2007 Chrysler 300C SRT8
by Jim Prueter -05/2007

When having a Hemi still isn’t enough

Even with the price of gasoline near $3.50 a gallon for premium unleaded, there seems to be no shortage of demand for performance sedans with 400 or more horsepower. There are seven different SRT (Street and Racing Technology) product offerings from the Chrysler Group (which includes Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge) with most models in perpetual sold-out status.

This week I tested the Chrysler 300C SRT8, the high-performance version of the popular 300C sedan. Now in its third year of production, SRT8 is for those who want or need more than just a Hemi.

Visually, the SRT8 maintains all of the 300C’s exterior design. But modified front and rear fascias feature direct flow-through air ducts that cool the brakes. Out back there’s a slim rear deck spoiler that increases rear downforce by 39 percent for better handling, according to Chrysler.

Other unique touches to the SRT8’s exterior include power-adjustable body-color front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT8 badging.

Inside, my tester included heavily bolstered front sport seats with suede inserts; power-adjustable pedal cluster; a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel; and SRT8 logo stamping on the 180-mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauge.

The SRT8 rides on huge 20-by-9-inch aluminum SRT design wheels with slightly larger 255/45ZR20 performance tires on the rear. And don’t look for a full-sized spare because the trunk can’t handle the 20-inch wheels.

The rear-drive SRT8 is powered by a 425-horsepower, normally aspirated, 6.1-liter Hemi that produces 420 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled through a five-speed Auto Stick automatic transmission. That’s 85 horsepower more than the 5.7-liter Hemi.

As expected, performance is potent with a zero to 60 mph time of just five seconds.

The suspension setup includes a one-inch lower ride height, thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, performance oriented Bilstein shock absorbers and antilock Brembo disc brakes. I drove the tester through the twisting, rolling hills of eastern California and was more than impressed with the excellent handling, smooth flat ride through dips and curves and constant sense of complete control.

I love the throaty, burbling exhaust notes that more than fit the package. But with some of the biggest rubber in the business rolling over the pavement, the interior noise level was beyond loud, making it impossible to listen to the satellite radio let alone carry on a conversation.

The SRT8 is rated at a dismal 14 miles per gallon in the city, 20 on the highway, thirsty enough to be slapped with a hefty $2100 federal gas guzzler tax.

Standard safety features include multi-stage front airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control, traction control and rear park assist. Side airbags and supplemental side-curtain airbags are only available in option packages, not as stand-alone selections.

The 300C earned the highest possible five-star crash test rating for frontal impacts and for rear-seat side impacts, and a four-star rating for front seat side impacts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The SRT8 is built in Ontario, Canada, its engine in Mexico and transmission in Indiana. It’s available in four exterior colors: bright silver, black crystal, steel blue metallic and inferno red. Light grey and dark charcoal is the lone interior color choice.

Overall, I think the entire SRT8 package works quite well, delivering awesome power, bold styling and high marks for “fun to drive” quotient. With a base price of just over $43,200 including the gas-guzzler penalty, the SRT8 is no bargain. It seems expensive, but not when compared to European sport sedans.