ShareThisChrysler made a big impression with the introduction of its 300C in 2004.
Previously bereft of a luxury sedan, Chrysler redefined the segment with a rear-drive model that was a dead ringer for the Bentley Arnage. Because so few people have actually laid eyes on the Arnage, few could accuse the stylists of highway robbery. It was pure genius and amply rewarded by the motoring press and the driving public.
However, the 300 was not just a case of clever fakery. The slab-sided sedan shared components with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, an association that derived from the German automaker's previous ownership of Chrysler.
Now that a post-bankruptcy Chrysler is under the umbrella of Italian carmaker Fiat, the 300 is accelerating into its second generation with an emphasis on personality across a mid-to-high-level price range.
At the top of the line is the SRT8, a powerful performer that challenges the BMW and assorted other instruments of awe. Blessed with a 470-horsepower, Hemi V8 engine, the 300 SRT8 is outlandishly strong on freeway ramps and beyond.
While the $47,170 base sticker price may be prohibitive for people who get paid by the hour, it is far more affordable than a BMW 7-Series or other luxury imports.
That's not to say that the SRT8 has no shortcomings. The five-speed automatic transmission is two gears shy of the cutting-edge models. And with 16 valves, the pushrod Hemi V8 has half as many as those found in most luxury models.
And then there's the fuel economy. At 14 city and 23 highway miles per gallon, the SRT8 requires buyers to pay a $1,000 gas guzzler tax.
Despite the gas-guzzler label, engineers managed to improve fuel economy 21 percent with a new active valve exhaust system that allows the engine to run on four cylinders in cruising mode. The exhaust system also provides a throaty exhaust sound under hard acceleration.
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph should take less than five seconds. With a top speed of 175 mph, the quarter-mile marker should vanish in about 12 seconds. Coming to a complete stop from 100 mph should take less than 16 seconds, with 120-feet of stopping distance required from 60 mph.
The transmission features standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that extend the Auto Stick for a choice of manual or automatic.
Also new for 2012 is an adaptive damping suspension system that offers a choice of auto or sport settings.
The hydraulic steering system is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.
Chrysler's Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, after which the electronic stability control pump engages to set brake pads against rotors to decrease the time required for full brake application.
Improved brake cooling and fade performance comes through ducts that direct airflow to the vented rotors.
A leather-wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom showing the SRT logo. Standard paddle shift controls flank both sides of the new contoured palm rests while all audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.
The 8.4-inch touch-screen information center comes with Performance Pages that include timers for 0-60 mph, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, along with lateral and longitudinal g-forces.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, with active head rests. Rear seats also are heated.
Safety and security features include electronic stability control with Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.
WHAT'S NEW: Redesign for 2012, more powerful SRT8.
PLUSES: Performance, styling, standard features.
MINUSES: Gas guzzler tax, non state-of-the-art transmission.
BOTTOM LINE: Impressive luxury at more affordable price.
Stats:
2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT8
TYPE: Rear-drive, five-passenger, full-size sedan.
PRICE: $47,170 base, $55,635 as tested.
WHERE BUILT: Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
KEY RIVALS: Ford Taurus SHO, Chevrolet Impala SS, Hyundai Genesis.
POWER: 6.4-liter, 470-horsepower, 16-valve, Hemi V8; five-speed auto transmission with paddle shifters.
FUEL ECONOMY: 14 city, 23 highway, 17 combined mpg; estimated annual fuel cost $2,822; 19.1-gallon tank; gas guzzler tax $1,000.
CHASSIS: Unibody with independent suspension, stabilizer bars, front upper A-arm, rear five-link coil springs; power disc brakes with ABS, traction control, electronic stability control; power rack-and-pinion steering; 20-inch aluminum wheels; Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45R20 three-season tires.
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 198.6 x 74.1 x 58.4 inches.
WHEELBASE X TRACK: 120 x 63.4/63.1 inches.
CURB WEIGHT: 4,365 pounds.
STANDARD: Power windows/locks/mirrors, front/side/head-curtain airbags, front/rear parking assist system, dual-zone air conditioning, remote keyless entry, 8.4-inch touch-screen information center, heated/ventilated/power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, power tilt/telescoping/leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote USB port, Bluetooth, AM/FM/Satellite radio with CD.
OPTIONS: Preferred equipment includes power/folding/multi-function mirrors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, rear fog lamps ($1,995); leather upholstery ($2,500).
WARRANTY: 3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year/100,000-mile power train, 24-hour roadside assistance.
(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
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