The next Chrysler 300C SRT-8 will arrive on the market in mid-2005. It presents as its main sales argument a 6100 cm3 HEMI V8 engine optimized to generate 425 horsepower (almost 70 hp per litre). This surpasses the famed HEMI of the 1960s, being in the most powerful engine Chrysler has ever sold, with the exception of high-performance sports cars such as the Dodge Viper.
The 300C SRT-8 engine was driven from 5700 to 6100 cm3. The compression ratio also increased from 9. 6:1 to 10. 3:1 to improve the combustion process. According to tests carried out during 2004, it would reach 100 km/h with a stopped start in about 5 seconds and a quarter mile in less than 14 seconds, performance that can be compared to any sports car.
HEMI engines get their name for their design, their cylinder head is hemispherical for greater efficiency in combustion. This concept was born in the 1950s and by the 70s HEMI powered cars were furious for their exceptional performance.
To adapt the rest of the car to the changes of the engine, the remarkable increase in power and the increased effort to which the chassis is subjected, engineers recalibrated the Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
The anti-roll bars were replaced by larger diameter bars. The shock absorbers have been recalibrated and the springs routes refitted. Added to this is that the car now circulates 3.8 cm closer to the ground. This improved maneuverability and stability at high speeds.
The body has changes in the front section, basically in the channeling of the air flow to better direct it to the radiator and along the side ducts to cool the brakes.
A very refined rear spoiler was designed that barely stands out on the trunk lid. It is not only an ornamental detail but also functional, adding 40 percent downward force without increasing drag. New details available are handles, rear-view mirrors and grille in the same colour as the bodywork.
Chrysler stylists striven to express the full performance of the 300C SRT-8 in their lines. With features present in all models in the company square, the intention is to change the image that customers have of Chrysler.
Until ten or only five years ago, this company was only associated with mid-range vehicles for everyday sedans. His conceptions and design criteria, regardless of personal tastes, propose a new style of American design. In search of a new image that generates growth in the market, they assume the risk of changing the trend of their previous vehicles.
© Adrián Blanco 2004 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —