Photo: Chrysler
We forgive Chrysler for turning the second-generation 300 into the badge-engineered Lancia Thema. We forgive the gray-haired Chrysler LX platform used by the 300 full-size sedan. But we can't forgive Chrysler for discontinuing the U.S.-spec SRT (or SRT8) starting with the 2015 model year. Still, the 2016 Chrysler 300 SRT soldiers on in Australia and 15 other markets, sporting a glorious 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated HEMI V8 acting as the tire-shredder.
We're all aware that there's an extremely powerful Dodge Charger on sale in the United States, but the press release for the 2016 Chrysler 300 SRT is somewhat... not American, at least in the way it starts - "engineered for Australia." But we forgive the manufacturer for this un-Americanization of an American icon of luxury sedans because the 6.4 HEMI V8 packs 350 kW (that'll be 469 horsepower) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. But there's a problem with it.
Doesn't the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT come with a similar engine with 16 more horsepower and 5 more lb-ft? It does, which is rather baffling. How can Chrysler, the more luxurious brand, have the less powerful full-size sedan?
Nevertheless, at least all that grunt is kept in check by the smooth TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and 4-piston Brembo brakes with slotted rotors. An "evolved launch control system" is standard, yet we can't understand what evolved means. New software or... it doesn't matter anyway.
On sale in 16 markets (including eco-friendly Japan for some reason), the Aussie-spec 2016 Chrysler 300 SRT starts at AUD 59,000 (about $42,070 at current exchange rates) while the full-on 300 SRT is priced from AUD 69,000 (just shy of $49,200). Come on Chrysler, offer this engine in the United States as well. Better still, why not squeeze that blown 6.2-liter V8 you call the Hellcat and offer the 300 with 707 HP?
Doesn't the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT come with a similar engine with 16 more horsepower and 5 more lb-ft? It does, which is rather baffling. How can Chrysler, the more luxurious brand, have the less powerful full-size sedan?
Nevertheless, at least all that grunt is kept in check by the smooth TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and 4-piston Brembo brakes with slotted rotors. An "evolved launch control system" is standard, yet we can't understand what evolved means. New software or... it doesn't matter anyway.
On sale in 16 markets (including eco-friendly Japan for some reason), the Aussie-spec 2016 Chrysler 300 SRT starts at AUD 59,000 (about $42,070 at current exchange rates) while the full-on 300 SRT is priced from AUD 69,000 (just shy of $49,200). Come on Chrysler, offer this engine in the United States as well. Better still, why not squeeze that blown 6.2-liter V8 you call the Hellcat and offer the 300 with 707 HP?
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