With 85 more horses under the hood, the momentum continues for the Chrysler 300 and its HEMI engine. The Chrysler Group revealed the 425-horsepower 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8, which arrives in showrooms spring 2005. Preliminary performance targets for the 300C SRT-8 are 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range and quarter-mile time in the high13-second range.
The 425-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI is the highest specific-output engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 'Street HEMI.' 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. To get more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the Chrysler 300C SRT-8's HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each, to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters. Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, unleashing more energy in the combustion process.
The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handling across the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience. Chassis setup for the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 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. And, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the SRT-8's performance handling characteristics.
Befitting its high-performance character, the new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 exterior styling is a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's premium 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 percent without increasing drag. Other unique touches to the Chrysler 300C SRT-8's exterior include body-color front and rear bumper inserts, body-color grille insert with chrome collar, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.
General specifications
Country of origin United States
Year of introduction 2004
Drivetrain
Engine HEMI 90º V8
Engine location Front, longitudinally mounted
Displacement 6.100 liter / 372.2 cu in
Valvetrain 2 valves/cylinder, OHV
Fuel feed Fuel injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Gearbox A580 5 Speed Automatic
Drive Rear wheel drive
Performance figures
Power 425 bhp / 317.1 kW
BHP/Liter 69.7
Torque 570 Nm / 420.4 ft lbs
