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2007 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Road Test

These days, the en vogue thing amongst manufacturers is to create a performancedivision that complements the vehicles that already exist in that lineup. Most people know about BMW's magical M-badged cars, and Mercedes-Benz has its AMG subsidiary. Domestic manufacturers have their spruced up “sub brands” too, such as the SS moniker for fast Chevrolets, and SVT for Ford. There have also been a couple of speedy newcomers from our continent; the V-Series Cadillac is one of them, as is Chrysler Group's SRT brand, which if you didn't already know, stands for Street and Racing Technology. We were able to secure a 300C SRT8 from Chrysler, a car that not only promises sublime performance, but has the looks to attract all-stars like rapper 50 Cent and Boston Red Sox outfielder, Manny Ramirez.

One of the most amazing things about the 300 – and not just the SRT8 – is that it's a car that has made a lasting impression on people. Even after being on the market since the spring

We wish more automakers would embrace their heritage, and their wilder side. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of '04, it's remained a popular vehicle for people wanting a full-size sedan. Like many other people, we think itlooks an awful lot like a Bentley, particularly from the front. With a subtle yet aggressive aesthetic upgrade and an available large displacement V8 driving the rear wheels, this car possesses all the ingredients to make any power hungry enthusiast salivate.

While Chrysler offers the 300 in a variety of different trim levels with different motors, things really begin to get interesting with the 300C. This particular vehicle includes Chrysler's famed 5.7-liter HEMI, which makes 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. With a five-speed automatic

At idle, you can feel the engine throb; blip the throttle and you can also feel it flex in its mounts. (Photo: Adam Allen, American Auto Press)

that shares its design with the old Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this sedan has plenty of scoot to satisfy most tastes. But there are those out there who simply aren't happy with factoryoutput numbers, and will always crave more. It's folks like these who are helping to fuel the multi billion-dollar aftermarket industry, with growth on a yearly basis. These people are adding headers, exhaust upgrades and superchargers in the quest to own the fastest car possible, if not a champion of barstool racing and bragging rights. Chrysler realizes that it has a winner on its hands with the HEMI, not only for its impressive output but also because of the esteemed pedigree it possesses, which is where SRT comes in. At the hands of its best engineers, the 5.7-liter was heavily reworked,

These are how all seats should be: supportive yet comfortable over the long haul. (Photo: Chrysler)

and when they put their tools down they had created a 6.1-liter version, complete with an orange-painted block. In this guise, the engine makes 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque - the most powerful 300 ever.

Earlier on, we mentioned the 300's presence, but with this SRT version we just had to bring it up again. The SRT8 features specific multi-spoke 20-inchwheels that showcase its powerful braking hardware sourced from Brembo. Though restrained, the subtle visual changes made by the lowered ride height, body kit and slim tail spoiler still manage to make this car one of the most effective head turners around.

Step inside and the theme of subtle sportiness continues. Immediately, you'll notice the different instrumentation with the requisite SRT8 badging augmented by a unique speedo. It registers up to 180 mph, territory that we think it could actually hit. The massively

With great power comes great... big brakes. Four-piston Brembos, to be exact. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

bolstered seats are a combination of leather and suede, and they too have SRT8 stitching in the headrests. It's a nice touch, made even better by the fact that the seats are comfortable and rather throne-like. At first it felt like sitting on a giant hot water bottle, but even after many hours at the helm our keisters never felt fatigued. The steering wheel too has received special treatment; it's wrapped in perforated leather and is accented by shiny chrome bands. All of the luxury niceties one might expect from a Mercedes-Benz are present, including park assist, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, plus a navigation system, though it's not as user friendly as it otherwise could be. Chrysler has been the subject of critical scrutiny regarding its choices for interior finishes. We are happy to report that the 300 SRT8 was a ray of sunshine when compared to the quality and fit and finish levels we've become accustomed to from the brand.

The feeling of general put togetherness

Chrysler puts its money where its mouth is by installing that great big 6.1-liter engine. (Photo: Adam Allen, American Auto Press)

manifests itself in the driving experience. The brakes have an authoritative bite, slowing the car down admirably and never succumbing to fade. The suspension is nicely firmed up without feeling harsh, and this babynever exhibits undue squat, roll or dive. The 300 SRT8 doesn't clomp or react clumsily, something you think it might do given that it's the size of a BMW 7-Series. It exudes a remarkable sense of control - even nimbleness – which is amazing as down the road, it certainly doesn't feel small. This is one component of the SRT8 we relish so much; it makes me feel giddy every time I think about how so much mass can accelerate with such little effort.

As we touched on before, its 425-horsepower output is nothing less than impressive. Even though this engine is a relatively new design, it feels like older technology. While waiting at lights, it shakes the car with a gentle muscle car-like tremor. This can be traced to a lumpy cam profile that sacrifices idle smoothness for big power in the mid to upper rev ranges. There is no fancy variable intake manifold, so peak torque and horsepower

We hear the Bentley comment a lot, but the 300 deserves plenty of credit for its design. (Photo: Adam Allen, American Auto Press)

are made surprisingly high on the tach, a bit of a pleasant surprise where an engine of this size and architecture areconcerned. Even extended periods of stop and go driving cause the temperature gauge to creep up slightly, a quirk that's sure to remind of the good ol' days.

Driving the SRT8 is a blast; how can you not enjoy a car with these looks and the power to back it up? Despite our affections, there are a few niggles that slightly mar the overall experience. The first gripe we have will not come as a shock: the orange-block HEMI's voracious appetite for premium fuel. This is the kind of engine that hails from the days when gasoline was just a quarter per gallon; and while the car produces the same feel and the even better performance than cars of yore, gas prices like that are distant memories. It's hard driving a car like this ultra conservatively, and therefore my penchant for opening up the throttle was made even more difficult to resist thanks to its incredible sound track and the addictive wave of thrust.

Another thumbs down goes to the stability control, which is far too strict, taking the wind out of many sails when hooliganism or the open track calls. As its ESP is “performance

Out of the stable and into the street, the 300C SRT8 is one mean machine. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

tuned”, the intervention threshold is pleasingly higher than its less powerful siblings,but it's still much too intrusive and it can't be completely turned off. You can thank Mercedes-Benz for that. Finally, we began to notice a bit of a weak link in an otherwise stellar drivetrain by the end of our test, and that was the transmission. It's an older design, and it's beginning to show its age. At times it felt slow-witted and lethargic, a bit of a let down to the awesome power delivery of the engine. It made the car feel a little hesitant and unsure of itself. Although it is equipped with Chrysler's AutoStick manual override capability, we think its best to simply leave the shifter in Drive.

Still, if you want a car that commands the attention of all around both from a stylistic and horsepower point of view, this is your ride. For the performance and features it offers, it's also a veritable bargain. The base price for the 300C SRT8 is just $40,195. Comparable performance can be had from some high-end German or Japanese manufacturers, but not only will you pay more, you won't get the same all-American muscle machine feel. With a car like this, there's only one thing to do: line it up, turn off the traction control and plant your right foot. Suddenly, it's the late 1960s all over again.

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