Holding on behind the wheel
With such a massive outpouring of horsepower and torque, a firm grip on the flat-bottomed, leather-clad steering wheel is well advised.
While emitting a guttural roar of epic proportions for a production car, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 thundered down the closed track with a ferocity one would expect from the now-defunct Dodge Viper. Look for 0-100 km/h times in the low 4-second range.
Remarkably athletic handling accompanies the time-warping acceleration of the Chrysler’s race-bred 4-door. While nowhere near the competency level of a BMW M when it comes to poise and balance through the handling course, the big domestic is notably tenacious, accurate and composed when tossing its weight side to side.
Despite the modest praise, the bulk of the 300 SRT8 is evident when pushed to its limits – but those limits are likely beyond what one would expect from a large American sedan that retains much of its luxury-car persona when not being encouraged otherwise.
The vehicle’s handling prowess and otherwise absorbent ride quality can be attributed to its adaptive damping suspension, which knows when to be firm and not. The 3-mode electronic stability control program and the RS-A 245/45R20 Goodyear Eagles at each corner do their part in transforming the family ride to a NASCAR-ready champ.
And perhaps that’s the best part of this unique Chrysler.
Power, performance – and space
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 will seat five occupants in comfort thanks to its generous proportions. “Yes dear, it’s a family sedan,” is sure to be espoused by many-a potential buyer when dragging mom and the kids past the Grand Caravan in the Chrysler showroom.
If the “family sedan” assertion is accepted, the next hurdle will be monetary. With a 300 SRT8 base MSRP of $48,995, the Grand Caravan isn’t looking so bad after all.
With such a massive outpouring of horsepower and torque, a firm grip on the flat-bottomed, leather-clad steering wheel is well advised.
While emitting a guttural roar of epic proportions for a production car, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 thundered down the closed track with a ferocity one would expect from the now-defunct Dodge Viper. Look for 0-100 km/h times in the low 4-second range.
Remarkably athletic handling accompanies the time-warping acceleration of the Chrysler’s race-bred 4-door. While nowhere near the competency level of a BMW M when it comes to poise and balance through the handling course, the big domestic is notably tenacious, accurate and composed when tossing its weight side to side.
Despite the modest praise, the bulk of the 300 SRT8 is evident when pushed to its limits – but those limits are likely beyond what one would expect from a large American sedan that retains much of its luxury-car persona when not being encouraged otherwise.
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| While emitting a guttural roar of epic proportions for a production car, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 thundered down the closed track with a ferocity one would expect from the now-defunct Dodge Viper. (Photo: Chrysler) |
The vehicle’s handling prowess and otherwise absorbent ride quality can be attributed to its adaptive damping suspension, which knows when to be firm and not. The 3-mode electronic stability control program and the RS-A 245/45R20 Goodyear Eagles at each corner do their part in transforming the family ride to a NASCAR-ready champ.
And perhaps that’s the best part of this unique Chrysler.
Power, performance – and space
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 will seat five occupants in comfort thanks to its generous proportions. “Yes dear, it’s a family sedan,” is sure to be espoused by many-a potential buyer when dragging mom and the kids past the Grand Caravan in the Chrysler showroom.
If the “family sedan” assertion is accepted, the next hurdle will be monetary. With a 300 SRT8 base MSRP of $48,995, the Grand Caravan isn’t looking so bad after all.
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