2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Road & Track Test

I found the well bolstered seats more comfortable than the regular 300 chairs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The reality of its on-track capabilities become all the more perplexing when touring the horrendously unkempt roadways around the St. Jovite, Quebec area. There are some four-lane highways that are quite acceptable, of course, but the majority of secondary routes haven't seen a full-scale paving machine in decades. Rather, the province's road crews being somewhat under funded, winter's frost heaves and potholes are merely covered over with fresh asphalt in the spring, creating slightly less dangerous road surface irregularities - highly advantageous when testing out suspension systems mind you.

I've seen otherwise quiet and enjoyable vehicles reduced to plastic chattering, storage bin clattering, interior dash panel squeaking annoyances over these roads, which makes me especially impressed by the tomb-like silence of Chrysler's flagship. The 300 was initially lauded for its low road, wind and mechanical noise, vibration and harshness levels, benefits of its Mercedes-Benz E-Class derivation, but I didn't expect such comforts to extend beyond the luxury-oriented version of the sedan. The SRT8 is completely civilized, excepting that bit of raucous engine whine and throaty exhaust noted earlier in this review, and while its ride is evidently firmer than the 300C, for instance, it is hardly disconcerting when behind the wheel or in the passenger's seat.

Truly, this is one super sedan that I, for one, could live with every day. The well bolstered seats are extremely comfortable. In fact, I being one who appreciates getting that warm embrace from behind that sport seats offer, found them more comfortable than the regular 300 chairs. Their suede-like inserts keep my butt and backside in place when hard charging too, leaving elbows and hands free to work the steering wheel and shifter, rather than propping up the torso at it would otherwise toss about.
 

All SRT branded vehicles are pure in purpose and design, from the Viper SRT-10 to the SRT-4. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

And I think it's the car's seats that exemplify the SRT division's philosophy best. Chrysler made a commitment to never produce an SRT model that didn't hold up to a strict performance creed, while some other automakers have spoiled their sporting brands' identities with half-hearted attempts that appear more the result of "savvy" marketers than a dedicated group of skunk-works engineers toiling long, personal hours to create the super sport models that once muscled their way into North American enthusiasts' hearts. All SRT branded vehicles are pure in purpose and design, from the Viper SRT-10 that started them all, to the lowly SX 2.0 (Neon) derived SRT-4. I like that.