The Chrysler 300 Executive Series and Chrysler 300 SRT8 make their New York Auto Show World Debut.
Chrysler likes to say that its products are “imported from Detroit,” and the company is backing up that statement by producing new versions of the redesigned 300C flagship sedan that hark back to the city’s muscle car days.
The 300C SRT8 follows the formula of other SRT* models in the Chrysler and Dodge portfolio—add a honkin’ engine and some evil-looking styling cues.
The big motor under the hood in this case is a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that makes 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. All that power is directed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission, which gains paddle-mounted shifters.
Chrysler is attempting to alleviate fuel-economy concerns by giving the SRT8 a cylinder-deactivation system. An adaptive-damping suspension with “Auto” and “Sport” modes exists to give the car sporty handling characteristics. The Brembo brakes consist of 14.2-inch (front) and 13.8-inch (rear) rotors with four-piston calipers.
A look at the more luxurious interior of the Chrysler 300 Executive Series.
Styling cues include 20-inch wheels, a new front fascia, a unique rear fascia, four-inch exhaust tips, body-colored side-sill cladding, an a half-inch lower ride height. A black chrome exterior package is available.
The interior gets a screen that displays performance data, carbon-fiber trim, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with a flat bottom. Suede/leather seats are also part of the deal.
Available safety features include ABS, blind-spot alert, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. All SRT8 buyers also get one day of instruction at a performance-driving school.
The SRT8 goes on sale this fall, and pricing hasn’t been announced.
The SRT8 wasn’t the only new 300C in attendance at the New York Auto Show. The Executive Series and 300S also made their debuts as well.
The 300S trim level offers plenty of luxury and technology features. Available either with a 292-horsepower V-6 that mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 363-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 matched to a 5-speed auto, the 300S is also available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
High-zoot features include unique exterior styling cues, a premium audio system, an up-level multimedia system, and an available luxury package that includes power-adjustable pedals and heated rear seats. V-8 models with the luxury package add rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, and adaptive headlights.
Like the SRT8, the 300S goes on sale this fall.
The Executive Series is powered by the same V-8 from the 300S, and it’s aimed at a luxury buyer. There are plenty of luxury features available, but what stands out is the wood interior trim, platinum chrome exterior trim, and the available interior leather accents.
Like the others, it too will be available in the fall, and also like the others, pricing isn’t yet available.