CHRYSLER 300c SRT8

By Kevin Ransom

Are you ready for some rip-snorting engine power?

Well, step right up and check out this road rocket -- the Chrysler 300c SRT8. Under the hood of this elegant-prowler of a sport sedan is the rumble of a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, which rides herd over 425 unruly stallions.

The SRT8 is the sport-performance edition of the 300c that came along mid-decade and established itself as Chrysler’s flagship sedan – and was so coveted upon launch that many Cryco dealerships had long waiting lists of buyers who were too happy to pay a premium in order to get into one as soon as possible

Some may also recall that, early on,  the 300c was embraced by the hip-hop community – so much so that some of the early TV ads featured the unlikely pairing of rapper Snoop Dogg and former Chrysler poobah Lee Iacocca.

And, dig this: The SRT8 does the 0-60 mph sprint in the low-five-second range, can go from 0 to 100 to 0 mph in less than 17 seconds, and delivers a performance of 0.89g on the skid pad, according to Chrysler. It's also an award-winning entry that boasts luxo-line comfort and a body design that is svelte but still manages to look menacing. And that’s a compliment.  

And to make sure you get the full performance-driving experience, this burly power plant is aided by SRT-tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and large-diameter anti-sway bars. Plus, front- and rear-suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height that’s lowered .5 inch from the regular Chrysler 300c.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has also been SRT-tuned, which means the system can detect lateral acceleration – which essentially “primes the system” as it anticipates the need to apply the brakes if sudden stopping is required.

The SRT8 is also real looker.

Chrysler added a sparkling new front grille last year, while the front and rear fascias are accented by signature SRT styling cues that visually convey the car’s power -- like the air ducts for brake cooling and the specially-designed rear deck-lid spoiler, which serves to increase rear downforce without increasing drag. Other striking visual elements are the body-color front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, unique SRT badging and the sculpted, almost square-like fenders, which are a key to the 300c’s signature, distinctive look.

But back to that power plant, and the suspension that gives the vehicle such nimble road manners.

That HEMI is a normally-aspirated job, and its power is delivered via a five-speed automatic transmission with a specially calibrated, driver-selectable Auto Stick. The Auto Stick gives you two choices. You can go “fully automatic” – that is, if you want to be boring. Or, if you’re looking to unleash your Inner Indy Racer, you can use it like a manual shifter.

Of course, during my road test, I used the manual function as often as possible -- and let me tell ya, this car is a blast to drive. On the freeway, a healthy punch on the pedal sends it whooshing past the pack, and out on the twisties, I had big fun when downshifting going into the turn, then revving it and again punching the pedal as I was coming out of the turn. And with 425 ponies under the hood, such a maneuver indeed inspired some happy heart palpitations.

The chassis has been set up to maximize the vehicle’s sport-performance capacity, and includes those SRT-tuned dampers, as well as specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and large-diameter anti-sway bars.

When you’re revving an engine with this much power, braking is important. And the SRT8 delivers solid, even superior, braking performance, thanks to the four-wheel, disc-brake system that utilizes performance calipers developed by Brembo -- each equipped with four pistons for even clamping. The SRT8’s brakes employ 360 mm x 32 mm vented rotors in front, and 350 mm x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear. That allows the SRT8 to decelerate from 60 mph to 0 mph in approximately 110 feet, says Chrysler. The SRT braking system uses a “brake knockback mitigation” software to improve track response.

The SRT8 also delivers in terms of high-line appointments inside the handsome cabin. The interior amenities include power adjustable sport seats with performance suede inserts and heat and memory functions; adjustable pedal cluster with memory;  “technical” leather-trimmed steering wheel; special trim finish on the center stack, door pulls, door trim, shifter and steering wheel; full instrumentation with 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer; tachometer and temperature gauges and the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) display on the instrument panel.

For music lovers, the SRT8 provides an AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, Boston Acoustics speaker system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, available 13-speaker KICKER Audio System with 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Other “thumbs-up” advanced-technology interior features are the optional DVD system with center console-mounted flip-up screen, optional UConnect hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth technology and automatic temperature control system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensors.

And the SRT8 definitely doesn’t skimp on safety and security features, which include advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System, all-speed Traction Control System, auto-reverse sun roof, auto-reverse windows, Brake Assist, the Brake/Park Interlock system,  Constant Force Retractors,  energy-absorbing steering column, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), HomeLink Universal Home Security System transceiver,  interior head-impact protection, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, and standard side-curtain air bags.

As Chrysler enters its new chapter, after emerging from following bankruptcy and the marriage with small-car-oriented Fiat, it’s comforting to know that it has this galloping, muscular stallion in its stable – and leading the charge.