When the original 300C HEMI was launched in the US in 1957, it was the fastest, most powerful production car built in that country at the time and came to be known as the “beautiful brute”. This moniker also applied to the previous-gen 300C, which made its local debut in 2005. The benchmarks during development for this car were the Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF, BMW 5-Series and Audi’s A6. As a result, the Chrysler had its work cut out against such formidable competition and achieved only moderate success, with 1 200 models sold in seven years.
After test driving the new version on the Garden Route, I believe the 300C stands a better chance than ever against the established brands, mostly because of its value for money.
The line-up includes the Luxury Series 3,0L V6 CRD (R539 990), which produces 176 kW at 4 000 r/min and 550 N.m of torque, the Luxury Series 3,6L V6 (R479 990), which puts out 210 kW and 340 N.m of torque, and the much-anticipated 6,4L HEMI V8 SRT8 (R629 990), the protagonist of this review.
The new 300C has been revised in many ways compared with its predecessor. The exterior sports a new mesh grille and 20-inch polished face aluminium wheels on all three models, while Chrysler has opted for satin-chrome on the mirror caps and door handles as opposed to the high-gloss chrome seen before. Blackened chrome upper and lower grille surrounds and wheels in a similar finish are standard on the SRT8, which sits 12,5 mm lower than non-SRT8 models. This model also has a revised rear bumper and 100 mm dual exhaust tips. It is certainly not a car for shrinking violets…
Inside, the SRT sports a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with a satin-chrome rim section and flattened bottom with an inset SRT8 logo. Paddle shifters are standard across the range. The carbon-fibre trim in the SRT8 is replaced with wood trim in the other models. The latter finish, which appears quite old-school, dates the otherwise-impressive cabin somewhat. The 300C features Chrysler’s largest touchscreen infotainment system (8,4-inch) with Garmin navigation, which is standard across the range.
I was excited to see what the SRT8 could do on the open road; after all, it produces 347 kW and 632 N.m of torque. The engine is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, unlike the eight-speed used in the other models. The SRT8 delivered on most of my expectations, but the demure power delivery proved somewhat disappointing for a performance saloon. Then again, this car weighs two tonnes and, unfortunately, due to inclement weather, a number of the roads we were meant to drive were closed. So, I got to drive the SRT8 only in a straight line on the N2 between Knysna and Storms River. Therefore, I cannot comment on cornering or handling.
In a straight line, at least, the slight vagueness in the steering system at dead-centre does imbue the car with a stable feel at cruising velocities. Those who crave a more racy feel can select a sports mode by using the touch screen system. All the responses sharpen up noticeably when this is done.
Except for road noise generated by the SRT8’s substantial tyres and a faint engine drone at highway speeds, the 300C should prove very adept at long-distance cruising. That said, it proved a tad cumbersome in town driving due to its size and visibility through the shallow glasshouse.
The new 300C may have lost some character compared with its Pimp My Ride-style predecessor, but it possesses more mainstream appeal and should find favour with a wider buying public, especially considering its competitive pricing and strong standard specification.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chrysler 300C 6,4L HEMI V8 SRT8
Engine: 6,4-litre HEMI V8
Power: 347 kW at 6 100 r/min
Torque: 631 N.m at 4 150 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,0 seconds
Fuel consumption: 13,0 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 303 g/km
Price: R629 990
Maintenance plan: three years/100 000 km
