It wasn't long after the debut of the original HEMI powered Chrysler C300 in 1955 that it became known as the "banker's hot rod." The key characteristics of that car, a powerful HEMI V8 engine, performance-tuned ride and handling and premium amenities, are also key to the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8. And, there's quite a bit more. First introduced in the USA in 2005, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 was the first Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle to be powered with the 6.1 litre HEMI V8, which offers an additional 85 horsepower - 25% more power - than the 5.7 litre HEMI. But SRT performance is about much more than just straight-line quickness.
"There's no other premium sedan that comes close to matching the comfort, convenience and performance that the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 delivers," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President of DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "In terms of affordability, no one else even comes close to the Chrysler 300C SRT8's irresistible combination of performance and value - the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is a complete package for the customer who wants awesome performance in an award-winning sedan loaded with comfort and style. With its SRT-engineered 6.1 litre HEMI engine and Brembo brakes, it's engineered for incredible acceleration and stopping power."
The Chrysler 300C SRT8's 425-horsepower (317 kW), normally aspirated 6.1 litre HEMI has the highest output for its size of any naturally aspirated V8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-litre rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 "Street HEMI." Torque is rated at 420 lb. ft. (569 Nm). Although the Chrysler HEMI was born in the 1950's and became a legend in the 60's and 70's, today's version takes much of its inspiration from the original - particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency. When the Chrysler Group's 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 the adoption of traditional HEMI engine cues including an orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.
"The SRT engineers who developed the Chrysler 300C SRT8's engine achieved more horsepower 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," added Barcroft. "For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 litres from 5.7 litres. The 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 HEMI engine. Larger diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximised air flow. The intake manifold was designed with a larger diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning, while the exhaust is routed through a large diameter (2.75 inch vs. 2.5 inch) exhaust system with 3.5 inch chrome tips.
To further increase horsepower, 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 by nearly 20% to 6,000 rpm from 5,000 rpm. The 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. The awesome power of the SRT 6.1 litre HEMI 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.
"The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is conditioned for the outstanding ride and handling across the dynamic range that our customers throughout the Middle East demand," said Craig Hardie, Marketing Manager - Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, DaimlerChrysler Middle East.
"The chassis setup is aimed at all-round 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 by half an inch from the Chrysler 300C. In addition, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the Chrysler 300C SRT8's performance handling characteristics."
The vehicle connects with the road via a new wheel and tyre assembly consisting of 20 inch forged aluminium wheels shod with high-performance tyres - 245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.
Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8's outstanding 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 (who are 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.
Befitting its high-performance character, the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers power-adjustable sport seats up front that are fitted with performance suede inserts (matched in the rear seats) which hold the occupants during spirited driving. Seats are also equipped with heat and memory functions that, when paired with the adjustable pedal cluster, are adjustable for every driver. Steering wheel, gear shift and door pulls are covered with "technical" leather trim for positive grip. Other exclusive SRT trim includes special finishing on the steering wheel, door pulls, door trim and centre stack.
Full instrumentation, including a 300 kph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges ensure that the driver can monitor crucial functions. A tyre pressure monitoring display within the instrument panel display is standard for 2006. Premium amenities include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer powering a six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel mounted controls.
Two new for 2006 options are a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, and a DVD system with centre console-mounted flip-up screen.
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 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 include an electronic vehicle information centre with 128 customer programmable features. The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 interior is offered in a Light Graystone/Dark Slate colour scheme.
"Street and Racing Technology DNA is evident in the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8's exterior styling, in a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's premium character," added Hardie. "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% 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, new for 2006, Silver Steel.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Neil Tyrer
Partner
Integra - Integrated Marketing Communications
Office #502, 5th Floor,
CNN Building,
Dubai Media City,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
t: +971 4 3672886,
f: +971 4 3661076,
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e: Neil.tyrer@integramarcoms.com
Visit DaimlerChrysler's Media Services website, http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com for additional DaimlerChrysler news
© Press Release 2006
