Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Preview

[PaleGreen]

How much power is too much? If you can't readily come up with an answer, indeed, if you're the type of person who wonders why someone even ask that question in the first place, you're in luck.

The automotive industry is in the midst of a horsepower race of virtually unprecedented proportion. Not since the muscle car era have we seen so many vehicles capable of leaving long patches of rubber when the light turns green. And unlike that golden age of the American V-8, automakers are packing power into just every type of product you can imagine, from sports cars to sport-utility vehicles.

With high-performance AMG versions of virtually every vehicle in its line-up, Mercedes-Benz has ridden the crest of this wave. And its DaimlerChrysler sibling isn't far behind. The Chrysler Group has put a premium on performance with such entries as the Viper and the Neon SRT-4. But the star of the show is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, a powertrain so well-recognized on the American market that Chrysler marketing director Joe Eberhardt refers to it as the automaker's "fourth brand," as recognizable as Dodge, Jeep, and even Chrysler itself.


While the bold and sophisticated styling of Chrysler's 300C is clearly a factor in the sedan's success, it's telling to note that the Hemi was the powerplant of choice for 47 percent of 300C buyers last month.

Making 340 horsepower, and 390 pound-feet of torque, the 5.7-liter Hemi is a force to be reckoned with. It places the 300C among the top ten products on the market, whether you're measuring horsepower to weight, or horsepower per dollar. Yet there are always those who insist there's room for more.

And Chrysler apparently agrees. The carmaker hoped to eke out a modest increase when it decided to bore out the Hemi to 6.1 liters. The results took even the most optimistic powertrain engineers by surprise, confides Dan Knott, director of SRT, the automaker's high-performance operations.

To get there, the new engine's block was strengthened, its bore increased 3.5 millimeters per cylinder. A new intake manifold and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell helped improve breathing. Sodium-filled exhaust valves help improve heat dissipation. Compression was boosted from 9.6:1 to 10.3:1. The camshaft was tweaked, while peak engine speed was boosted 15 percent, to 6200 rpm. And the regular, 2.5-inch diameter exhaust system was increased to 2.75 inches.

The upgraded engine, which is being previewed in Pebble Beach this weekend, pumps the numbers up to 425 hp - 25 more than the new, sixth-generation Corvette, incidentally - and 420 lb-ft. "When we first went down the 6.1-liter path," admits Knott, "our targets were a lot lower." Not that he's complaining. The 6.1-liter version of the Hemi will help Chrysler dramatically differentiate the new 300C SRT-8 from the 5.7-liter version of the car.

While the numbers have yet to be validated independently, Knott reports that in corporate testing, the SRT-8 launches from 0-60 in the "low five" second range, and is posting quarter-mile times in the "high-13" second range.

To become the seventh product to wear the SRT badge, the new version of the 300C had to offer than just power:

*Exterior styling has been modified, primarily to reduce wind resistance and improve downforce. Specific changes include a chin spoiler, a small rear spoiler, a new rear fascia, and larger exhaust tips;

*There are larger four-piston caliper Brembo brakes;

*The suspension has been "race-tuned," according to Knott. Damping force has been increased. The SRT-8 gets beefier 20-inch tires, 245x45 up front and 255x45 in the rear;

*And the interior of the car has been given a more race-inspired look, including sport seats with grippy suede inserts.

The new package, Knott asserts, will be even a better deal than the original car. Though final pricing has not yet been released, he hints "Our vision is best performance for lowest dollar."


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[dreadnaught1181]

While the bold and sophisticated styling of Chrysler's 300C is clearly a factor in the sedan's success, it's telling to note that the Hemi was the powerplant of choice for 47 percent of 300C buyers last month.

Doesn't the 'C' have the hemi as standard equipment?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. :P

[PaleGreen]

Just for comparison. here are GM's numbers for the CTS-V:

HP: 400 @ 6000
TQ: 395 @ 4800
0-60: 4.6
1/4: 13.1

Of course, that's with an M6. Would like to see an automatic CTS-V once they switch to the LS2.

[mjd1001]

Looks promising. I'll be interested to see just how much "value" the car has when the price is released.

The only thing missing now is a 2 door version. If this was offered in a coupe, and Cadillac offered the CTS in a coupe also I don't know what I'd want to buy.

[silverado_13]

I'm not really concerned with this. It says that the 0-60 will be in the low 5s and the 1/4 mile time will be in the high 13s. While that's not bad it's not as good as the CTSV. Also if this is any indication of what the charger will be like I don't think it will compete with the mustang and camaro(2007). It most certenly won't compete with the vette.

[Jabroni]

Chrysler is just being conservative about performance numbers for the SRT-8. I've seen 0-60 mph for the 300C as low as 5.4 Seconds, and quarter mile in 14.1 seconds. I would imagine the SRT-8 will do 60 in about 4.8 seconds, and go through the 1/4 mile in 13.6 seconds. I dont understand why they want to put 20" wheels on it? 18's are plenty for a performance car, 20's will only make it come to a stop in longer distances, and surely will not help out with acceleration. I dont think the SRT-8 will be considered such a "bargain" at around $45,000-$50,000 when you can get a GTO with 400 horsepower for $33,500. But those two cars are ment to appeal to a different croud.

[richb65]

I must admit that I've considered the "modern" Hemi a bit of a marketing ploy, since it produces no more HP and torque than the small-block Chevy V8. But this new SRT sounds amazing. Too bad it will carry a $1000 gas guzzler tax. Congrats to Chrysler for producing such a car.

[The Oatman]

Although I personally do not like it, if they can price it at ~42k they will sell a ton of them. I would not let the price get into CTS-V territory.

[[Corporal Dan]]

Good motor, terrible car.

Maybe not terrible, but hideously ugly.

[88montess]

Originally posted by PaleGreen@Aug 13 2004, 02:08 PM
Just for comparison. here are GM's numbers for the CTS-V:

HP: 400 @ 6000
TQ: 395 @ 4800
0-60: 4.6
1/4: 13.1

Of course, that's with an M6. Would like to see an automatic CTS-V once they switch to the LS2.

Not to mention the new STS had nubers in the rear driver V-8 with 100 less horsepower of 5.9 seconds So Almost 25% larger engine and 100 hp nets you what 1/2 to 3/4 of a second to 60, can't wait to see STS-V numbers.

[Swahili]

IMO, the SRT-8 is a good looking car. And it's got a ton of power. Priced right it will sell well. I can't wait to see one on the road, more imortantly, to hear one at open throttle blasting up the road

[jlt0x]

A 300C with a 6.1L HEMI V8? It'll have 425HP and 400 lb-ft of torque?

The 5.7L 300C can be had at $33k. Might you think the SRT-8 will be priced below $40k? I can see it being priced around $37-$39k (base) easily...and it will sell just as good as the current 300C. The only thing I do consider is the additional weight of the car w/extras for downforce and 19" wheels. Other than that, the engine is the major change. I guess the real question is, "How much of a premium would consumers pay to have the 425HP 300C?".

The Dodge Charger is on its way...if it's smaller and lighter than the 300/Magnum duo, it will be a formidable challenger to the Corvette, Mustang, Camaro, etc.

The package sounds promising. Those power ratings and accessories are what I long for in the 4.6L V8 Bonni. Chrysler is continuing to add excitement to the auto industry...

I enjoy Cadillacs and was satisfied with an Aurora 4.0 V8. I love the big-car muscle that's been showing up lately. Competition is giving the consumer loads of options to chose from. I appreciate that.

j

[mjd1001]

I'm wondering if it will have the gas guzzler tax or not. If it's just a larger version of the 5.7 liter Hemi, then it might have the cylinder deactivatin feature (Chryslers version of Displacement on Demand) which would help.
Also, I'm assuming it will have a 5 speed automatic (not 4) or a 6 speed manual, which means if they are close, they have the room to make the top gear a little higher to get the highway mileage up a mile per gallon or two.

[Jabroni]

The 6.1 will not have the multi displacement system, and it will carry a $1,000 gas guzzler tax.