2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Preview

To finish off the new engine, a silver and red "HEMI 6.1L" appliqué has been added to black valve covers, and a special orange paint

The new SRT8 gets the Mercedes-Benz derived A580 5-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

coats the cylinder block, just like HEMIs of the past.

Like the regular 300C, the new SRT8 gets the Mercedes-Benz derived A580 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring a reconfigured AutoStick sequential shift mode that better suites the more powerful engine. Managing the torque to the upgraded rear differential and axles is a new heavy-duty 4-flange prop shaft.

The 300C SRT8 wouldn't be complete if it kept the current 300C's compliant suspension intact. While it handles quite well, the ride quality/handling mix has been biased toward comfort, and therefore compromises the car's sporting capabilities. To match engine performance the SRT gang tuned the dampers, recalibrated the spring rates and suspension bushings, plus added larger diameter anti-sway bars. The stock car's front and rear suspension knuckles have been replaced with ones that help to

To match engine performance the SRT gang tuned the dampers, recalibrated the spring rates and suspension bushings, plus added larger diameter anti-sway bars. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

reduce ride height by about half an inch overall. Despite the changes to the SRT8, however, Chrysler promises a car that still balances its sporting characteristics with a comfortable ride, unlike Lincoln's LS V8 when equipped with the sport suspension, which is truly punishing.

Adding to SRT8's performance handling improvements, the new car's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been tuned so that it doesn't interfere with tire slip quite as quickly, which should allow a little more oversteer and therefore quite a bit more excitement without sacrificing safety. For skilled drivers Chrysler includes an ESP defeat switch on the center stack, allowing tail wagging fun for the whole family.