The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 is brutal bruiser cruiser, which is not necessarily a bad thing… This hefty American saloon lays absolutely no claim to being subtle or friendly, because it treats other road users, and its driver, with growling disdain. It’s a lot like your neighbour’s big old boerboel – nice to pat, but make sure to stand far away when it decides to give its vice-like jaw and razor-sharp incisors a workout.
Chrysler’s 300C convincingly marks the resurgence of the big American saloon in South Africa, but the performance version SRT-8 is a most unlikely athlete. It’s massive 20-inch wheels, very visible chrome mesh grille, and (standard) subwoofer ensure that you won’t easily be lost in a crowd of more understated automotive offerings.
Its box-like shape and general bulk (1,86 tonne is heavy) would lead you to believe that some coaxing would be required to get the SRT-8 moving. On the contrary, the flagship 300C’s performance is sledgehammer-like. It’s reworked 6,1-litre version of Chrysler’s Hemi V8 punches out 310 kW and 570 N.m, and a stomp on the loud pedal elicits a gamely leap into the unknown. It’s probably not as refined as its German rivals, but it’s definitely as effective. Despite its bulk, the Big C shoots from 0-100 km/h in five seconds, and tops out at 274 km/h!
Power is thankfully fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed Autostick transmission that is nicely geared, because it would just be too much hard work to stir a manual gearbox on this type of car. The SRT-8 engenders an innate laidback feeling that suggests it would prefer to be a swift cruiser rather than the ultimate track toy. Its handling characteristics are certainly benign enough, but just watch it go on the “straightaways”.
Additions such as black leather seats (with the SRT-8 insignia tattooed into the backrests) and giant Brembo brake discs make this C look every bit the part. And while I would ordinarily argue that someone should tell these interior designers to stay away from the fake chrome trim, the obligatory bling is well executed in the SRT-8.