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Chrysler 300 offers power to spare

published October 03, 2005

Published By
( 15 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
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It doesn't matter because Chrysler has done the right thing for its brand image by creating the 300C SRT8 sedan: It installed the big Hemi.

A performance sedan of this shaggy musculature doesn't always have to be flexed; the power is there when needed. Some would argue that there is safety in power.


The Chrysler 300 sedan has been the automaker's salvation. It's sold in mainstream models with rear- or all-wheel drive with two choices of V-6 engines, a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and the top-line SRT8 with a 6.1-liter Hemi.

Prices start around $24,000 and move toward $43,000 for the big Hemi - not including options or any dealer premiums for the limited-supply V-8.

The 2005 model had a base suggested retail price of $39,935. The 2006 came to market with a price increase and a new color: silver steel. The '06 starting price is $42,595, which includes $675 for the freight charge and a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax.

Chrysler can't be faulted for making money while it's there. Only a few thousand SRT8s will be built to keep volume low and attract collectors. And no one seems to be complaining about the cost.

The 300C SRT8 is a broad-shouldered, deep-chested Chrysler, just like the mighty cruisers the company used to be known for building. This sedan is a reminder of what the company can still do.

SRT, for Street and Racing Technology, is DaimlerChrysler's in-house speed shop, and by year's end there will be 10 SRT vehicles at Chrysler and Dodge dealers.

The 6.1 Hemi V-8 in the 300C and other SRT8 vehicles put out 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version, thanks to more cubic inches, a higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and enhanced engine breathing through special cylinder heads and manifolds.

The engine gets bigger cylinders, a reinforced block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods. It is the highest output V-8 offered by Chrysler, with a horsepower-per-liter rating that beats the legendary 1966 Street Hemi, the company says.

While the 5.7-liter Hemi gets the multi-displacement system that shuts down four cylinders when not needed, the big Hemi does not, and the fuel mileage shows it: 14 mpg city, 20 highway. The 5.7-liter Hemi, with cylinder management, is rated 17/25.

The high-lift valve train is incompatible with MDS technology, and there are no plans to add MDS, though a team might be looking into it, spokesman Dan Bodene says.

The big Hemi will push the 300C from zero to 60 mph in the low five seconds, do the quarter-mile in the high 15s and do 0-100-1 in the mid-16-second range.

And every buyer of an SRT8, whether 300C, Dodge Magnum or Jeep Grand Cherokee, gets to spend a day at a Skip Barber driving school, compliments of Chrysler.

Even without track time, the SRT engineering is likely to create very grateful drivers. It is a forgiving sport sedan.

The absolute acceleration helps merge into any crowded freeway without concern. Traction control and stability control prevent unintended "oops" actions when too much throttle is applied.

Brembo brakes are large and reassuring without being touchy. The 20-inch tires on attractive SRT wheels give body-slamming grip but aren't sensitive to highway surfaces. And despite the low profile of the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the ride quality isn't compromised.

It's the little things by the SRT team that feel good and right, such as how the padded steering wheel unwinds through the hands after cornering.

The suspension is sports-coupe taut but comfortable enough to make this big car a pleasurable highway cruiser.

And the sport seats, nicely bolstered with suede inserts to keep the seat of the pants in place, are more of that husky Chrysler effect. The back seats are choice rides, even with the front seats pushed back.

SRT is a performance formula that is uniquely American and oh-so satisfying. It does everything the Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW M, Audi S and Volvo R can do - for less.

It's an image-builder, Chrysler. Keep it up.

SPECS BOX

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8

Body style: Large sedan

Engine: 6.1-liter SRT Hemi V-8

Horsepower: 425 at 6,200 rpm

Torque: 420 foot-pounds at 4,800 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed adaptive AutoStick

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5 seconds

Fuel economy: 14 mpg city, 19 highway; 91 octane recommended

Curb weight: 4,160 pounds

Brakes: Brembo 4-piston vented rotors with aluminum housing; 14.2-inch front, 13.8 rear; with 4-wheel ABS, traction control, electronic stability control and brake assist

Tires and wheels: Goodyear F1 Supercar; front, P245/45R 20-inch; rear, P255/45; forged polished aluminum wheels

FEATURES

Standard equipment: Front sport seats with heat and memory functions, performance suede inserts, adjustable pedals, leather trim (steering wheel, shifter and door pulls), 6-disc CD audio system with a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, remote locking, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone air conditioning, power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, one-touch up/down power windows, steering wheel audio controls, universal garage opener, power front seats, floor mats

Safety: Front multistage air bags with occupant classification system, ParkSense rear back-up system, Brake Assist, 4-wheel ABS, electronic stability program, all-speed traction control.

PRICING

Base price: $42,595, including $675 destination charge and $2,100 gas guzzler tax; price as tested, $45,000

Options on test vehicle: SRT Group 1 ($440), side curtain air bags and air filter system; Option Group 2 ($1,965), Sirius satellite radio with 1-year service, GPS navigation system with 6-disc CD and MP3, Bluetooth phone connection

Where assembled: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

PLUSES: The full-bodied Chrysler image of power and strength that the automaker needs now. Five-star government rating for frontal crash protection.

MINUSES: Low-hanging front fascia is vulnerable to parking curbs. And the front fascia looks awful with a license plate.



Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com

© Copley News Service

published October 03, 2005

( 15 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
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