Review: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a five-passenger sedan that brings a much needed earthy favor to the SRT8 line. The 300 SRT8 is based on the Chrysler LX platform and mirrors the specs of the Charger SRT8 and features an almost identical suspension, brakes, engine and transmission as the latter. Traditionally a luxury player, the 300 SRT8 is highest-performing model ever in Chrysler's lineup. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 lacks significant exterior modification but comes appointed with muted gray chrome wheels and tastefully appointed dark grille which add to the car's swagger.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

What does it offer?

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 comes with a new Adaptive Damping Suspension which is a hydraulic system with Bilstein shock absorbers. To determine optimal throttle position suspension settings for all terrain and weather conditions, ADS reads vehicle and driver inputs like lateral and vertical accelerations, torque, brake, steering speed angle and vehicle speed etc. However, to ensure that the driver can remain on top of vehicle control at all times, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 also comes with "Auto" and "Sport" system. A touchscreen console display allows the driver to manipulate the cockpit-adjustable two-mode system.

The Beauty

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a rear-wheel-driven beauty and is a very impressive sport sedan indeed. Fitted with a slew of cosmetic goodies, the vehicle comes with a fine-tuned suspension, lightweight forged wheels and massive Brembo brakes. Offered in polished- or black-chrome finish, a pair of 14.2-inch vented and slotted rotors sit pretty up front while the rear comes rounded off with slightly smaller 13.8-inch rotors that can be wrapped in either Goodyear F1 Supercar tires or Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires.

The Beast

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is powered by a direct-injection 6.4 liter naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engine. Featuring cylinder deactivation, the engine comes mated to a five-speed transmission which may get upgraded to an 8-speed transmission soon. The engine manages to burst out an impressive 470 lb-ft of torque and 470 horsepower. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 gets better fuel economy than its predecessor and gets an EPA-rated 14.5 mpg in mixed driving, 14 mpg in city conditions and 23 mpg on the highway.

The Thrill

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 vrooms off from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and takes just 13.0 seconds to hit the 1/4 mile mark.

Interiors

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 focuses more on performance than on looks though it doesn’t completely overlook driver and passenger comfort in its interior set up. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is designed for comfortable steering experience and both sides of the wheel come with paddle shift controls and contoured palm rests to ensure it. A flattened bottom surface showing the SRT logo is fitted on the unique rim section of the heated SRT-exclusive steering wheel that comes leather-wrapped for optimum driver comfort. Carbon fiber trim shows up all around the cabin including the shifter bezel, the door spears and the instrument panel.

Exclusive Performance Pages are displayed on the new full-color graphic EVIC which lets the driver get crucial vehicle info like lateral and longitudinal g-forces, 60-0 braking distance, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times and 0 to 60 mph time.

Customization options on the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 include a Premium Leather Interior Package which offers Nappa and Poltrona Frau "Foligno" leather trimmings in the cabin.

Picture Gallery

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 review

Exteriors

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 may look like the same boring little sedan that its predecessor was if you are the kind of person that prizes radical cosmetic modification over subtle changes that make more sense for the vehicle in the long run. However, the vehicle is still very stylish with black exterior accents, black painted pockets on the 20-inch aluminum wheels. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 also comes with an updated front and rear fascia which perfectly compliment its sportier appearance.

Should I buy one?

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a vehicle that should satisfy folks looking to feel the power that only a true muscle car can offer. That being said, the vehicle is also designed to look and feel stylish and the upmarket trimmings inside the vehicle perfectly compliment the upgrades that the vehicle has received on the outside.

Price and availability

A true American sports-orientated luxury car, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 retails for $47,995 and is currently available for sale.