Chrysler 300 SRT-8 Driving Impression

7/3/2016 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Driving Impression | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/chrysler300srt8drivingimpression 1/4 LEISURE / AUTOS & MOTORCYCLES / CAR & TRUCK ENTHUSIASTS Chrysler 300 SRT-8 Driving Impression July 26, 2012 12:25 AM MST Whether it’s raining or you have a race track like Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca at your disposal, the 300C SRT-8 makes for a fun and very pleasant driving experience. It features a very nicely upgraded interior over the previous generation, a crisp exterior refresh, and a larger, 6.4 liter V-8 with 465 horsepower. This is a do-everything-well and do it fast sedan. This $50,000 domestic is a strong argument against the CTS-V. Chrysler media 7/3/2016 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Driving Impression | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/chrysler300srt8drivingimpression 2/4 The 6.4 also has more torque at a lower rpm than the previous 6.1 making for a very satisfying driving experience despite the now antiquated 5speed manual. If the 8speed ever makes it to the SRT-8, that would be a great pairing. The heavier model is quicker than even the previous generation 6.1 with a dyno tune due to that extra grunt. This near-instant torque creates wheelspin at will in wet weather but is easily modulated with the traction control. The soundtrack that accompanies it isn’t too intrusive but sounds wonderful. The exhaust has a very deep rumble as well. Exterior styling is now crisp and understated enough for long-term staying power and yet conveys a serious, sporting and muscular image. Somewhat like the old, revered Mercedes 500E. The interior is much improved with many features. Large, firm seats provide a wide range of adjustments with great comfort. Beefy best describes the steering wheel with a flat bottom and push buttons. Blue backlit gauges look very nice but are too small for track duty. The paddle shifters, while too small, have a very solid feel. Speaking of shifting, the engine is so smooth and revs so quickly, it’s easy to hit the rev limiter while in performance mode. The prior generation revved too quickly for the tachometer and manual inputs with the shifter, so a technical service bulletin was issued to enable automatic upshifts at redline. The 6.4 needs this feature as well in the Performance mode. Also missed is rev matching downshifts in the Standard mode. It’s possible these are software upgradable. If the factory hears enough owners, it could happen. Significantly upgraded, the largest-in-class navigation system includes an integrated menu with a performance mode. It correlates to a central menu in the center of the gauges for the driver. Displayed data includes a 4 axis g-force meter for lateral and longitudinal forces. Additional data available is 0-60mph, 1/8th and ¼ mile times, 60-0 braking distances, etc. Having driven the car in the wet, with super smooth, rain-sensing wipers and on Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, this is a great, large, fun car to drive with plenty of muscle, torque and creature comforts that can meet your family needs, your technological curiosity, and that performance desire. For more even more fascinating information about the Chrysler 300 SRT-8 visit: http://www.chrysler.com/en/2012/300-srt8/ _____ Have a question about cars you would like answered? Questions about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, 7/3/2016 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Driving Impression | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/chrysler300srt8drivingimpression 3/4 events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com! Robert Eckaus San Jose Cars Examiner 7/3/2016 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Driving Impression | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/chrysler300srt8drivingimpression 4/4 © 2006-2015 AXS Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com