.

The Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process... (my company's nomenclature) that aligns and maintains close watch on the various model sales demands, manufacturing schedules, current inventory, allocations, etc. is the feedback business leaders use extensively.

That's why I have said in the past, buying now helps the brand in the future... if sales dwindle, the opportunity for R&D projects follows. That could mean good or bad news...

This is a high level weekly or monthly meeting that typically includes senior and executive leadership...

The good news is they've sold every unit built from 2006-2010 and have satisfied customers buying their second SRT and trading up from other brands in a downed economy - I guess this could be the measure of commercial success.

I can't gauge what they're thinking and how they run their business from my vantage point... I can say this, customers receiving phone calls from SRT engineers with inquiry on the good, bad and ugly... and what things you would like in the future is a very good sign...

This means the business center leaders sent R&D out to seek project funding, VOC and the possibility to extend the approved platform and model beyond its current lineup – the SRT has been on hold or the backburner so to speak.

All positive signs...

Great post!

I wonder if they would consider that incentives on the Jeep SRT8 were not seen until the 2009 sales year (AFAIK) which means dealerships were able to maximize profits from selling this vehicle.

The difficult task here will be to show the value with low production numbers (approx 3000 per year). I don't know why they wouldn't go with serializing these Jeeps as they did the 1st run of Challengers (6400 of them!). That would be one way to add more distinction (translating into a higher MSRP).

IMO, the 2010 was merely a continuation of 2009 as the WK2 production was pushed back. It's possible that fewer 2009 were produced as well meaning there were parts to build a decent run rate for 2010. We'd have to see final production #s for 2009 + 2010. I bet its close to 3300 combined.

Either way -- this is all great supposition on our part. The only event that will confirm our hopes will be a 'spy shot' of a WK2 SRT8 test mule :) I don't think we'll get any 'leaked' information as Mr Marchionne does NOT like to tip his hand. Don't expect dealers to get any 'inside' information either, they get information on a need to know to do your job basis.

Great post!

I wonder if they would consider that incentives on the Jeep SRT8 were not seen until the 2009 sales year (AFAIK) which means dealerships were able to maximize profits from selling this vehicle.

The difficult task here will be to show the value with low production numbers (approx 3000 per year). I don't know why they wouldn't go with serializing these Jeeps as they did the 1st run of Challengers (6400 of them!). That would be one way to add more distinction (translating into a higher MSRP).

IMO, the 2010 was merely a continuation of 2009 as the WK2 production was pushed back. It's possible that fewer 2009 were produced as well meaning there were parts to build a decent run rate for 2010. We'd have to see final production #s for 2009 + 2010. I bet its close to 3300 combined.

Either way -- this is all great supposition on our part. The only event that will confirm our hopes will be a 'spy shot' of a WK2 SRT8 test mule :) I don't think we'll get any 'leaked' information as Mr Marchionne does NOT like to tip his hand. Don't expect dealers to get any 'inside' information either, they get information on a need to know to do your job basis.

Well incentives impact COGS..... keeps the manufacturing lines moving and dealers in business. They'd take multiple actions within the operations to make up for the shortfall - of course, there are really no high expectations for profitability at this point.

Interesting analysis on run-rates... I think Yr/2009 will be lower, maybe 1,000 units.. 5-6 months production? Yr/2010 maybe the same... last schedule in March? Therefore the 5 year target of 15K units vs. actual run-rate, it appears they achieved 73% of forecast.

If we look at the total Chrysler sales numbers... I say the Jeep SRT exceeded expectations on all fronts. Plus they'll look at the total SRT lineup. Take note, there are other SRT branded vehicles sitting on lots unsold - the Jeep will be zero (0) in a year of discontinuance with a new model being released.

In my opinion the Jeep SRT has emerged as the wonder wagon...

Hey guys... Matt (WS6TA) just confirmed the caller ID number that was on my phone yesterday was the same number he received from SRT Engineering. The number is non-working from the outside, so no chance to call them back.

If you receive a phone call from Chrysler Group LLC, take it.... perfect opportunity to shape the future of the Jeep SRT brand.

As a loyal Chrysler customer, I would like to see the results. If there's way for the Admins to get through to the SRT Group, please encourage them reach out again through this forum or setup a WebX session, or something... we're the ones that will be buying the next gen WK2 SRT.

SRT Engineering... if your reading this thread, I appreciate the effort trying to reach out to customers - I can't be at home 24/7. I would hop on a flight and travel anywhere in the USA at my expense to attend a customer focus group to provide input for the SRT line...

If there's way for the Admins to get through to the SRT Group, please encourage them reach out again through this forum or setup a WebX session, or something... we're the ones that will be buying the next gen WK2 SRT.

SRT Engineering... if your reading this thread, I appreciate the effort trying to reach out to customers - I can't be at home 24/7. I would hop on a flight and travel anywhere in the USA at my expense to attend a customer focus group to provide input for the SRT line...

It's a well known fact the SRT Engineers peruse all the boards, some may even be members most would never guess. I've personally seen them reading threads in the past. For instance Ralph Gilles used to post on 300cforums as RG61. You can be assured they know what's going on.

Damn, it's too bad this wasn't brought up at the chat session last Wednesday. It would have been very interesting to hear what they would have said.

Bernie

Damn, it's too bad this wasn't brought up at the chat session last Wednesday. It would have been very interesting to hear what they would have said.

Bernie

I was trying to post a quick question regarding their inquiries from work... I'm not a member on that other site, had to run so a gave up. :(

SRT Engineering... if your reading this thread, I appreciate the effort trying to reach out to customers - I can't be at home 24/7. I would hop on a flight and travel anywhere in the USA at my expense to attend a customer focus group to provide input for the SRT line...

I'm in as well!

However, we do know they browse our forums. Maybe we can create a Poll/Sticky thread, that would allow us to add "Realistic" suggestions to the engineers for the WK2 SRT8.

If they're not realistic, the validity and tediousness of the post would render it useless as an information source for the engineers.

Can't hurt, that's for sure!

PJS, fire up a Poll/thread!

I'm in as well!

However, we do know they browse our forums. Maybe we can create a Poll/Sticky thread, that would allow us to add "Realistic" suggestions to the engineers for the WK2 SRT8.

If they're not realistic, the validity and tediousness of the post would render it useless as an information source for the engineers.

Can't hurt, that's for sure!

PJS, fire up a Poll/thread!

I'm game but it would be nice if Bernie would help to moderate the thread so as to keep the posts on-point and not ranting IMO. Bernie?

I'm also going to approach the local rep on making a connection back to SRT. Perhaps he can help us . . . or point us to the right direction ;)

I'm certain the SRT Engineer chat's serve much of this purpose as well.

At my company, we have "Advisory Councils' where we customers are nominated by the Account Teams. These customers are provided extraordinary access to our senior mgmt for feedback. Trust me, it's not all 'buddies' on that council either -- we often take the most demanding customers as well as a few loyal, hardcore fans as well to balance things out.

I'm going to look into this post if it shows up. I held off for a while buying a Jeep SRT8 before and if the 2012 comes out I will be the first in line with a trade in. They need to vastly improve the fit and finish (of course I have an 06 and haven't taken a ride in a newer model.) More power, better handling (adjustable ride height?) :D