Australia’s unique taste for high-performance sedans has made us the sole market for Chrysler’s new 300 SRT model.
With Fiat-Chrysler-Dodge focussing their efforts in America on the likes of the Dodge Challenger coupe, Australia’s local division was the only one to put their hand up for the biggest engine for the latest remake of the iconic Chrysler 300 muscle car.
And a big engine it is: the 2016 300 SRT is a dual-model lineup centred around a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing 350kW and 637Nm. It’s a motor that’s paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
The 300 SRT is a key competitor for the upcoming 2016 Holden Commodore SS, which makes use of a beefy 6.2-litre LS3 V8 making 310kW.
Like last year’s model, an inexpensive SRT Core model will give punters the opportunity to jump behind a HEMI V8 for $59,000—just $5,000 more than the higher of the two six-cylinder models in the regular 2016 Chrysler 300 range.
The Core might be pitched as the low-cost model, but it’s far from a barebones performance car. Your sixty grand buys 20-inch black-dipped machine-faced wheels and Brembo Performance brakes at all four corners. There’s also an 8.4-inch touchscreen for the audio and performance data readouts, plus a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.
Stepping up to the higher grade, simply coined 300 SRT, is an additional $10,000 investment. It brings niceties akin to the 300 Luxury model in the regular V6 range.
At $69,000, the 300 SRT is stocked with satellite navigation, leather-alcantara upholstery, polished-forged aluminium wheels, adaptive dampers for extra comfort, and a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There’s also a suite of standard safety features in the higher-end SRT, including active cruise control, lane keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
Under the skin, both models are highly capable. Standard fit on both cars includes a mechanical rear limited slip differential, and four-wheel independent performance suspension. Plus, there’s now one-touch launch control activated on the centre console—for making the most of those 350 kilowatts under the bonnet.
The 300 SRT is available now.
2016 Chrysler 300 SRT: Australian price
- 300 SRT Core: $59,000
- 300 SRT: $69,000
