• 300C momentum continues with a dose of SRT performance
• Power - 25 per cent more
• Performance - 317 kW, 6.1-litre V8

Chrysler has unleashed a high performance Street and Racing Technology (SRT) version of its 300C, boasting 317 kW and a 0-100 km/h time in the mid-five-second range.

Priced at $71,990, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is the first SRT vehicle to be powered by a 6.1-litre V8, which offers 25 per cent more power than the 5.7-litre.

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

“The Chrysler 300C SRT8 is the ultimate performance sedan,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia. “It is a complete package for the customer who wants awesome performance in an award-winning sedan loaded with comfort and style."

“In terms of affordability, no one else even comes close to delivering the 300C SRT8's combination of performance and value."

“We’ve taken the local Holden and Ford competitors by storm with our standard 300C sedan, now we’re taking the challenge to their performance brands."

“With its world-class handling, benchmark braking, functional exterior enhancements, race-inspired interior appointments and a jaw-dropping 317 kW, we're sure this new model will excite driving enthusiasts in Australia,” said Jenkins.

The 300C SRT8 is the second SRT branded vehicle to be sold in Australia, joinging the Crossfire SRT-6.

The 300C SRT8 exemplifies the SRT formula of all-around performance at a very attractive price, expressive yet functional design and stunning performance.

Powertrain
The Chrysler 300C SRT8's 317 kW, 6.1-litre V8 has the highest output for its size of any naturally aspirated V8 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.

Although the Chrysler hemi was born in the 1950s and entered into legend in the 1960s and '70s, today's version took much of its inspiration from the original - particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency.

When SRT powertrain engineers set out to develop a more powerful hemi for the Chrysler 300C SRT8, they were mindful of the engine's heritage, which led to adopting traditional hemi engine cues including an orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

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

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders by 3.5 millimetres each in order 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, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-litre engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximised air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (70mm vs. 64mm) exhaust system with 89mm chrome tips.

To further increase power, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased the hemi's peak power output engine speed to 6,200 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 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 SRT 6.1-litre hemi is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power for the SRT8 is channelled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.

Ride and handling
The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handling across the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience.

Chassis set-up for the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at all-around performance with a number of enhancements, including tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger diameter anti-sway bars. New front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height lowered one-half inch from the Chrysler 300C. In addition, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) has been specially tuned for the Chrysler 300C SRT8's performance handling characteristics.

The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 connects with the road via a new wheel and tyre assembly consisting of 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tyres with asymmetrical tread. Tyre dimensions are 245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.

Braking
Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8's acceleration and speed and the braking system was specially designed to slow and stop the car predictably. At the same time, this system was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for sedans in its class.

All four wheels feature stout performance calipers developed by Brembo, well known in racing and high-performance circles, equipped with four pistons for even clamping performance. Up front, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 has 360 x 32 mm vented rotors, with 350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.

Interior
Befitting its character, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers power-adjustable sport seats up front that are fitted with suede inserts (matched in the rear seats) which hold the occupants during spirited driving. Seats are also equipped with heat and memory functions that are adjustable for every driver.

Steering wheel, shifter and door pulls are covered with "technical" leather trim for positive grip. Other SRT-only trim includes special finishing on the steering wheel, door pulls, door trim and centre stack.

Full instrumentation, including a 300 km/h speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges ensure that the driver can monitor crucial functions. A tyre pressure monitoring display within the instrument panel display is also standard.

Premium amenities within the 300C SRT8 cabin include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer (MP3 compatible) powering a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Heating and cooling adjustments are made with an automatic temperature control system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensing. Other standard features of the 300C SRT8 include an electronic vehicle information centre with 128 customer-programmable features.

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 interior is offered in a light graystone/dark slate colour scheme.

Exterior
Street and Racing Technology DNA is evident in the 300C SRT8 exterior styling, in a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's character.

Modified front and rear fascias direct air flow through unique ducts that 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's exterior include body-colour front and rear bumper inserts, body-colour mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

Three exterior colours are available: bright silver, brilliant black and mineral grey.

The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 that comes to Australia is built at the Magna Steyr Plant in Graz, Austria.

The high performance 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine that powers the 300C SRT8 sedan will also feature in the Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT-8, which the Chrysler Group has confirmed for release in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006.

The 300C Touring wagon, is also produced in a high performance SRT8 version, powered by the same 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine. Whilst the exciting performance wagon is yet be confirmed for Australia, the 300C Touring will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2006 in 3.0-litre diesel, 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 5.7-litre V8 HEMI petrol variants.

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 safety and security features
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 continues to offer the following safety and security features:

• Advanced multi-stage air bag system
• Side curtain airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting
• Rear park assist

Options
The only option for the vehicle is a power sunroof with a recormmend retail price of $2,430.

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 feature highlights

New high-performance version of the Chrysler 300C with new 6.1-litre engine featuring performance-tuned ride and handling and premium amenities.

Exterior

• Colours: bright silver, brilliant black, mineral grey
• Modified front fascia with integrated brake-cooling ducts
• Rear deck spoiler
• Body colour front and rear bumper inserts
• Body-colour mirrors
• Body-colour door handles
• Unique SRT badging
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps

Interior

• Colours: light graystone/dark slate
• Power adjustable sport seats have suede inserts, front and rear. Seats include heat and memory functions
• “Technical” leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Trim includes special finishing on centre stack, door pulls, door trim, shifter, steering wheel
• Full instrumentation with 300-km/h speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges. Tyre Pressure Monitoring display included in instrument panel
• AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• 13-speaker Kicker Audio System with 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer
• Automatic temperature control system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensing
• Advanced multi-stage air bag system

Powertrain

• New 317 kW 6.1-litre V8 engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®
• Heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft
• Upgraded differential and axles
• Orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers

Chassis

• SRT-tuned dampers
• Specially tailored spring rates
• Specially tailored suspension bushings
• Electronic Stability Programme tuned for SRT performance handling
• New 20-inch forged aluminium wheels
• High-performance Goodyear F1 three-season 245/45/20 tyres (front), and 255/45/20 (rear) tyres with asymmetrical tread
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Four-wheel Brembo performance disc brakes with four-piston calipers; 360 x 32 mm vented rotors, front; and 350 x 28 mm vented rotors, rear
• Anti-lock brake system

GENERAL INFORMATION
Body Style	Four-door sedan
Assembly Plant	Magna Steyr, Graz, Austria
ENGINE: 6.1-Litre V8
Availability	Standard
Type and Description	90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement	6,059 cu. cm
Bore x Stroke	103.0 x 90.9
Valve System	Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, sixteen conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers
Fuel Injection	Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless
Construction	Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps,
aluminium alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio	10.3:1
Power (estimated SAE net)	317 kW @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (estimated SAE net)	569 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Max. Engine Speed	6,200 rpm
Fuel Requirement	Premium 98 octane, recommended
Oil Capacity	6.6L
Factory Oil Fill	Mobil 10W-40 Synthetic Coolant
Capacity	13.25L
Emission Controls	Dual close-coupled three-way catalytic converters, quad heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features
Max. Gross Trailer Weight	Not rated for trailer tow
Fuel economy (ADR81/01)	14L
Meets EU4 emmision requirements
TRANSMISSION: W5A580 FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability	Standard
Description	Adaptive electronic control, Performance tuned AutoStick® driver-interactive manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
TRANSMISSION: W5A580 FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC (CONTINUED)
Gear Ratios
1st	3.59
2nd	2.19
3rd	1.41
4th	1
5th	0.83
Reverse	3.16.1
Final Drive Ratio	3.06.1
Overall Top Gear	2.54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator	160-amp
Battery	H7 Case, 730 CCA, maintenance-free
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(a)
Wheelbase	3,050
Track, Front	1,600
Track, Rear	1,605
Overall Length	5,015
Overall Width	1,880
Overall Height	1,462
Ground Clearance	129
Frontal Area, sq. m	2.4
Drag coefficient	0.355
Curb weight, kg—Est.	1,888
Weight dist., F/R	1,090/950
Fuel tank capacity, (L)	71
ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R	2,3
Front Head room	983
Leg room	1,061
Shoulder room	1,510
Hip room	1,421
Seat travel	Driver—270, passenger— 220
Recliner angle range, deg.	Driver—70, passenger—69
SAE volume cu. m	1.58
(a) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tyres.	8
ACCOMMODATIONS (CONTINUED)
Rear Head room	959
Leg room	1,020
Knee clearance	122
Shoulder room	1,466
Hip room	1,421
SAE volume, cu. m	1.44
Total interior volume, cu. M	3
SAE Cargo Volume, cu. m	442
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. m	3.46
Trunk Liftover Height	768
BODY
Layout	Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Construction	Unitized Steel Body
SUSPENSION
*SRT tuned front & rear suspension
Front	Independent SLA with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged monotube shock absorbers and stabiliser bar
Rear	Five-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabiliser bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and isolated suspension cradle Nivomat™ self-levelling shock absorbers
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist
Overall Ratio	16.1:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb)	11.86 m
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock)	2.75
TYRES
Standard
Size and type	P245/45R20 three-season -Front P255/45R20 three-season -Rear
Mfr. and model	Goodyear F1 Supercar
Revs per km	452 Front, 447 Rear
WHEELS
Standard
Type and material	Forged polished aluminium
Size	20 x 9 in.
BRAKES
Front
Rotor size and type	360 x 32 vented
Caliper size and type	44 Brembo four-piston fixed with aluminium housing
Swept area	2,261 sq. cm
Rear
Rotor size and type	350 x 28 vented
Caliper size and type	32 Brembo four-piston fixed with aluminium housing
Swept area	2,036 sq. cm
Four-wheel Anti-lock and Traction Control	Standard
Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist	Standard
Power Assist Type	203 x 229 active tandem-diaphragm vacuum booster

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