(continued)
Although the Chrysler HEMI was born in the 1950s and entered into legend in the
1960s and '70s, today's version took much of its inspiration from the
original-particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that
provide power and efficiency.
When SRT powertrain engineers set out to develop a more powerful HEMI for the
Chrysler 300C SRT8, they were mindful of the engine's heritage, which led to
adopting traditional HEMI engine cues including an orange-painted cylinder block
and black valve covers.
SRT engineers who developed the Chrysler 300C SRT8's engine achieved more
horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, and
redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for better flow and
increased engine speed.
For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in
the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to
6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.
Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine
efficiency and power.
Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially
designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a
stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter
valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake
manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed
tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch)
exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.
To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were
developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a
higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased the HEMI's peak power output engine
speed by nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm.
Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are
filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.
The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned
components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft,
high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by
oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at
high engine speeds.
Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic
transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick, which offers
fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop
shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and
axles.
Ride and Handling
The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handling
across the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience.
Chassis setup for the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at all-around performance
with a number of enhancements, including tuned dampers, specially tailored
spring rates and suspension bushings and larger diameter anti-sway bars. New
front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height lowered one-half
inch from the Chrysler 300C. In addition, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
has been specially tuned for the Chrysler 300C SRT8's performance handling
characteristics.
The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 connects with the road via a new wheel and tire
assembly consisting of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with high-performance
Goodyear F1 three-season tires (four-season tires are an available option) with
asymmetrical tread. Tire dimensions are a beefy 245/45 R20
in the front and 255/45 R20 in the rear.
Braking
Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8's
outstanding acceleration and speed-and the braking system was specially designed
to slow and stop the car predictably. At the same time, this system was designed
to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for sedans in
its class.
All four wheels feature stout performance calipers developed by
Brembo-well-known in racing and high-performance circles-equipped with four
pistons for even clamping performance. Up front, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 has 360
x 32 mm vented rotors, with 350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.
This braking system contributes to a 60-0 mph performance in approximately 110
feet, and a 0-100-0 mph time in the mid-16-second range.
Interior
Befitting its high-performance character, the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers
power-adjustable sport seats up front that are fitted with performance suede
inserts (matched in the rear seats) which hold the occupants during spirited
driving. Seats are also equipped with heat and memory functions that, when
paired with the adjustable pedal cluster, are adjustable for every driver.
Steering wheel, shifter and door pulls are covered with "technical" leather trim
for positive grip. Other SRT-only trim includes special finishing on the
steering wheel, door pulls, door trim and center stack.
Full instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300 km/h)
speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges ensure that the driver can
monitor crucial functions. A tire pressure monitoring display within the
instrument panel display is standard for 2006.
Premium amenities within the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 cabin include a standard
AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer powering a six-speaker Boston
Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls.
Two new-for-2006 options are a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt
amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, and a DVD system with center console-mounted
flip-up screen.
Also available are SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of
commercial-free channels, and a UConnect hands-free communications system with
Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different
Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a
microphone in the rearview mirror and the stereo system's speakers for
hands-free conversations.
Heating and cooling adjustments are made with an automatic temperature control
system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensing. Other standard
features of the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 include an electronic vehicle
information center with 128 customer-programmable features.
The 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 interior is offered in a Light Graystone/Dark Slate
color scheme.
Exterior
Street and Racing Technology DNA is evident in the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8
exterior styling, in a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler
brand's premium character.
Modified front and rear fascias direct air flow through unique ducts that cool
the brakes. In addition, a specially designed rear deck spoiler, while refined
in appearance, is also functional-increasing rear downforce by 39 percent
without increasing drag.
Other unique touches to the Chrysler 300C SRT8's exterior include body-color
front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique
SRT badging.
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