That was one of the questions posed to Ralph Gilles at a press event last year, shortly after he was appointed chief executive of the Chrysler Group’s SRT operation. The occasion was the introduction of the 2012 SRT8 derivatives of the Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger and Challenger, each powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 producing 470 horsepower.

SRT — for Street and Racing Technology — was created in 2002 as Chrysler’s captive high-performance skunkworks, and it became a full-fledged brand of the revived corporation last September. The four latest SRT vehicles went on sale last fall.

“These vehicles represent an interesting cocktail of value,” Mr. Gilles’s answer to the reporter began. “They are extremely cost-effective to build because of the number of shared parts. People are willing to pay a premium for this kind of performance. They are extremely profitable for us.” The SRT package of enhancements, which includes distinctive touches for both the exteriors and interiors, carries a premium of at least $20,000 over the basic versions of these models. Prices start at $45,820 for the Challenger SRT8, and top out at $61,785 for the Grand Cherokee SRT8. The Charger SRT8 starts at $43,320 for Super Bee version and the 300 at $48,995.