Engine breathing was increased with new high-flow cylinder heads, aspecially designed intake manifold, and exhaust "headers" with individualtubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 2005 Chrysler 300CSRT8's 6.1-litre HEMI engine. Larger diameter valves and reshaped cylinderports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold wasdesigned with larger diameter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust isrouted through a larger-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with3.5-inch chrome tips.
Performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to balance totalvehicle requirements, simultaneously allowing more air in and out ofcylinders. This increases performance and manages a higher engine speed, whichis another method to increase horsepower. SRT engineers increased the HEMI'speak engine speed nearly 15 percent, to 6,200 revolutions per minute (rpm)from 5,400 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaustvalve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.
The high-performance 6.1-litre HEMI is further strengthened with a hostof redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block with increasedcoolant flow, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connectingrods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modifiedfor reduced oil foaming.
The 6.1-litre HEMI's power is channeled through an A580 five-speedautomatic transmission with specially calibrated Auto/Stick(TM) driver-selectable range control, which offers fully automatic or manualshifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque fromthe transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.
Ride and Handling
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handlingacross the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience.
Chassis setup for the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at all-aroundperformance with a number of enhancements, including tuned dampers, speciallytailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-swaybars. New front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride heightlowered one-half inch from the Chrysler 300C. And, the Electronic StabilityProgram (ESP) has been specially tuned for the SRT8's performance handlingcharacteristics.
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 connects with the road via a new wheel and tireassembly consisting of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with available high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires (four-season tires arestandard in Canada) with asymmetrical tread. Tire dimensions are a beefy245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear with the three-season tires;245/45/20 front and rear with the four-season tires.
Braking
Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the new Chrysler 300C SRT8'soutstanding acceleration and speed -- and the braking system was speciallydesigned to slow and stop the car safely and predictably. At the same time,this system was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting anew standard for sedans in its class.