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By Jim Jackson
Times Auto Writer | Thursday, September 01, 2005 | (No comments posted.)
In the 1960s, they were called "sleepers." Plain-wrapper vehicles that on the surface looked tame, but hid a high-output engine that challenged some of the most formidable muscle cars of the day.
Back then, Detroit's Big Three automakers - Chrysler, Ford and General Motors - dominated the horsepower race by routinely placing powerful factory-built engines into passenger cars n giving new meaning to the term "family hauler."
Today, the Chrysler Group delivers a beastly sedan that prowls the street dressed in sheep's clothing n the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8.
Positioned to enhance performance beyond Chrysler's legendary Hemi engine, the SRT8 n developed by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group n bores a standard 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, yielding 425 horsepower to the 300C benefactor.
"Chrysler 300C SRT8 is a complete package for the customer who wants awesome performance in an award-winning sedan loaded with comfort and style," said SRT Director, Dan Knott. "The car has incredible acceleration and stopping power with its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter Hemi engine and Brembo brakes."
I recently experienced the thrill of driving the 300C SRT8 at the Autobahn Country Club n a privately owned 3.5-mile race course near the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. n as part of a Chrysler-sponsored event for the Midwest Automotive Media Association.
Chrysler's 300C SRT8 has specially tailored springs and tuned suspension with large diameter anti-away bars that help hold this 4,160 pound family car tight to the ground.
Standard electronic stability control helps keep the 300C's rear end safely in check during hard cornering.
SRT8 performance is further enhanced with 10-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped with meaty three-season tires. Four-season tires are available as an option.
At the track and with traction control switched off, 10 feet of rubber could be left off the line under full throttle with additional wheel-spin felt when the five-speed, automatic transmission hit second gear.
With SRT8, the 300C unleashes 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with triple digit speed reached within 11 seconds.
Chrysler's AutoStick feature, which allows the driver to choose gears manually by nudging the shift lever, was useful in managing SRT8's seductive power through corners.
But the engine quickly reaches its 6,400 rpm redline under AutoStick conditions and will automatically engage the engine's rev-limiter at the cost of lost performance.
Inside, five passengers are greeted by comfortable leather seats fitted with suede inserts that help hold occupants in place during spirited driving. Front seats are equipped with heat and memory functions that when paired with standard power adjusted foot pedals make a perfect fit for and driver.
Chrysler Group's Hemi SRT8 engine will also be available in the 2006 Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Length: 196.8 inches
Engine: 6.1 liter, 425 hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 420 pounds at 4,800 rpm
EPA mileage: 14 city and 20 hwy
Cargo capacity: 15.6 cubic feet
Base price w/freight: $39,995
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