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New Chrysler 300C SRT8 is $10,000 Cheaper and 25-HP More Powerful than Cadillac CTS-V

New 300C SRT8 is the Best Performance Value in the Luxury Sedan Segment

Cadillac had better rush its 500-horsepower 7.0-liter small-block CTS-V to market soon, or when Chryslers $39,995 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI-equipped 300C SRT8 hits the market at a price $9,495 less expensive, sales of the 400-horsepower Caddy will definitely get pinched.

"With the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, were delivering the ultimate performance sedan," stated Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Marketing. "No other manufacturer can bring together the incredible combination of the HEMI, the Chrysler 300C, and SRT. Chrysler does just that with the 300C SRT8, all at an unbeatable value. For less than $40,000, the Chrysler

A 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI-equipped 300C SRT8 for $9,495 less than the 400-horsepower CTS-V? Watch out Cadillac, Chrysler is coming. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

300C SRT8 delivers world-class handling, benchmark braking, functional exterior enhancements, race-inspired interior appointments and a jaw-dropping 425 horsepower. No one else comes even close to delivering the Chrysler 300C SRT8s combination of performance and value."

Of course, performance is not all about horsepower. The CTS-V is

Chrysler is touting zero to 100 km/h times in the low 5-second range, while the CTS-V manages this feat in 4.8 seconds. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

smaller, lighter and features a 6-speed manual transmission, and therefore its performance should remain stronger than the big Chrysler despite a 25-horsepower advantage.

But will it be $10,000 stronger? Chrysler is touting zero to 60 mph times in the low 5-second range, while the CTS-V manages this feat in 4.7 seconds. Thats not much of a difference, especially from a car that provides a great deal more interior

Tuners will be the first to say that $10,000 can buy a whole lot of customized upgrades. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

room and questionable refinement advantages over the Cadillac.

The tuners who have flocked to the 300C since its inception will be the first to say that $10,000 can buy a whole lot of customized upgrades, whether directly to the powertrain or to the popular sedans styling.

The 300C SRT8 not only makes 25 additional horsepower over the CTS-V, but also an additional 25 lb-ft of torque at 420 compared to 395.

While a low 5 second run to 60 mph

Much is gained by upping the HEMIs displacement from 5.7- to 6.1-liters, a task that included boring out the cylinder diameters by 0.14 inches apiece. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

can be expected, as previously mentioned, a quarter mile will come around in the high 13 second range and zero to 100 to zero in the mid 16-second range.

So what is responsible for the surge in engine output? Obviously much is gained by upping the HEMIs displacement from 5.7- to 6.1-liters, a task that included boring out the cylinder diameters by 0.14 inches apiece. To strengthen the modified block, the SRT engineers added reinforcements and while they were at it, increased coolant flow. A forged steel crankshaft was used

Engine exhaust will leave the back of the car via new larger diameter tailpipes finished off with two fat 3.5-inch chrome tips. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

to minimize vibration, while stronger powder-metal connecting rods capped off by oil squirter-cooled floating-pin pistons were attached. Underneath, a modified oil pan is said to reduce oil foaming.

To up engine speed and effectively increase horsepower the SRT techs modified the cams, increasing revs by 15 percent to almost 6,200 rpm - the current 5.7-liter HEMI tops out at 5,400 rpm. The engines hollowed out valve stems also reduce drag due to their lighter weight. Interestingly, the hollows are filled with sodium for dissipating heat more effectively.

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