As production of the new ’11 Charger, Challenger and 300 fired up this past Friday morning, enthusiasts of the marks’ more aggressive siblings are left scratching their heads. Where are the SRT’s? Well, according to a report on Inside Line, they’re dead…at least for 2011.

Chrysler spokesman Jiyan Cadiz – while talking to Inside Line on the phone last Thursday – stated that Chrysler will be “shrinking” its high-performance SRT8 lineup to a single model, the ’11 392 SRT8 Challenger. While this might sound rather permanent, its important to note that neither Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles or Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne have stated anything prior to or after to confirm the termination of the SRT program.

“Based on our launch cadence, we wanted to attack the meat of the market,” said Cadiz. “(The SRT8 models) traditionally have been the most expensive (in the lineup).”

Duh.

The SRT vehicles – which sported much more than the previous top-of-the-line engine (6.1L HEMI producing 425HP), suspension components and exhaust – also touted nearly every other additional feature offered by the manufacturer, thus greatly increasing the vehicle’s cost and – consequently – production number. Chrysler sold only 1,850 300C SRT8s and 688 Dodge Charger SRT8s in 2010.

The SRT program – standing for Street and Racing Technology – was first launched under the Daimler-Chrysler days as a step-above the current R/T package, providing enthusiasts with a top-tier option.

While Chrysler has decided to leave the SRT levels off of the redesigned Charger, Grand Cherokee and 300C, the SRT is nowhere near dead, particularly as the 392ci plant – producing well over the official 470HP/470ft. lbs. of torque – has been such a boon for the ’11 SRT8 Challenger.

But as the SRT8 option for the above vehicles automatically included a bevvy of technical and performance options, many enthusiasts and would-be car buyers would prefer a secondary option which would allow for all of the performance options on a frills-free vehicle.

While a ’12 SRT8-powered Charger or Challenger with cloth seats, entry-level interior, basic-electronics package might make Chrysler marketers’ toes curl with the thought, it brings a smile to the face of all of those eagerly waiting for a all-go/very-little show Scat Pack Dodge.