The now-standalone SRT brand of Chrysler has launched in a big way by assimilating the Viper GTS away from Dodge. But there is more to SRT than just the Viper and a bunch of loaded Charger, 300, and Challenger models. Ralph Gilles wants the performance buck to start and stop with SRT, and that may mean ditching some of the excess luxury that the brand has accumulated over the years.

SRT has announced that joining the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee will be two new “Core” models, the Challanger SRT8 Core and the Chrysler 300C SRT8 Core, both of which will ditch opulent extras in favor of more performance and a lower price.

The Challenger SRT8 Core model gets 20-inch rims, a black-on-black spoiler, big Brembo brakes, and your choice of colors including HEMI Orange and Plum Crazy. But gone is the leather interior and active suspension, replaced by cloth inserts shared with the Viper and a simpler suspension setup, sans all the self-adjusting nonsense. Pricing will start at $39,990, which is about $4,700 less than the standard SRT8 model. The UConnect system with the 8.4 inch touchscreen is an option, rather than standard.

As for the Chrysler 300C SRT8 Core model, it follows much the same path. 20-inch rims and Brembo brakes are standard, and the leather seats are replaced by cloth seats. The active suspension system is also ditched in favor of a simpler setup, ans the 8.4-inch touchscreen becomes an option as well.. The Chrysler 300C SRT8 Core will start at $42,990, well below the $48,995 starting price of the normal SRT8 model. The Charger SRT8 Super Bee will start at $42,990, rather than $45,990 for the standard SRT8 package.

Are these cheaper Core model muscle cars just what the doctor is asking for? Tell us in the comments below.