Possible M5 Contender? SRT-8

[Tom]

CARMEL, Calif., Aug. 13--So you say Chrysler's regular 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the 300C just isn't enough? It's too wimpy? Well, next spring you'll be able to get even more muscle--85 more hp and 30 more ft.-lb. of torque.

Chrysler unveils its cool new 300C SRT-8 sport sedan here today as part of the Pebble Beach Weekend. The SRT-8 takes the Chrysler 300 to the next level of performance with a bored 6.1-liter Hemi that's also had its compression ratio increased from 9.6:1 to 10.3:1. The result is a spleen-flattening 425-hp and 420 ft.-lb. of torque. And as you'd expect, the cylinder heads, and intake and exhaust systems have all been redesigned for increased flow. The SRT-8 exhales through two giant 3.5-in. exhaust tips. The high-performance 6.1 is backed by an A580 5-speed automatic that sends its juice to a beefed-up rear axle. As a package, Chrysler says the SRT-8 will catapult from 0 to 60 mph in a tick or two more than 5 sec., and through the 1/4-mile in the high 13-sec. bracket.

That would be enough for us to sign on the dotted line. But all Chrysler Group SRT products get more than just a beefy powertrain. Engineers tuned the chassis setup for good all-around handling. And that means high-performance dampers, spring rates and bushings, as well as larger antisway bars front and rear. The whole suspension system is lowered by a half-inch, which makes the car look even better on the road hunkered down over the massive 20-in. wheels and 45-series rubber. The ESP stability system has also been recalibrated for the SRT-8's more intense handling limits.

And to make sure the SRT-8 stops as well as it goes, Chrysler bolted a Brembo 4-piston brake caliper over each of the 14.2-in. front and 13.8-in. rear rotors.

You can get the SRT-8 in any color you want as long as it's silver or black. Check back after "The Weekend" for exclusive PM.Zone coverage of the entire 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.



What do you guys think?

 

[Ghost]

Definitely an up and coming prospect. (dependability?)

I like it. I don't know if I can love the new American muscles cars the way that I love the Classics but this is a step in the right direction, I like the fact that Chrysler sees that performance is an all-around characteristic not just straight line, although I think Merc has a lot to do with that philosophy. I think they should include the technology to shut down some of the cylinders at times to increase fuel economy and make the manual an option. I just wish they would stop with the “HEMI” marketing scheme, yes it was innovative at the time, but now it's time to move on.

 

[epj3]

I think it's going to be too 'floppy' to handle like the M5. Otherwise, I do think those cars look pretty nice.

Thing is - back in the day, a hemispherical engine had more power in relation to a same-size engine of the 'normal' type of build.... but now-a-days with multiple valves and valve-control systems (vanos, vtec, etc.), hemi's really aren't better (even though the new hemi's have a variation of vanos)

 

[andreyiv]

Well, thats just a way of beign right in your face. Kind of like what BMW did with the early 2002 turbos. They mirrored the lettering and put it up front so when a 2002 turbo comes up in your rear view mirror you see what is up your behind, now tell me thats not cool.

 

[codex57]

I like the looks, but isn't it basically an old E-class E55 with a cooler looking body. Chrysler has some good designers though. BMW needs to fire Bangle and Van Doohicky and hire some of these Chrysler guys.

 

[tool fan]

Just because you paint a dalamtion all black, doesnt make it a labrador. Behind all the friff and fraff, is still a poorly built American headachemobile. I won't be trading in my Bimmer for one and you can count on that.........425hp vs. 500, American vs. German HMMMM!

 

[wood_e]

I dunno, I think the mercedes influence runs deep in this car. I think it will be a solid offering from Chrysler and with a bit more tuning (and a 6 speed) it might be able to go up against the CTS-V

 

[frolf]

eh whatever, the interior is still gonna be poopy, and you won't get the whole package, or the sound of the bimmer. i'd like to see that thing run the Nurburgring against an M5, then we'll talk. so far its just numbers

 

[tool fan]

eh whatever, the interior is still gonna be poopy, and you won't get the whole package, or the sound of the bimmer. i'd like to see that thing run the Nurburgring against an M5, then we'll talk. so far its just numbers

frolf.....errr....there won't be much talk, other than Chrysler talking about how it is going to back to the drawing board....again.

 

[VtecTurbo]

yes i agree with u guys, i think its gona have to b much more awesome than jus the performance spec, with the m5 you have that explosive roar, handling, the looks, the slick interior, i cant really say that i would take the bmw m5 because i have not seen the chrysler in reality, i agree with EPJ3, lookin at the car ride height it just gives you that feeling its going to have a floppy kind of handling, good point EPJ3

 

[tool fan]

After seeing Big Daddy's video...........this freaking SRT-8 might stand a chance against a...........hmmm lets see..........a VTEC honda. hahaha Just playing VTEC...don't get mad.

 

[VtecTurbo]

toolfan you better be joking!!! lolz its cool i can take a joke

 

[adrean8j]

OK, OK, OK....some of you on here are confusing me....You RE-look at the design of this car and ACTUALLY think it looks MUCH better than the new 5er? Dont get me wrong I dont like the design of the new 5 very much(sorry Tool Fan...still love ya though!) but this car is not much better if at all. The front end reminds me too much of a Semi IMHO. The front end of the new 5 is ok except for those gay azz headlights.....no offense to those of you of the ummm....other sexual persuasion just using a figure of speech. Do all of you disagreee and think this CHRYSLER looks that much better. Man I am getting a headache now.......

 

[tool fan]

(sorry Tool Fan...still love ya though!) ..

Thanks Bro.........I still love mine and the M5 Semi lookin or not.