2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8

PREVIEW

With the recent influx of appealing compact cars, it's natural to question the relevance of the full-size 2014 Chrysler 300 sedan. But then you drive one, and you realize the 300 is a rolling refresher course in everything that makes American cars great. Large and in charge, with a robust roster of V6 and V8 engines to choose from, the 300 commands the road like a classic highway cruiser. At the same time, the luxurious, high-tech cabin makes the 300 an attractive alternative to a wide range of premium sedans.

Another Chrysler 300 calling card is its slinky styling, which is great for turning heads -- unless it's your own head when you're trying to see what's behind you. Thanks to the high beltline and small windows, rear visibility is less than ideal. Fortunately, a rearview camera comes standard on all but the base model, ensuring that maneuvers in reverse, at least, won't require too much guesswork. As for visibility at speed, the 300's powerful engines tend to keep your focus on the road ahead, provided the car at six o'clock doesn't have flashing lights on top.

The large sedan segment is in the midst of a renaissance, highlighted by recently redesigned or updated versions of the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Azera and Toyota Avalon, as well as the Azera's corporate cousin, the all-new Kia Cadenza. These sedans offer more usable legroom for three rear passengers, because of their front-wheel-drive architecture and subsequent lack of a transmission tunnel hump in the middle of the floor. Fuel economy on these cars also tends to be a bit better, especially with the hybrid versions of the Impala, LaCrosse and Avalon.

But as compelling as those rivals are, they don't offer all-wheel drive or V8 power, nor can they match the Chrysler's sheer presence at the curb. Chrysler's full-size cruiser is more than just relevant for 2014; it's one of the best cars you'll find for the money.

FEATURES

The 2014 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in six primary trim levels: 300, 300S, 300C, 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, SRT8 Core and SRT8.

Even the base 300 comes loaded with luxuries, including 17-inch alloy wheels (19-inchers with all-wheel drive), automatic headlights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, an 8.4-inch central touchscreen interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB connectivity and satellite radio.

The 300S is something of an island in the 300 lineup, adding 8 horsepower under the hood (V6 only), 20-inch alloy wheels with performance tires (19-inchers with AWD), a "touring" sport suspension, a Sport mode and shift paddles for the transmission, remote start, unique black-out styling elements, foglights, an eight-way power passenger seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), piano-black cabin accents, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system.

Stepping up to the 300C adds the following to the base 300's equipment list: 18-inch alloy wheels (19s with AWD), remote start, foglights, additional chrome exterior accents, a driver-side auto-dimming mirror, LED cabin lighting, heated and cooled front cupholders, power-adjustable pedals, a power tilt-and-telescoping heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory functions, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, a rearview camera, a navigation system with Garmin-sourced software and a six-speaker Alpine audio system.

The 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition (named after the menswear fashion designer) tacks on niceties like "platinum chrome" exterior trim, 20-inch wheels (19s with AWD), the touring suspension and Sport shift features from the 300S, upgraded leather upholstery, extended leather trim and hand-sanded wood inserts.

Note that the John Varvatos Limited Edition will again be offered late in the 2014 model year, adding flourishes such as "titanium chrome" exterior trim, Varvatos logos on the seats and an exclusive gauge cluster and clock featuring the Varvatos name.

The SRT8 Core shifts gears to high-performance mode, featuring a 6.4-liter V8 engine, special 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, black exterior accents, a performance-oriented three-mode stability control system, launch control, sport-tuned steering and cloth-upholstered sport seats. The Core's other standard features are relatively basic, however, mirroring the entry-level 300 for the most part.

The full-flavored SRT8 comes with different 20-inch wheels and adds a three-mode adjustable sport suspension, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, sport seats with leather/faux-suede upholstery and most of the luxury features from the 300C.

Many of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims as stand-alone options or via various packages. Other option highlights include a panoramic sunroof and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

INTERIOR

The Chrysler 300's cabin isn't exactly avant-garde, but there's no question that it's a classy place to be. Every 300 employs rich finishes and extensive soft-touch materials, while the 300S adds some visual flair with its available two-tone color schemes. The John Varvatos Luxury Edition ups the ante with special wood and extended premium leather trim.

On the technology front, the standard 8.4-inch touchscreen interface is one of our favorites, pairing large buttons and crisp graphics with a logical menu structure. We also appreciate the 300's diverse array of audio options, including an Alpine system, a Harman Kardon system, and of course the thumping Beats by Dr. Dre setup.

Given the Chrysler's ample proportions, it should come as no surprise that there's plenty of room for occupants of all sizes. The adjustability of the driver seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is particularly generous, while the rear seats are both spacious and supportive. Compared with other large sedans, though, the middle rear seat isn't as comfortable or useful due to the 300's transmission tunnel hump.

Luggage capacity is average for a large sedan, checking in at 16.3 cubic feet, but the wheelwells may limit loading depth for larger items.

UNDER THE HOOD

All 2014 Chrysler 300 trims except the SRT8 come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 300S V6 gets minor tweaks (including a sport-tuned exhaust) that bump output to 300 hp. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

In Autoexpress performance testing, a rear-drive 300S went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is about average for a V6-powered full-size sedan. An all-wheel-drive 300C with the V6 took just 0.2 second longer in spite of its added weight.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the V6 is a respectable 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 23 combined. All-wheel drive, which is available on all V6-powered models, drops those numbers to 18/27/21.

Optional on all but the base 300 and SRT8 is a 5.7-liter V8 good for 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/25/19 with rear-wheel drive and 15/23/18 with AWD.

The SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V8 good for 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters are mandatory. In Autoexpress performance testing, the SRT8 went from zero to 60 mph in a very quick 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy for the SRT8 is 14/23/17.

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2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8

PREVIEW

For 2013, the Chrysler 300's trim level lineup has been revised. All but the SRT8 versions now have the 3.6-liter V6 as standard, though the 5.7-liter V8 is still available on the "S" and "C" trims. The SRT8 version gets launch control as well as an expanded range for its adaptive suspension, which now offers three modes. There's also a new, more affordable version of the SRT8 dubbed "Core."

It doesn't get much more American than a big, square-rigged and powerful rear-wheel-drive sedan, right? Never mind that the 2013 Chrysler 300 is actually built in Canada and based on a platform evolved from an old Mercedes E-Class -- if you're looking for a spacious, comfortable and powerful sedan with unabashed American style and flavor, it doesn't get much better.

But just because it offers traditional values doesn't mean the modern Chrysler 300 is behind the times. The current 300 brings a lot to the large sedan table, such as sleek styling, a trio of strong engine choices, a quiet interior and a comfortable ride. The cabin boasts a classy yet functional design and its materials are high in quality. Furthermore, the 300 offers the latest electronic features, but unlike those seen in some rivals, they're easy to use.

Also fully up-to-date are the 2013 Chrysler 300's V6 and V8 engines. It used to be that choosing the former meant lackluster performance, but with a V6 that cranks out up to 300 horsepower, that's certainly not the case now. And with eight speeds to work with, the automatic transmission contributes to the V6's impressive combination of strong performance and respectable fuel economy. If a full-on muscle car dressed up in a tuxedo is more your thing, there's the 300C SRT8, which sports a 6.4-liter V8 that pumps out 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, most shoppers will be considering the more common variants of the 2013 Chrysler 300, and that's not a problem at all. Even the base 300 can pass as a luxury car thanks to its high-quality interior, refined ride, strong power and generous features. Naturally, the 300 isn't the only large sedan available. The 2013 Hyundai Genesis is another standout, while the new 2013 Toyota Avalon is more engaging to drive this year. But overall the 2013 Chrysler 300 is a fantastic choice, especially if you want the definitive American sedan.

FEATURES

The 2013 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in six trim levels: 300, 300S, 300C, 300C Luxury Series, 300C John Varvatos Collection and SRT8. The base 300 comes very well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), an overhead console, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a six-speaker sound system with a compact touchscreen interface, Bluetooth phone and audio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and satellite radio.

The 300S adds a slightly more powerful engine, a Sport mode and shift paddles for the transmission, remote start, unique black-out styling elements, foglights, 20-inch (19-inch with AWD) alloy wheels with performance tires, touring-tuned suspension, an eight-way power passenger seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), piano black cabin accents, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system.

Stepping up to the 300C adds the following to the base 300: remote start, foglights, additional chrome exterior accents, auto-dimming driver sideview mirror, LED cabin lighting, heated/cooled cupholders, an upgraded Alpine audio system, a navigation system (with real time traffic), power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel, driver memory functions, a heated/wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.

The 300C Luxury Series further includes special "platinum chrome" exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, a Sport mode and shift paddles for the transmission, upgraded leather upholstery, leather-trimmed instrument panel and console, Berber floor mats, and real wood trim. The 300C John Varvatos Collection (named after the menswear fashion designer) is equipped similarly but has unique interior and exterior trim.

The SRT8 is a high-performance model that, in addition to most of the luxury features of the 300C, features special styling and interior trim, a high-performance V8, special 20-inch wheels and high-performance tires, Brembo brakes, launch control, a three-mode adjustable sport suspension, sport-tuned steering, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, a rearview camera and leather/faux-suede upholstery and sport seats.

The "Core" version of the SRT8 includes most of the high-performance hardware but does without the adjustable suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, foglights, leather upholstery, premium sound upgrade, navigation system, heated seats/steering wheel/cupholders, parking sensors, rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals/steering wheel and a few other luxury features in exchange for a lower price tag.

Many of the upper trims' features can be had on the lower trims via various packages. Other option highlights (depending on trim level) include a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof and the SafetyTec package. The latter features adaptive/auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot/cross-path warning system, a forward collision warning system, front and rear parking sensors and automatic wipers.

Exclusive to the 300S is the Glacier package, which includes all-wheel drive, unique 19-inch wheels, black roof and mirrors, front sport seats, cloth/leather upholstery and embroidered floor mats.

INTERIOR

Given how nice the Chrysler 300's cabin is, luxury-car shoppers may think twice about paying extra for a fancy badge. The look is hardly ground-breaking, but it's classy even in the base trim level, while the 300S in particular adds some visual flair with its available two-tone color schemes. Materials are top-notch, particularly in the 300C Luxury Series and John Varvatos Collection, which boast leather and wood trim covering most interior surfaces. Given the 300's proportions, it shouldn't come as a surprise that there's ample room for occupants big and small. The adjustability of the driver seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are particularly impressive.

The large 8.4-inch touchscreen control interface is one of the better systems around, with large buttons and a logical menu structure. Luggage capacity is average for a large sedan, with 16.3 cubic feet of space. Rearward visibility is the only notable drawback for the 300 here, as the thick rear pillars can impede rearward visibility.

UNDER THE HOOD

All 2013 Chrysler 300 trims except the SRT8 come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 300S version of that engine comes with minor tweaks (including a sport-tuned exhaust) that bump output to 300 hp. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

In Autoexpress performance testing, a 300 V6 went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds ? about average for a V6-powered full-size sedan. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 23 combined. Opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 18/27/21.

Optional on all but the base 300 is a 5.7-liter V8 good for 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/25/19 with rear-wheel drive and 15/23/18 with AWD.

The SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V8 good for 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters are standard. In Autoexpress performance testing, the SRT8 went from zero to 60 mph in a very quick 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy for the SRT8 is 14/23/17.

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Chrysler 300 SRT8

Specifications

1. Powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it has a 0-60 time of under 5.0 seconds. 2. SRT8 models get a blacked-out grille, four exhaust pipes, 20-inch wheels, a one inch lower suspension and massive 6-piston front brakes with 14.2-inch rotors. 3. An 8-inch touch screen can show performance data including acceleration times and cornering forces. 4. Pricing starts at $47,170.

Preview

It’s no secret that for the past decade or so, Chrysler has seen some rough times. There was that ill-fated partnership with Mercedes-Benz, followed by sharply declining sales due to a stale product lineup, and then near bankruptcy, and finally a U.S. government bail-out aided by a stock sale to Italian automaker, Fiat. Yet, remarkably, through all those trials and tribulations one tiny ember of the old Chrysler company was kept burning, and that was the desire to make horsepower.

So a group of Chrysler engineers, who were all weekend racers, tuners, drifters, hot rod enthusiasts and speed freaks, led by Ralph Gilles, the current president of the newly minted SRT brand, developed some special cars, using a Hemi engine to bring back some of the excitement of the muscle car era that Chrysler was so closely associated with.

As a result, Chrysler has done a sharp U-turn and is gobbling back US market share in huge chunks.  And a lot of that success is due to the SRT8 program. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology, and the purpose is to put the technology learned from racing, into an affordable street package that will appeal to enthusiasts. And while SRT8 products don’t sell by the tens of thousands, their halo effect on the other trim models is huge.

Interior

While we have always been impressed with the Chrysler SRT8 series of cars, one area that was always lacking was the interior. The engine and technology could push up the costs of an SRT8 to over $50,000, from a lower trim model of $32,000, yet the interior was still pretty much the same as the $32,000 car -  with too much hard plastic, and uninspired interior appointments. Not so with the 2012 model. This SRT8 has an interior commensurate with its price tag. In fact, Chrysler has responded to the criticism about their interiors in all their cars (from Dodge and Jeep as well) and every model has been vastly improved.  

The heated and cooled race-inspired luxury leather seats, with contrasting double stitching, are comfortable and feature Alcantara inserts which work together with the hip and shoulders bolsters to hold the driver in place when driving aggressively.  And our test car was done up in beautiful and striking Radar Red leather that will get your heart pumping even before you start the engine. Gone is the cheap looking wood and silver trim in favor of carbon fiber trim and inserts in the doors, dash, and shifter bezel.   Electroluminescent dash gauges with SRT8 badging, a sculpted analogue clock above the info screen on the handsome center stack, soft touch leather for the door sills, center console, and all the upgraded materials now give the entire cabin the executive level look and feel that the car deserves. It is comfortable, inviting, and a great place to spend long hours behind the wheel.

Head and legroom for 5 passengers is generous. The rear seating area will please even tall adults, with comfortable seats that are also heated. And the trunk is cavernous, with 60/40 fold down split bench seat offering even more cargo room. Plus, there is a large list of amenities that the driver will enjoy, such as rain sensitive wipers, power adjustable pedals with memory to fine tune the drivers seating position and relationship to the controls and steering wheel, SmartBeam Headlamps, remote start and even heated and cooled front console cupholders.  The sound system is excellent and has Satellite, CD/DVD/MP3 and voice command with Bluetooth connectivity. And the Garmin NAV system is easy to use. Adaptive cruise control is outstanding, and the thick rim, flat bottom steering wheel is heated, and has redundant controls for the sound system and cruise control.

Under The Hood

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is an outstanding automobile. The heart of the beast is a new direct fuel injected, 6.4-liter engine which produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers will shoot you from zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds, and hit the timing lights at the end of a quarter-mile in 13 seconds. And if top speed is your thing, this puppy do 174 miles per hour.

Compared to the previous model, that means the new motor gains 40 horses and 80 lb-ft of thrust. Remarkably, at the same time, it increases fuel economy to 16 city and 25 highway. Those highway numbers are aided by the fact that while you’re cruising, 4 cylinders will deactivate seamlessly to save some fossil fuel. If you need to make a passing maneuver, those cylinders will reactivate instantly, and again, you won’t feel the transition.

The power and performance numbers put this SRT8 into the same category with cars such as an Audi A7, BMW 550i, or Mercedes CLS550.  But none of those cars can come close to providing the visceral experience of listening to that wonderful V8 Hemi roar when the driver tromps down on the accelerator. One can assume that the first set of rear tires will wear out prematurely, until the owner gets tired of hearing the Hemi motor and smelling tire smoke. It is a uniquely American motor, with a uniquely American muscle song that nothing from Europe or Japan can match.

Should you be wondering if this Chrysler is just a drag strip queen, unlike the cars mentioned above, rest assured that the SRT8’s handling capabilities are just as crisp and precise as anything you’ll get from the German marques. The adaptive suspension, changes the character of the car from boulevard cruiser, to track monster with the push of a button. And you can display performance readouts such as zero to 60 time or ¼ mile times, steering angle, torque and horsepower, and even g-forces right on the 8.4-inch touchscreen display on the center stack.  Brembo brakes with vented rotors and 4 piston calipers are standard for excellent stopping power, too.

And yet, by just pushing the button on the adaptive suspension, and backing off the gas pedal from “lead foot” to “merely aggressive”, the 300 transforms into a plush cruiser that will move you through town and country with all the luxury quiet and composure you or your grandmother could want. 

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