• 317 kW 6.1-litre V8
• Power – 25 percent more – builds momentum for Chrysler 300C
• 300C Touring versions with 3.5-litre V6, 5.7-litre V8 and 3.0-litre turbo diesel arrive in 2006

Chrysler has revealed a 317 kW high performance SRT version of the versatile 300C Touring wagon at the Geneva International Motor Show.

With a 6.1-litre V8, 20-inch alloy wheels, performance tuned suspension and Brembo brakes the 300C SRT-8 Touring is engineered for incredible acceleration and stopping power.

"The Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring is the ultimate performance wagon," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

"With its world-class handling, benchmark braking, functional exterior enhancements, race-inspired interior appointments, versatile cabin and load space and a jaw-dropping 317 kW, we're sure this new model would appeal to driving enthusiasts in Australia," said Jenkins.

The 300C Touring 3.5-litre V6, 5.7-litre V8 and 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel models will arrive for sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2006. Local Chrysler management are also hopeful of adding the new high-performance SRT-8 version to the line-up.

"The 300C SRT8 Touring provides a unique proposition. We are currently evaluating its business case and hope to confirm it for Australia," said Jenkins.

"In the meantime high performance enthusiasts can look forward to the 300C SRT-8 sedan which begins arriving in Australia towards the end of April," said Jenkins.

The 300C SRT8 Touring shares all the major attributes of the sedan, but adds the benefit of a 630-litre load area which can be expanded to 1,602 litres with rear seats folded, plus easy access through the unique rear liftgate.

The body of the 300C SRT8 Touring shares the strong structure of the sedan, but has unique rear side panels, roof and rear liftgate. The steel liftgate is shaped like an inverted "L," and the hinges are set back over the load area so that the liftgate rises almost vertically and does not require the operator to step back from the vehicle. This unique liftgate architecture also allows for enhanced access to the rear cargo area.

Powertrain

The 317 kW, normally aspirated 6.1-litre hemi engine is the highest specific-output engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its 52.05 kW-per-litre rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 `Street Hemi.' Torque is rated at 569 Nm.

The SRT powertrain engineers who developed the Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring's engine achieved more power by increasing capacity, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

To get more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the Chrysler 300C SRT8's hemi by 3.5 mm each, to increase the total displacement to 6.1-litres from 5.7-litres. Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, unleashing more energy in the combustion process.

Engine breathing was increased with new high-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust `headers' with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the new SRT8's 6.1-litre engine. Larger diameter valves and reshaped cylinder ports in the heads allow for maximised air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger diameter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a larger-diameter 70 mm exhaust system (up by 10 per cent) with 90 mm chrome tail pipes.

Performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to balance total vehicle requirements, simultaneously allowing more air in and out of cylinders. This increases performance and manages a higher engine speed, which is another method to increase horsepower. SRT engineers increased the HEMI's peak engine speed to 5,800 rpm from 5,400 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance 6.1-litre is further strengthened with a host of redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block with increased coolant flow, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and a sump modified to ensure reduced oil foaming.

In the 300C SRT8 Touring, the 6.1-litre hemi's power is channeled through a W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated AutoStick® driver-selectable range control, which offers fully automatic or sequential manual gear shifting. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded rear differential and axle.

Ride and Handling

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring's suspension and chassis are tuned for outstanding ride and handling.

And, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) has been specially tuned for the SRT8's performance handling characteristics.

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring connects with the road via a new wheel and tyre assembly consisting of 20-inch alloy SRT performance wheels.

Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the new Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring's outstanding accelerating and speed – and the braking system was specially designed to slow and stop the car safely, predictably and with maximum stability. At the same time, this system was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for wagons in its class.

Within each of the large diameter 20-inch wheels are high performance brake calipers developed by Brembo – well known in racing and high-performance circles – equipped with four pistons for unrivalled stopping performance. Up front, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring has 360 mm x 32 mm ventilated discs, with 350 mm x 28 mm ventilated discs at the rear.

Design and Amenities

Befitting its high-performance character, the new Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring exterior styling is a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's character.

Modified front and rear fascias help direct air flow, particularly through unique ducts that help cool the brakes. In addition, a specially designed rear deck spoiler, while refined in appearance, is also functional – increasing rear downforce by 39 per cent without increasing drag.

Other unique touches to the Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring's exterior include body-colour front and rear bumper inserts, body-colour grille insert with chrome collar, body colour mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

Street and Racing Technology

The Street and Racing Technology team has created some of the Chrysler Group's most distinctive, performance-oriented products.

Due to arrive in April the 300C SRT-8 sedan joins the Crossfire SRT-6 in the SRT range to further delight performance enthusiasts.

The high performance 6.1-litre V8 engine that powers the 300C SRT8 sedan and Touring will also feature in the Jeep rand Cherokee SRT-8, one of the world’s fastest four-wheel drives, which the Chrysler Group has confirmed for release in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006.

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