2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Preview

Finishing off the handling upgrades is a new set of 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, measuring a full 20 inches in diameter.

A new set of 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, measuring a full 20 inches in diameter will be fitted to the SRT8. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

The wheels look appropriate on the large 300, wrapped in 245/45/20 (245/45/20) low-profile high-performance Goodyear F1 4-season (3-season) tires front and rear, featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern that appears ready to eat up and spit out asphalt.

That grip will optimize the SRT8's extremely capable braking system, courtesy of the world's best known brake specialists, Brembo. Four-piston calipers are positioned at each corner, binding down on 360 x 32 mm vented rotors up front and 350 x 26 mm vented rotors in back. Of course, just like on any 300 series car ABS comes standard. It's a good thing Chrysler has stayed away from coating the calipers in bright red paint, a trend to distinguish top performance models that has become popular in recent years, which is a good thing. The large discs and silver coated calipers look great through the giant-sized rims, and they don't take away from the classy lines of the big luxury car like colored calipers would.

But despite being grateful Chrysler has refrained from go-fast styling trends, I like the subtle mods it's made to toughen up the sportier SRT8's exterior

The rear decklid gets a tastefully integrated spoiler to increase stability at high speed. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

appearance. Most noticeable after the wheels is lower front fascia, with integrated cooling ducts to help keep the brakes working at their optimum. If you're coming up from behind one, and it'll take quite a car to be able to do that, the rear fascia is also extended downward, integrating two fat chrome pipes at each side. Just above, the rear decklid gets a tastefully integrated spoiler to increase stability at high speed. The wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic add-on increases downforce by 39 percent without increasing drag, and impressive feat. Completing the exterior upgrades are exclusive body-color front and rear bumper inserts, a body-color grille insert with chrome surround and winged emblem, body-color mirrors and door handles, and discreet SRT8 badging of course.