2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 debuts with new 465-horsepower 6.4L V8

[Wretched]

The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 took a leap forward in refinement, but the large sedan's makeover didn't come with an SRT8 variant. No worries, though, because the all-new, more powerful and damn sharp-looking 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is debuting today at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

There's a lot to go over on this new 300 SRT8, but we wouldn't waste a vowel before talking power. Gone is the 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V8, replaced with the the Pentastar's new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that first appeared in the new Challenger SRT8 392. The new V8 produces 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, up 40 ponies and 45 lb-ft versus the outgoing engine. What's more, that upgraded output is also more usable for 2012, as Chrysler tells us we can expect an additional 80 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm, which translates into more thrust from a standstill. How much? Official estimates are 0-60 "in the high four-second range," and a quarter-mile time of fewer than 13 seconds. The transmission of choice will be the carryover five-speed automatic, though paddle shifters will join the automatic to give drivers a couple options for gear selection.

All that power is worthless without proper stoppers, so Chrysler engineers fitted 14.2-inch front rotors and 13.8-inch discs out back, while four-piston Brembo calipers supply the bite. Chrysler's tape measure reveals that these high-end brakes manage to bring this undoubtedly heavy sedan (the last generation SRT8 tipped the scales at 4,046 lbs) from 60 mph to a stand-still in under 120 feet.

More power and better performance can often lead to less desirable fuel economy, yet Chrysler insists that this SRT8 actually boasts a 25-percent increase in efficiency. One reason for the big improvement is a new active valve exhaust system, which allows the big V8 to drop down to four-cylinder mode over a much wider RPM range than before. The company isn't ready to provide specific numbers, but our math tells us to expect about 24 miles per gallon in highway driving.

Also new for 2012 is an Adaptive Damping Suspension, which gauges vehicle speed, steering speed and angles, brake torque, throttle position and acceleration to tone the suspension under any condition. Drivers can also choose from Auto or Sport settings that automatically change shock damping and ride comfort.

We're all for function over form, but you can't have an SRT-infused 300 without a menacing look that matches the performance. The 2012 300 SRT8 starts with a set of seven-spoke 20-inch wheels. The brawny four-door is dropped by a half inch, while side cladding is painted in body color. The front and rear fascias were updated as well, in an effort to help the SRT model stand out compared to other members of the 300 family. We're especially fond of the new slotted upper and lower front grilles, which depart from the chain-mail look of the first-generation SRT8.


Inside, the 300 SRT8 features unique leather seating surfaces; a unique, heated steering wheel; and plenty of SRT badging to go around. Also present are the expectant carbon fiber interior trim pieces adorning the dash and doors. Functional upgrades include an Electronic Vehicle Information Center that can measure 0-60, eighth mile and quarter mile times as well as braking distances. Controls for the EVIC are accessed from the steering wheel, and all of the information is available on the large 8.4-inch LCD screen, which can also display information like steering and yaw angle, horsepower and torque outputs.

Add up everything that goes into the 300 SRT8, and you have what Chrysler calls "the most powerful and best handling model ever." We want one.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-.../full/#4065118

[Elks]

Smokin Hot.

I could own one of them.

[Dave_Obsession]

That looks nuts. Does it for me a lot more than the current 300C...

[DJM83]

I want

[Dave R]

I think I just found my next car They certainly know how to make a hot looking saloon.

[Ghiadude]

Personally I think the old one had more visual impact ...meh
The engine however

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally, I didn't like the new design, but these photos, I quite like it. No more "gangster", just refined

Loving the interior too.

[Ben73]

Looks pretty good. Love the engine.
Bring it on hopefully it will push prices of current model down so I can buy one.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Originally, I didn't like the new design, but these photos, I quite like it. No more "gangster", just refined

Loving the interior too.

I still don't like it, I think Chrysler has cheapened up the exterior. Interior is improved, and powertrain will be improved when it gets the 8 speed. Just don't like the new exterior.

[mik]

its probably fun to drive with the extra torque /horses, but to me its lost its cool gangsta look, now it looks more rolls knardly/pretender.

[Mondie]

Love it. How long until we see it in Oz?

[TUF_302]

Now thats gangster!!

[GS608]

love that interior!! so sexy, the exterior is growing but prefer the old design

[XRtowcar]

Got to credit Chrysler for making a mass produced car look like a more exclusive premium car for a low price.
Does the front require a little more styling?
Looks a little unfinished.
Like they forgot the grille.

[nstg8a]

looks awesome, but generic at the same time.

not really like a 300c anymore, looks like its an audi

[tezxr8man]

It looks Good and more refined than the last model but is still a square lead block, it doesn't matter how powerful it is the weight still kills a lot of the performance
I'm pretty sure the last model had 22's on them and the article says the new one has has 20 inch wheels ????

[Saraco]

Why don't they bring, the SRT8 version of the 2012 Dodge Challenger here? They are virtually the same car as a 300C, under the skin, so ADR compliance, should'nt be an issue or RHD either. All that would be needed, would be a RHD dasboard. Bring that here and price it the same as a 300C and I reckon, HSV and FPV, might be in a whole lot of trouble!

[shedcoupe]

"when it gets the 8 speed"

With that much torque, why on earth would it need an 8-speed box ? To be a de facto constantly-variable transmission, or because it is so heavy ?

[FPV8U]

Mmm Dodge Challanger, now thats an idea.

LWB Performance sedans don't do that much for me, but that SRT 300C isn't a bad looking machine.

[Polyal]

Yeah thats nice. But auto only I assume?

The looks are good, but the lower front bumper looks a bit too sporty/angular.

[EgoFalcon]

I really like the interior except for cheap looking gear selector. Outside seems very similar to recent one and wasn't a fan.

I do really like there screen display layout.

[MR.BA.GT.332]

someone has spent too much time on photoshop with the exterior pics... not a fan of the audi style front end at all!! The interior and gauges on the other hand... very nice!

[XR Martin]

Looks like someone has debadged an Audi.

[Ben73]

Interior looks great. Especially the light scheme on dash.

Not hard to beat the current one below.

[bingoTE50]

In Red Please .....

[Burnout]

You can see the German influence, nice car.

[Bent8]

Too soft on the exterior styling, but then no one's going to care when they hear the noise it makes!

Looks like the build quality hasn't improved much either...

[Paxton]

Drool...

[Revolver]

Yes Satan, I will gladly sign on the dotted line in my own blood!

I have an announcement to make,

I can Benchpress my desk, without moving from my chair, or using my hands or feet.

There are some heavy styling cues from the mercs in there. Seeing a fair bit of C63 myself....

Love those gauges! Thats another 10 presses....

[Rev28K]

I'd rather have a Lancia Thema (google it)