Spied: Is this a Dodge Nitro SRT8?

Spies have snapped photos of an SRT-badged Dodge Nitro prototype running around downtown Detroit. The undisguised Nitro was spotted pulling out of the famous Detroit Firehouse–the favorite Chrysler-sponsored hospitality spot for journalists covering the Detroit Auto Show.

As the Nitro pulled into traffic and stopped at a red light, the SRT badge came into view, and our spy was able to get out his camera and start shooting just as the light turned green and the Nitro drove out of sight. The view of this Nitro SRT8′s nose was very fleeting, so we can’t reliably comment on the prototype’s front-end styling treatment. Overall, this Nitro doesn’t appear heavily modified.

Sources familiar with Chrysler’s current inner workings have stated that the majority of the company’s engineering resources have been directed toward improving the current product range to improve and enhance the vehicles currently in showrooms–which could apply to this addition to the Nitro brand. Given Cerberus’ cautious reassessment of the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge model lineups, however, we’re not sure that the notion of a Nitro SRT8 makes much sense. But there is no arguing with the SRT8 badge on this Nitro tester. We’ll stay on the case to see if any more Nitro SRT8 evidence surfaces. More photos at Left Lane News.