Chrysler brings back Luxury and Performance with the 2012 300 SRT8

The 300 is the most elegant in Chrysler’s lineup of SRT models after the Charger, Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The hugely successful 300 has been modernized and redesigned, making this new model the most fierce to date with Chrysler proclaiming that the vehicle is the “ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance”.

The 300 SRT8 has a classic design that has been redone and brought up-to-date with what the company calls an “old Detroit soul” that has been “reincarnated”. Its outward appearance is elegant and more robust than its predecessor with an integrated rear spoiler that pays homage to the tail finned cars of the 1950s. The iconic grille, jewel shaped LED headlamps finish off the car with a confident and classy look. The body of the SRT8 is distinguished by being half-inch lower in ride height with 20-inch wheels and grille surrounded in black chrome adding to a sophisticated urban look. One thing that designers did overlook when creating the car was the limited rear visibility, as the thick pillars make it difficult to see other cars.

On the inside we find a spacious interior, with 50.7 cubic feet in the back alone, that and the use of premium materials make for a relaxed and plush experience. The comfortable and futuristic interior starts with a dashboard in genuine carbon fiber trim, chrome and gloss black accents. Configured in “Radar Red”, one of the two standard colors, the car has a sophisticated yet sporty feel to it. The sports seats are upholstered in Alcantara and leather, are heated and ventilated and have a SRT logo on the seat-back. Even the cup holders in the 300 are specially-designed to heat and cool your drinks. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated and has metal paddle shifters on each side. Furthermore, inventive technology flourishes throughout the cabin and keeps you connected and at ease. The 8.4 inch screen makes for easy access to navigation, phone integration and a high-quality sound system. The instrument panel comes with LED backlit gauges in sapphire-blue glow which make reading the clusters easy, even the analog clock shines in the glow in the shape of the grille.

The car drives as if it was the child of a wild muscle car and an elegant sedan with quick throttle response and amazing performance through corners in a extremely quiet and pleasant interior. Equipped with a bigger 6.4-liter V8 like Charger, Challenger and Grand Cheeroke, the motor has 470 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque. When driving the engine pulls strongly and the chassis was solid and the massive Brembo brakes provide control. The transmission is a traditional five-speed automatic and the car has a rear-wheel drive train. According to Chrysler, the 300 SRT8 will go from 0-60 miles per hour in approximately 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 175 mph, making it highest-performing model ever in Chrysler’s lineup. One downside to the powerful motor is the diminished fuel economy with only 14 mpg-city and 23 mpg-highway, making it a bit of a gas guzzler.

The 300 SRT8 is a proficient sedan that outshines other cars in the price range. On top of having a plush leather interior, the latest electronics and quieter ride the car offers heart-pounding power when driving and motorists buying this car will see that the second the hit on the accelerator. With a base price of around $48,470, the price for the SRT8 model is well worth it.