Chrysler 300C SRT-8

silverrush

Almost every V-8 pick-up / SUV gets worse gas mileage than this vehicle. Still , I will have to pay a gas guzzler (FOR CARS) tax !! (They don't !!) Paid just UNDER sticker. Last time I checked this is America. If a guy wants to drive a Hummer he can. I chose this vehicle. What do you drive ??

andyman73

So, for 45K, what Japanese V8 powered RWD sport sedans, in the same power range, can we buy?

 

I don't think the Infiniti big boys are quite there in the power department. But the rest is good.

 

Lexus, nope much less power, way much more price.

 

Hmmm...Honda....Nissan...Acura....Toyota...Mazda...Isuzu...Suzuki- ...uhh...what else?

 

Guess nothing made by Japan, in the same price range compares in power and performance.

rayainsw

"So, for 45K, what Japanese V8 powered RWD sport sedans, in the same power range, can we buy? " – andyman73

 

[First: rrombiero – thanks for the post – saved me from addressing some of those points.]

 

Now - You are correct in that Infiniti (the M45 I drove last weekend is on my short list) is at approx. $50K for an M45 Sport. And it does have less HP / TQ than the SRT-8. At 13.8 sec. SS Quarter Mile – it is not a slow sedan. Is it quick enough? For who(m)?

 

The question (one question) is whether or not the other differences between these cars makes enough difference to you to justify the price difference.

 

The difference between 19 and 23 highway mpg (over 20%) may be significant to some. That would be something like $6.00 each fill for me – once a week. ($30 vs. $36.) Would that break me? No. I am personally more concerned with the range offered. The 19 gal tank on the SRT-8 vs 20 in the M45 combined with the difference in cruising MPG = substantially more frequent refueling . . .

 

No, I do not believe this sort of comparison (SRT-8 vs M45) deserves a separate thread. They are just too different in too many ways. Yet, some of us are in the (enviable) position of being able to purchase (within some monetary parameters) a coupe, a sedan, a pickup truck or a true sports car. Any of these sub-species of “passenger vehicle” would serve my NEEDS. So it comes down to what I WANT to drive. And with no spousal unit or daughter (now living far away) to influence this decision, I may test drive an SRT-8 – just to see if the acceleration is intoxicating (to me) enough to offset some other aspects.

 

Just my $.02 worth (subject to an “information guzzler tax”?)

 

- Ray

Choices, (nice to have) choices . . .

6spdtl

Having mercedes parts does not a mercedes make (not that anybody would brag about mercedes since has one of the worst reliability records in the industry). For your info the 3oo is not a cab forward design that was the previous version which was based on the intrepid. As for fit and finish and materials, it is simple to sit on the cars side by side and compare, I did. Acuras claustrophobic??? The statement is simply ludicrous as honda has always been considered to have most "open" interiors in the industry. The mileage figures you stated are for the 300c not for the SRT8 which actually has the honor of a gas guzzler tax. Speaking of engine technology the SRT8 has 425HP from a 6.1 liter engine which comes out to 69.7HP/L an acura RL has a 300 HP 3.5liter engine which comes out to 85HP/L not to speak of a honda s200 that produces 120 HP/L. The chrysler 300 is flash for those with little knowledge of engineering (just like the commercials the: GOT A HEMI crowd!!) I'm not an American car basher, just the facts. American car makers can make good cars they simply don't so they have to fall back on marketing since engineering, value and quality are not in their dictionary. The average consumer is slowly but surely educating themselves about these facts as the ever shrinking big three market pie shows. If it weren't for rental cars, deep discounts and rebates americas car companies would be bankrupt. Nothing is as telling as the fact that for the big three car sales are a minority of company revenue, they make more money financing vehicles than making and selling them, what a disgrace! Oh BTW Consumer reports which you so disparage is the oldest car testing publication, has the largest engineering staff (not just grease monkey good'ol boys but guys with PhD's) and the only one that has a reliability database from which to evaluate long term auto reliability (they are not impressed by advertisement money or by ITS GOT A HEMI garbage) and yes the also test refrigerators and other consumer goods quite well!

6spdtl

Silver I do have a TL. BTW mine came stock with Brembos and has shorter stopping distances than a porsche boxster:) Futhermore, the S2000 has one of the shorter distances of any car so the honda brake thing is a myth, their brakes are just fine. The 8 cylinder in the LS 430 produces "only" 290HP the RL while a 6 has a higher output thus better highway passing power. Cars are not for pulling stumps so torque is of secondary usefulness. A telling point is that GM has decided to use regular Honda V6's in their "performance" Saturn vehicles. BTW its the only good part in them too! The 300 is a good effort (for chrysler) if honda or toyota had made it we would be discussing how far those 2 brands had fallen. BTW, with my limpy 270 HP Acura I eat 300C's for breakfast and have still have space left over for any lexus on the market, again what is funny about that statement is that its not a boast it a plain fact.

kurtamaxxguy

I asked the questions to better understand the 300C SRT8 mindset. No doubt it fills a need for many people.

It's a pity the Autobahn and Nurburing are not here for them to be driven on.

silverrush

Guess I hit a nerve !! The brake thing is not a myth , that's why they put Brembos on your TL !! (automatic TL's have standard crap Honda brakes !!) I did forget about the S2000. Nice car if you like go-carts and Miatas. No torque gotta rev to 9 grand to beat your everyday Grand Am from stop light to stop light !! Enough bench racing about crap you don't own !! YOU'RE ON A SRT-8 300C FORUM !! If you want to tell everyone how great your TL is , go there !! You'll be serving me LUNCH , DINNER and BREAKFAST in bed after I stop , get " GAS " , and wash my new SRT-8 and you finally catch up !! And , that is just a plain fact !! I feel better now.

silverrush

Like your math rrombeiro !!

silverrush

You own a Chevy Malibu Maxx ?? I feel pity for you ?!?

kurtamaxxguy

Most MAXX folks like 'em, as I do mine. Still, I grew up with big sedans and V8's, and enjoyed driving them. Paying the bucks to OWN and FEED them is another story.

 

As for 300, might get one if they hold up well. We'll see if they beat the "first year blues".

Kirstie_H

Let's check the hostility, folks, or some posts are going to start disappearing. If you can't be civil, you can't post.

silverrush

Motor Tread February 2005 issue. Test results compiled from Road Test Results of the past year:

0-60 MPH (sec)

Chrysler 300C '05 - 5.8
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 '05 - 4.9
Acura TL 6M '04 - 6.1
Lexus LS430 '04 - 6.4
Honda S2000 '04 - 5.8

1/4 mile (sec/mph)

Chrysler 300C '05 - 14.3/98.6
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 '05 - 13.2/108.1
Acura TL 6M '04 - 14.4/98.2
Lexus LS430 '04 - 14.7/95
Honda S2000 '04 - 14.2/99.9

Braking 60-0 (ft)

Chrysler 300C '05 - 122
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 '05 - 113
Acura TL 6M '04 - 141
Porsche Boxter S '04 - 110
Honda S2000 '04 - 118
Lexus LS430 '04 - 122

Slalom , avg mph

Chrysler 300C '05 - 63.2
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 - 67.3
Acura TL 6M '04 - 62.5
Honda S2000 '04 - 68.6
Lexus LS430 '04 - 59.1

kurtamaxxguy

Some nice numbers there for the SRT-8!

Unfortunately the Chrysler site doesn't seem to want to provide specs. I'm curious as to:

1. Suspension travel
2. Wheel material (Forged? Cast?)
3. "+" factor of wheel compared to base 300C

rrombeiro

Yes ma'am. Consider it done.

rrombeiro

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Body Style Sport Tourer
Assembly Plant Brampton, Ontario, Canada
EPA Vehicle Class Multi-purpose vehicle
Introduction Date Mid 2005 as 2006 model

ENGINE: 6.1-LITER, HEMI® V-8
Availability Std. – Magnum SRT8
Type and Description 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement 370 cu. in. (6059 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 4.06 x 3.58 (103.0 x 90.9)
Valve System Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves,
eight 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,
aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio 10.3:1
Power (estimated SAE net) 425 bhp (318 kW) @ 6000 rpm, (69.8 bhp/L)
Torque (estimated SAE net) 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) @ 4800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed 6400 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Premium 91 octane (R+M)/2—recommended,
Oil Capacity 7 qt. (6.6L)
Coolant Capacity 14 qt. (13.25L)
Emission Controls Dual close-coupled three-way catalytic converters,
quad heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features

TRANSMISSION: W5A580 FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability Std. – Magnum SRT8
Description Adaptive electronic control, Performance tuned AutoStick® driver-interactive
manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st 3.59
2nd 2.19
3rd 1.41
4th 1.00
5th 0.83
Reverse 3.17
Final Drive Ratio 3.06
Overall Top Gear 2.54

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator 160-amp
Battery H7 Case, 600 CCA, maintenance-free

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(a)
Wheelbase 120.0 (3048)
Track, Front 63.0 (1600)
Track, Rear 63.1 (1603)
Overall Length 197.7 (5021)
Overall Width 74.1 (1881)
Overall Height 57.9 (1471)
Ground Clearance 5.1 (129)
Frontal Area, sq. ft. (sq. m) 25.4 (2.36)
Drag Coefficient 0.355 (estimated)
Curb Weight, lb. (kg)—estimated 4260 (1932)
Weight Distribution, percent F/R 53/47
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L) 19 (72)

(a) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R 2/3
Front
Head room 38.7 (983)
Leg room 41.8 (1061)
Shoulder room 58.7 (1490)
Hip room 56.2 (1427)
Seat travel Driver—10.6 (270), passenger—8.66 (220)
Recliner angle range, deg. Driver—70, passenger—69
SAE front volume index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 55.0 (1.56)
Rear Seat
Head room 38.1 (968)
Leg room 40.2 (1020)
Knee clearance 4.8 (122)
Shoulder room 57.6 (1464)
Hip room 55.5 (1409)
SAE rear seat volume index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 50.9 (1.44)
SAE interior volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 105.9 (3.00)
Cargo volume indexes
Rear seats up, cu. ft. (cu. m) 27.2 (0.77)
Rear seats folded, cu. ft. (cu. m) 71.6 (2.03)
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 133.1 (3.77)
Liftover Height 29.7 (752)

BODY
Layout Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Construction Unitized steel body

SUSPENSION
SRT-tuned front and rear suspension
Front Independent SLA with high upper “A” arm, lateral and diagonal lower links
with dual ball joint front knuckle, coil spring over gas-charged
shock absorbers and revised stabilizer bar lower “A” arm
Rear Five-link independent with coil springs, gas-charged shock absorbers
and isolated suspension cradle. Revised rear stabilizer bar
STEERING
Type Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist
Overall Ratio 16.1:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) 38.9 ft. (11.9 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) 2.75

TIRES
Standard – Magnum SRT8
Size and type P245/45R20 - Front
P255/45R20 - Rear
Mfr. and model 3 Season Goodyear F1 Supercar
Revs per mile (km) 729 (452) Front , 720 (447) Rear
Optional – Magnum SRT8
Size and type 245/45R20 - Front
245/45R20 - Rear
Mfr. and model 4 Season Goodyear RS-A
Revs per mile (km) 729 (452) Front , 729 (452) Rear

WHEELS
Standard – Magnum SRT8
Type and material Forged Polished Aluminum
Size 20 x 9 in.

BRAKES
Front
Rotor size and type 14.2 x 1.26 ( 360 x 32.0 ) vented
Caliper size and type 1.73 (44) Brembo 4-piston fixed with aluminum housing
Swept area 351 sq. in. (2261 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type 13.8 x 1.10 (350 x 28) vented
Caliper size and type 1.26 (32) Brembo 4-piston fixed with aluminum housing
Swept area 316 sq. in. (2036 sq. cm)
Four-wheel anti-lock and traction control Std
Electronic stability control and brake assist Std
Power assist type

kurtamaxxguy

Thanks for the specs! With those low profile tires and given how many roads have potholes, nice to know the wheels are forged!

xkss

info on the 300C SRT-8

http://www.allpar.com/cars/lx/srt8-chrysler.html

rrombeiro

Here is a link to the Brampton Assembly plant employee bulletin board. Already good information on the actual VIN's of SRT8's that they have started building. Really cool link.

http://www.bramptonassembly.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=881

I am giving serious thought to taking a trip up to Brampton to watch my car get built, like some Corvette customers do at the plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Anybody else interested?

silverrush

Great link !! The forth letter in my VIN is "J" . I guess my car won't be built for a while. The first cars have "A".

rrombeiro

All of a sudden there is no activity on this board. Anybody hearing any news on their cars? The Brampton Assembly board (see previous post) has been dormant also. Maybe they've hit a snag with the early production models???

I talked with DCX Corporate earlier this week and I am still 'BX' status on my order. I placed my order on February 7th. Probably won't get assigned a build slot for a week or two longer. I guess that's when I will get my VIN?

camradoc

Don't know what's going on, either. Had ordered my SRT8 on Jan.6, then it was "re-ordered" on Jan. 28: still no VIN #. Don't understand how the person in Windsor got his VIN so quickly, he only ordered the vehicle on 2/1/05, according to the Brampton board.

rambit

I found this forum by accident & see there's a 300C SRT8 board here. I am also a member of the 300forum & BramptonAssembly forum. I got my VIN 4 days ago and am excited that it is an 05! I live in London, Ontario, Canada. This is an extremely rare event as there will be only 7 in the whole province. My build date is 3-4 March. Although I am able to buy most any vehicle out there and pay cash for it, there is absolutely NOTHING else I'm interested in at all. Japanese, German, English cars have never really turned me on at all regardless of how exclusive they are. The last time I got this excited about a new car was in 1976 when I fell in love with the Cordoba. I guess for me it's a visual thing. I'm counting the days now and although I just got my 05 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 loaded SLT 5.7L Hemi before Christmas to keep me happy, I can't wait to park it and take my first ride. I haven't looked at any posts, but I sure intend to. It seems like I can't suck in enough information on this incredible car.

rambit

rambit

"(ironically it is built in Canada!)."

You forgot to mention "by Canadians"
Sorry, I was just being sarcastic. I don't plan ANY modifications at all. I have a VIN and build date of 3-4 March, it's an 05 and will be far too rare down the road to mess with. I'm Canadian and there will be only 7 in Ontario and probably only a dozen or so in the country. I put a deposit on mine in Dec. 04 even though they weren't taking orders till the new year. It was Fax'ed to Chrysler Canada at that time. No time for napping on this one. You snooze, you loose. The MSRP in the US was announced 3 Jan, but in Canada not till about 2 weeks ago ($49,995 CDN + 15% tax of course). I don't know if you're aware that there's a forum moderated by the people that actually build your car at BramptonAssembly.com and if you donate $25 CDN, you can gain access to the Private area. From there you can request a VIN search & track the whole process. BTW build date for the 06's is 29 March.

rambit

canker

300c gas mileage is 17/25! thanks to its Multi-Displacement System. The 300c srt8 is 14/19 and doesn't have MDS. You know what kind of people bring up HP/L arguments? People with less hp and slower cars .

cssltx

Anyone in So. Cal order one of these at MSRP? If you did, where?

thank you

driver7

I am trying. I talked to someone I know who is a General Manager of a dealership (not Chrysler unfortunately). He said if dealerships will only be getting a few of these since quantities are limited, they may not take any orders. That way when one comes in, they can get top dollar for it. Supply and demand. I still plan to shop dealerships to see if I can get one.

bobcat2

My sales representative advise me this week all SRT -8 shipments were being delayed if they ordered the upgraded package with radio/stereo system with 276 watt speakers. Has anyone else heard of such an outlandish comment from their dealer.
bobcat2

wantit

I ordered silver, with everything except satillite radio, & gps (optin group 2)on feb. 16th, was told delivery will be april, and model year is 2006. left dealer a deposit, no firm price, but agreement is for sticker price. No mark-up. Also gas guzzler tax is $2100, which is included in sticker price

driver7

which dealer did you use? I would be a bit suspect about the no firm price

rhylsadar

Hi there
I am living in Europe. In Europe the 300C is also available as a wagon, similar to the dodge magnum.
I am seeking for a wagon, but I prefer the style of the chrysler compared to the dodge magnum. Also the SRT8 engine is not available in Europe too.
For this reason I want to import the car directly from the us of canada (metric equipped).

My question, does the SRT8 as a wagon become available?

Thank you fro your help.

rrombeiro

Rhylsadar,

To my knowledge, there are not any plans (yet) for an SRT-8 version of a 300 wagon. You may have to decide between the Dodge Magnum version or buying a 300C and making the performance enhancements yourself.

Interesting idea, though!

Randal

cbutler32

Dear cssltx,
I am here in San Diego and had nothing but problems with the 3 dealers out of the 8 and stopped at that point with them here locally. I am on Dodgeboy.net and fond someone there who is a dealer rep. and he found one of his dealers (10 out of his 12 dealers are signed up to order the SRT-8) who could accomodate me. The dealer is in Detroit and the car has been ordered. One of the issues that came up regarding ordering was that the dealer had to have a Viper engine tech on-site to even order one. Without one the dealer could not even sign up to get the ability to order. Then we all know what happened at the end of January and the new 2006's coming out 3 days after the order bank shut down unannounced...
The bottom line is we all will be driving cars that everyone of our (guy) neighbors will want...
especially after the get their doors blown off of the line by a car for thousands less than theirs...

wantit

ordered at Westbury L.I. NewYork.
First time I visited the dealer, they had no price. I called several days later, with price I got at Chrysler.com; and told saleswomen I was giving her "one more chance to sell me this car".
She put me on hold, and came back 3 mins. later with O.K. from manager to sell to me at MSRP. I went the next day left a deposit, and have a bill of sale for a 2006 vehicle. price will be "sticker". no firm price because 2006 should be 3% more than 2005.

wantit

does anyone know how many SRT 8s will be built?
I have heard from dealers anywhere between 1500
(seems sort of low) to 5000. I remember reading somewhere, I think Motor Trend, that the number was 8000.

rhino01

I have read 5000 and 10000. I assume that the 5000 number is for 2005 since the car was not available in the beginning of the model year. The 10000 number, I am assuming is for 2006.
Incidentally, a dealership in Leesburg, VA received one on the lot and put it on ebay. It reached $55,600 before auction end and did not meet the reserve.

jimhemi

The snag is the Transmissions. Heard rumors they are having trouble with all that HP and torque. Lot of stress for an unmodified, stock trans to hold up to. Look at the work done to automatics for simple bracket racing and those cars make about the same HP and torque as this.

shipo

Hmmm, correct me if I'm wrong, however, I'm under the impression that the 300C and 300C SRT-8 use the same transmission as the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. If so then the power output from either version of the Hemi shouldn't be a problem for the transmission since the E55 puts out 469 hp @ 6,100 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque at 2,650 rpm, easily more that even the SRT-8 mill.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kshakoor

All i'm glad I found this messageboard. I also ordered a SRT8. The order was placed on Feb. 3, 2005, but my dealer informed me that this will be a 2006 model. Also, my order status is still "BA". What does this status mean?

Also, i've registered on the Bramptonassembly.com website, but cannot seem to find the area which can provide more detailed build information. I have a VON#, but no VIN yet.

Can some of you experienced SRT8 guys help out a newbie???

Thanks, Karriem

kshakoor

Update as of this morning. My order is in "D" status and I have a VIN#. But I did'nt get a new purchase order from the dealer, or a build date. My original purchase order still reflects "retail".

What is "D" status. My dealer says this means I have been assigned a build order, but no date.

Karriem

mhayes

If you do not like the car than get off this web site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rhino01

Your dealer is correct. If you have a D status, you are guaranteed to get one. A D1 status means it has a build slot. The assembly plant will not start on 06's till April. Once started, it takes approximately 4 weeks to build and deliver the car, according to my dealer.

karl6

Dude, I have the info on this car you probably cant find. I live in Toronto near where the srt8 is being built. Facts 224 2005 have and are being built. I know because I bought one. 35 are comming to Canada and the rest of the 05 are going down south to selected dealers in the USA.

It will be very difficult to get a hold of a 05.If you are ordering a car now it will be an 06 ,they start building April 13/05 and may build as many as 15,000. the 06 is being offered with an optional Kicker system, this might be what your dealer is talking about. However I have been told by the BIG GUYS at Chrysler that it will be available late 06. Also the 06 will come with an option of rear seat DVD.

I pick up my Car next week.

Stay tuned !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

silverrush

I ordered my car 1/13 , DID ANYONE GET A CAR YET ???????!!!! My dealer told me my car is an '06 now ???!! I have a VIN , been tracking. Maybe I'll buy a Lexus after all ??

topdog

I don't like the car because it guzzles gas! Furthermore, I will stay on this web site because of my right to free speech.

pat

Um, folks, all points of view are welcome. There is no requirement that only positive posts may be made, all opinions are welcome. Debating the positives and negatives of any given vehicle is what we are all about.

However, I should note that as a private entity, Edmunds.com does not afford anyone a "right to free speech". This site has a Membership Agreement to which all who are posting have agreed (or you wouldn't be a member and be able to post) that serves as the authority on whether a posting is appropriate or not.

If there are questions about the Agreement or whether any specific comment is appropriate, they should be addressed to the host via email.

In any case, there is no need for personal confrontations. They are specifically prohibited by that MA.

Thanks for your understanding.

durango_rt

I have seen all sorts of production numbers, but find it hard to believe that there will be that many made, even in '06. Also that SRT-8 was sold by the Dealership in Leesburg for $58,000! (I emailed them)

rambit

Your numbers are a little out of sync. I picked mine up two days ago. I also am from Canada. There are ONLY 17 staying here of the total 225 (number was increased by one 3 days ago). This is from the person who designed the car (RG). How "Big Guy" high do you want to go? DO NOT believe numbers like 5000, 10000 or 15000. If you ordered all options, all protection packages and the only extended warranty for this car (Viper - $3200), gas guzzler tax in Ontario, PST and GST be prepared to fork over $71000 plus and that's at MSRP, DUDE

srt8dogg

Your response to [6spdtl] was so right on brother that I had to tip my hat to you friend.

alsotoo

If everybody was the same we'd only need one person and one car/automobile in this world. That scenario doesn't sound good does it?

kurtamaxxguy

I'm here to learn about this product and understand why it and other high horsepower cars have suddenly become the "gottahaveits" in the USA.
and for that matter...
How many potential SRT8 folks would like Mopar's VIPER V10 engine to become an option?