Detroit Gets Tough

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

If you thought the Chrysler 300 was luxurious, its SRT8 brother will do double that while turning its competitors into mincemeat. Its all-new Pentastar 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine produces 465 horsepower, 40 more than the last one. It will do 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 MPH. Not to mention it will handle corners much better than its old retiree. Chrysler have fitted the SRT8 with brembo brakes with 14.2-inch front rotors and 13.8-inch rear discs, giving the car the ability to stop from 60 to 0 in about 120 ft. Then, there's the adaptive damping suspension system, new for the  SRT8, which will gauge car speed, steering speed and angles, brake torque, throttle position, and acceleration to tone the suspension under any condition. With two modes available (comfort and sport), Chrysler say you'll be able to get more feel from the car in the corners. Never-mind all that science. This car looks like an absolute brute with the new sporty black mesh grille, the new bodykit, the massive 20-inch rims, the half-inch suspension drop, and those darkened headlights. It looks like its going to eat a Crown Victoria for breakfast. But menacing looks aside, Chrysler goes no where with the cars without addressing luxury. The new SRT8 boasts of unique leather seats, a new heated steering wheel, some carbon fiber on the dash, and plenty of SRT badging to go around. Not mention there's an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) system installed which will measure 0-60 times, eighth mile and quarter mile times, as well as braking distances for you so you can show and tease your friends. As for entertainment, Chrysler's new 8.4-inch LCD Touch Screen will suit all your needs include your EVIC information. The last 300 SRT8 was more of a botched figure. This one looks much better. I'm thinking about driving one, that is if Ford can do anything about it.