Dodge Spirit R/T

The Dodge Spirit R/T (1991 and 1992) was the "fastest sedan made in America". In most books, however, it was the fastest sedan period during its time (and still one of the fastest to this day). It has a rare 2.2L motor and Lotus 16 valve head, this Dual Over Head Cam (DOCH) Turbocharged and Intercooled powerhouse produced 224hp and 217lb-ft of torque. According to Car and Driver, 0-60mph was achieved in 5.8s! Top speed: 141 mph. It would have been much higher if it wasn't for the Spirit's poor aerodynamics. The Getrag 5spd is the only transmission available.
If you are looking for a good, low miles, used car, this wouldn't be the one for you... These are VERY RARE cars. only about 1,000 of the 91's are still on the road, and even less of the 92's are still on the road. Plus, they don't carry a used car price... These cars run about $6,700-8,500, sometimes more.

There were only 1208 RT's ever produced in 1991. The colors available were red (774 produced) and white (434 produced). The interiors are all basically Spirit ES versions: light grey dash, grey seats with red stripes and vinyl sides and back (leather was never offered, damn!). The only exception is the W7 cloth interior: it is the same grey interior without the red pinstriping. There were lots of options available: an overhead console, Infinity sound system, ABS, power driver's seat, power windows, power door locks, etc. A trip computer, air conditioning, and firmer sports suspension were standard.

Distinguishing features between the Spirit ES and the Spirit R/T are rather subdued. It keeps the ES's slightly deeper front spoiler and side/rear skirts, but the R/T adds a rear deck spoiler, the lowest-profile rear spoiler ever made to help and distinguish this car from its lesser comrades. Further distinguishing this car is a small red pinstripe (almost orange in color) where most models have "chrome" trim, and red inserts on the snowflake wheels (on the red 1991 cars only). The integrated grille on the hood is all body color as is the lower chin spoiler and grille. Fine eyes will also notice the DOHC badging on the bumper strips of the car (driver's and passenger's doors - see below) and badging on the trunk that is no longer in chrome.

1991 Production Figures

Out of the 1,208 1991 Spirit R/T's built: 774 were red featuring WJF Cast Aluminum Wheels (polished snowflake wheels with red inserts)

434 - White with WJP Styled Aluminum Wheels (some white/some polished)
1 - W7 Quartz Cloth and Vinyl seats, no striping (owner: Cliff Sebring)
2 - K40 Vinyl Side Moulding
2 - CUN Full-length overhead console (one owned by Cliff Sebring)
152 - AJH "short" Overhead Convenience Package
326 - ABS (882 without)
766 - Power Driver's Seat (442 without power seat)
643 - Infinity Stereo (565 with standard stereo)
877 - Power Windows
1020 - Power Door Locks
1206 - Header Mounted Reading Lamps (without, you're one of 2)

Wait a Minute:

Cars #1 and #5 have both the W7 interior and CUN Overhead Consoles ... VERY RARE cars now indeed (odd as there was only supposed to be one W7 interior...)

1992 Production Figures

The 1992 Spirit RT Marched on into its second year, but very few were produced this year (191 total) and all were early in the model year. Distinguishing features between 1992 and 1991 Spirit R/T's include:

blacked out grille (on hood and below bumper)
the option of a silver-grey exterior (31 produced); 92 red, 68 white
turbo-star aluminum rims (6.0"x15") in place of the snowflake rims of similar size. Tires remained at 205/60-15
turn signals on the front are clear lens, and front side-turn signals are half clear-half amber
wood trim on the dash (fake of course...) and some models have chromed (again, fake) dash vents
150 mph speedometer (in place of the 1991's 125 mph unit)
lower ratio first gear (for even quicker acceleration from a standing start)

This has been my experience with the 91 R/T:

First Gear - Rev up to about 2000-2500 RMP to spool the turbo up a bit, let out of the clutch, get bite in the tires, and get your butt planted in the seat. Second Gear - Bark into second while you make funky faces at your opponent before grabbing for third. Third Gear - Ouch, that's like rubbing lots of salt in a large, open wound. Four Gear - This is the gear for REALLY humiliating your opponent in front of his (or her, in some cases) passenger(s)! Fifth Gear - No real purpose other than fuel economy.

Driving Impressions

First impression: "This car isn't as fast as mine". Second Impression: "WHOA!". This car is actually brutally fast for a four cylinder turbo Spirit. I'm somewhat biased after driving a 91 Dodge Spirit LE for 2.5 years, but a 91 Spirit R/T actually feels a little faster. This could be enhanced due to the fact that the suspension just doesn't keep up with the performance, and that it's a five speed manual transmission. I can put my foot down in almost any gear, the hood rises up and the front tires scurry to catch traction from the power and torque of this awesome powerplant. The shifter is positioned a little higher than usual, and may take a little gatting used to, but this is a usual occurance for a sedan (for example, in the '89 Dodge Shadow ES, the 5 speed is much the same way).

Cool Links

Kelly Blue Book Hotmail Yahoo Ebay Crutchfield MSN.com Auto-Enthusiast