Using a 6,1-litre Hemi powerplant producing about 313 kW of brute power and an awesome 569 N.m of torque, Chrysler’s high-performance 300C SRT-8 was unveiled at Pebble Beach this weekend.
Using a 6,1-litre Hemi powerplant producing about 313 kW of brute power, Chrysler’s high-performance 300C SRT-8 was unveiled at Pebble Beach this weekend.
It is claimed to cover the zero to 100 km dash in just over five seconds.
Engineers responsible for the development of the Chrysler 300C SRT-8’s engine achieved 63 kW more power by adding cubic centimetres, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing the engine speed.
Total displacement was increased from 5,7 litres to 6,1 litres by boring out each of the SRT-8’s cylinders by 3,5 millimetres and the compression ratio was increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1.
The high-performance engine has a reinforced engine block with increased coolant flow, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil injectors), and an oil pan modified for reduced oil foaming.
Power is channelled through a five-speed automatic transmission which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection.
The chassis set-up for the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 comes with a number of improvements, including tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-sway bars. New front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height lowered 13 mm from the Chrysler 300C.
On the safety front, the ESP has been specially tuned to provide greater control on various road surfaces, the ABS offers improved steering control under extreme braking or slippery conditions and there is a multi-stage air bag system. The advanced air bag system’s inflation is dependant upon the severity of the impact and includes an Occupant Classification System that activates or deactivates the front passenger’s airbag based on the occupant’s weight.
The steering column moves forward to absorb more energy in a collision.
The SRT-8 is available in Bright Silver and Brilliant Black and has body-colour front and rear bumper inserts, body-colour grille insert with chrome collar, body-colour mirrors and door handles, and SRT badging.
While it may be too early to confirm this super-saloon’s availability in South Africa, Chrysler’s South African marketing manager is enthusiastic about possibly including the high-performance 300C in the local lineup.
“All derivatives of the Chrysler 300C are under consideration for the South African market, with the first units of the 300C 5,7-litre Hemi V8 arriving in the second-half of 2005.
“While it’s unconfirmed whether or not the 300C SRT-8 will be available in right-hand drive, we’ll push our parent company as hard as possible to ensure we can secure allocation for the local market.”
