New Chrysler 300C SRT8 is $20,000 Cheaper and 25-HP More Powerful than Cadillac CTS-V

Like an athlete, an engine will perform better if it can breathe easier. To achieve this result SRT engineers added new

Engine exhaust will leave the back of the car via new larger diameter tailpipes finished off with two fat 3.5-inch chrome tips. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

high-flow cylinder heads, with larger diameter valves combined with reshaped cylinder ports, and a redesigned intake manifold with larger diameter runners for higher-speed tuning. The result of the SRT division's work is quicker turning, much more powerful engine featuring a compression ratio that increases from 9.6:1 to 10.3:1.

Finally, seriously "hot" exhaust headers that feature "individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell" were added, or so says Chrysler. Engine exhaust will leave the back of the car via new larger diameter, 2.75-inch compared to 2.5-inch, tailpipes finished off with two fat 3.5-inch chrome tips.

Like the regular 300C, the new SRT8 gets the Mercedes-Benz derived A580 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring a reconfigured AutoStick sequential shift mode that better suites the more powerful engine. Managing the torque to

To match engine performance the SRT gang added specially tuned Bilstein dampers, recalibrated the spring rates and suspension bushings, plus added larger diameter anti-sway bars. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

the upgraded rear differential and axles is a new heavy-duty 4-flange prop shaft.

The 300C SRT8 wouldn't be complete if it kept the current 300C's compliant suspension intact. While it handles quite well, the ride quality/handling mix has been biased toward comfort, and therefore compromises the car's sporting capabilities. To match engine performance the SRT gang added specially tuned Bilstein dampers, recalibrated the spring rates and suspension bushings, plus added larger diameter anti-sway bars. The stock car's front and rear suspension knuckles have been replaced with ones that help to reduce ride height by about half an inch overall.