NY 2011: Chrysler 300C SRT-8

Chrysler is continuing to roll out it's new SRT models at the NYIAS. The Challenger 392 is already out, the Charger SRT-8 debuted a while back, and Mopar is rounding off the lineup by presenting the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and the 300C SRT-8 at the New York show this week.  As usual, the 300C SRT-8 is the classiest of the bunch, while still offering the performance that the SRT models are known for.

As you'd predict, the 300C is powered by the new 6.4L version of the SRT Hemi V8, which is bigger, more powerful, and more efficient.  The bump in displacement raises power from 425 to 465 horsepower, with a similar jump in torque from 420 to 465lb-ft, and an additional 80lb-ft on tap at 2,900rpm compared to the 6.1.  Like the other 6.4L SRT's, the 300C also incorporates cylinder deactivation to achieve more reasonable fuel economy numbers.  It also has an active exhaust flap that allows the MDS system to activate over a wide load and rpm range, which is estimated to achieve a 25% efficiency increase in highway mileage over the old 6.1L.  Other tricks on the new 6.4L include a variable-length intake manifold and variable cam phasing on the (single) high-lift camshaft to boost low end power.   It's still mated to the 5-speed automatic from the old 300C, although all the V6 and V8 300-platform cars should receive the new ZF 8-speed automatic at some point next year.

It's still fast, of course: Chrysler says 0-60 in under 5 seconds, the quarter mile in the high 12-second range, and an impressive 0-100-0mph time of 16 seconds, which  seems sort of hard to believe.  They also say it'll haul down from 60-0 in 120 feet, and top out the speedometer at 175mph - you can't do that with most German super-sedans, which are artificially limited to 155mph.

Like the rest of the SRT-specific models, the 300C SRT-8 is getting a fully revised chassis that's less of a buckboard one-trick pony.  The SRT-8 now utilizes the ADS (Active Damping System) also seen on the Grand Cherokee and Charger SRT-8's, with two modes - "Sport" and "Auto" that also control other variable parameters in the car's performance, like throttle response, shift mapping, steering weight, and cylinder deactivation points.  Brakes are bigger, too: Brembos at all four corners, 14.2" up front and 13.8" rear with four-piston calipers all around provide strong breaking force.  (Why didn't Chrysler fit the Grand Cherokee's 15.0" 6-piston front brakes?  I'm not sure.)

Like the Grand Cherokee, the 300C SRT-8 gets an SRT-specific interior treatment - and as a long-time hater of Chrysler interiors, I have to admit that it's a damn swank place.  The seats are heavily bolstered leather/alcantara units, there's an SRT-specific steering wheel with a flat bottom, behind which hide a set of metal shift paddles like the Grand Cherokee gets.  Unique to the SRT-8 is the EVIC performance display, which will show you your 0-60 times, 1/8 and 1/4 mile times, 60-0 braking times, and lateral and longitudinal acceleration levels.  This is connected to the 8.4" touch screen in the center console (which other 300's have as well), which can also display more real-time statistics like steering and yaw angles, current power and torque output, and digital engine gauges.  Kinda cool - I wonder if Chrysler is sending Nissan royalties for this idea?

Also seriously impressive is the stereo system.  While normally I don't really care, the SRT-8 has a pretty serious one.  Encompassing 19 speakers with a total of 900 watts, this system was co-designed with Harmon Kardon.  There are 7 3.5" coax speakers, two 6x9" subwoofers in the front doors and two in the rear deck, and one big 10" subwoofer also in the rear deck, all powered by a 12-channel integrated amplifier.  I imagine this could literally explode your brain.

The styling is thankfully restrained - at least, as restrained as a full-size sedan with 20" black-chrome wheels and dual exhausts can be.  It's not really a whole lot different looking from the regular 300C, which I think makes it a bit of a sleeper.  While the Charger SRT-8 takes care of the super-aggressive-looking side of the market, the 300C is restrained and tasteful, with just enough menace for those in the know to tell what it is.  It's somehow meaner and classier looking than the old 300C SRT-8 - a win/win.

Like the rest of the redone Chrysler 300-based models, this new SRT-8 is an improvement in nearly every imaginable way over the old model, while still retaining the in-your-face unapologetic nature that made the 300 so popular in the first place.  If you want one, I expect there'll be a line at the Chrysler dealer when it becomes available this fall.  With good reason.