The Chrysler 300 is a legendary machine that won the NASCAR series in 1955 and 1956 and was the first car to use a 300-hp, American-built V8. Drawing on this inspiring history, the automaker came up with the 2012 SRT8 variant of the 300, unveiled yesterday at the New York Auto Show.
Its heart beats to the rhythm of a 6.4-litre V8 HEMI generating approximately 465 hp and 465 ft-lb of torque, an improvement over the previous model.
The five-speed autobox is still on board, this time accompanied by steering wheel paddles.
Preliminary data sets 0-100 km/h acceleration times at a little under 5 seconds en route to top speeds of 281 km/h, with braking distances of 36.6 metres from 100-0 km/h.
Without revealing any official specs, Chrysler estimates a 25% improvement in fuel consumption.
The vehicle’s sporty nature is also apparent in the adaptive suspension, with Auto and Sport modes that can lower it by 1.2 cm (0.5 in). Other than the SRT8 badging, the version is recognizable by its 20-inch wheels.
The cabin features an exclusive heated leather steering wheel, heated and vented front seats with adaptive head rests, contrasting stitches and carbon fibre trim on the instrument cluster and doors. A display also indicates acceleration and braking times.
Even the 19-speaker stereo system (including two subwoofers) is high-performance, generating an ear-splitting 900 watts. The Uconnect infotainment system with its 8.4-inch touch screens wraps things up.
The car has over 70 safety features, including Electronic Stability Control, and comes with a smart key.
Its heart beats to the rhythm of a 6.4-litre V8 HEMI generating approximately 465 hp and 465 ft-lb of torque, an improvement over the previous model.
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| Photo: Chrysler |
The five-speed autobox is still on board, this time accompanied by steering wheel paddles.
Preliminary data sets 0-100 km/h acceleration times at a little under 5 seconds en route to top speeds of 281 km/h, with braking distances of 36.6 metres from 100-0 km/h.
Without revealing any official specs, Chrysler estimates a 25% improvement in fuel consumption.
The vehicle’s sporty nature is also apparent in the adaptive suspension, with Auto and Sport modes that can lower it by 1.2 cm (0.5 in). Other than the SRT8 badging, the version is recognizable by its 20-inch wheels.
The cabin features an exclusive heated leather steering wheel, heated and vented front seats with adaptive head rests, contrasting stitches and carbon fibre trim on the instrument cluster and doors. A display also indicates acceleration and braking times.
Even the 19-speaker stereo system (including two subwoofers) is high-performance, generating an ear-splitting 900 watts. The Uconnect infotainment system with its 8.4-inch touch screens wraps things up.
The car has over 70 safety features, including Electronic Stability Control, and comes with a smart key.
 |
| Photo: Chrysler |
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