2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Road & Track Test

With each passing lap, I was gaining greater respect for a car that really shouldn't be able to execute what it has being asked to do. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Quickly I remember that this one is deceiving at entry, and not as taxing on the tires as it looks. All too often I've ruined this corner by slowing too drastically, and therefore I force myself to let up a little before pressing the throttle and turning into the curve, nudging the curb as I stay as far to the right as possible, prior to charting a direct line across a slightly sharper left hander, which points me up a steep grade towards the bridge.

Unlike all cars I've taken through this series of high-speed twists, turns and undulations, the SRT8 responds well, and there are some seriously high-force transitional weight transfers to be reckoned with. The entire process belies the car's substantial girth. Even the sizeable curbs are no match for the SRT8's adequately tall suspension travel, absorbing them without groans, grumblings or any wayward movement from the rear end.

After passing under the bridge the track makes one of its sharpest and possibly most dangerous corners, exiting left before sweeping to the right and heading forward in a crestfallen dip, resulting in the need to climb again, get on the binders and cut a hard right line down and around to the left before entering the front straight, past the "grandstand" and pits. Prior to this event, I've almost completely lost it when exiting the bridge corner, as the curb is especially high and there's not much room to negotiate the turn, and correct any resulting oversteer. To the left is a large field that can actually seem quite diminutive when charging through it, car out of control and tire wall looming near. Fortunately for me, I learned this corner's lesson once and lived to tell the tale, a few clumps of grass attached to the tires being the only evidence that anything potentially dire had taken place, and therefore will forever pay my respects.
 

Ralph Gilles, designer of the Chrysler 300. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The second time around the track, having been given a decent understanding of the SRT8's capabilities, I bury my foot into the throttle with more enthusiasm, trusting that its big brakes would be there at my beckoned call when needed... providing I don't get over confident. I don't, the brakes are there, and I am able to improve my line through each corner while exceeding my previous lap time. I continue this process, feeling more comfortable with each passing lap and gaining greater respect for a car that really shouldn't be able to execute what it has being asked to do - size and weight always in consideration.