Berlin City Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Your New Hampshire Chrysler Dealer, Berlin City Chrysler, would like to share some newly released technical information on the all-new 300c SRT8.

The new 300 SRT8 comes with a distinct upgrade to the exterior, as well as the interior, and a bigger engine ready to spit out 40 HP and 45 lbs-ft more than the standard model. This new 6.4L engine will come equipped with a new active valve exhaust system and a five-speed automatic transmission with "Auto" and "Sport" modes.

"We're bringing three new and distinct models to our 300 lineup in 2012 with the 300 SRT8, 300S Series, and 300C Executive Series, each designed with specific consumer lifestyles in mind," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. "More than an icon of simple American motoring, the Chrysler 300 is an icon of attainable style and performance. For those customers who live for the sport of being first, the all-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling sedan ever."

The new 300 SRT8 has something to prove and it is trying to do that by getting a sportier appearance to go along with the improved engine power. The exterior of the SRT8 gets an updated front and rear fascia, 20-inch aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, a sport-tuned suspension, a premium audio system, and black exterior accents. We're not exactly jumping for joy over the exterior modifications because, well, it still looks like a boring little sedan.

The interior upgrades are a bit spunkier than the exterior which give us hope that the focus was aimed more so at performance than looks. There is a new full-color graphic EVIC with exclusive Performance Pages that lets the driver flip through his 0 to 60 mph time, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, and lateral and longitudinal g-forces. The vehicle also receives an all-new leather-wrapped, heated SRT-exclusive steering wheel that features a unique rim section with a flattened bottom surface showing the SRT logo. New contoured palm rests and paddle shift controls located on both sides of the wheel ensure a comfortable steering experience. The interior also gets an instrument panel, door spears, and shifter bezel all covered in a carbon fiber trim.

Upon request, customers will receive a Premium Leather Interior Package that adds Poltrona Frau "Foligno" leather wrapped upper door trim panels, instrument panel, cluster brow, and center console side panels. Nappa leather covers the door bolster, armrest, and center console armrest.

Under the hood, Chrysler has placed a 6.4 liter HEMI V8 engine that replaces the current 6.1-liter HEMI V-8. The new engine delivers a total of 465 HP and 465 lbs-ft, an increase of 40 HP and 45 lbs-ft over the current engine. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with two different modes: "Auto" prevents over-revving and "Sport" allows the driver full control of the shifting schedule.

A new active valve exhaust system allows the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range, which translate into 25% improvement in fuel economy (highway).

The SRT8 will also be offered with Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs - such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical accelerations - to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions when necessary.  Stay in contact with Berlin Chrysler, your NH Chrysler dealer, to get the latest release date information.