We recently had a discussion amongst the AB staff about our idea of the perfect go-anywhere, do-anything dream car. We started with exotics and supercars and then started to get realistic and talk shifted to more versatile and practical cars that are still fun to drive. The Hemi Magnum was mentioned more than once during that chat. And Chrysler's Estate version of the 300C is very similar, but with a slightly more elegant visage.
We also know of a Ferrari F40 owner who swears that his SRT-8 Mopar is just as much fun to drive as his f-car. Why do we mention this? To be cordial, and to remind everyone of how wonderful these cars and wagons can be. Well, the Brits are now getting a chance to sample some more of that wonder as well, via the release of the 300C SRT-8 estate in right-hand drive.
Starting next year, the Touring version of the 300C SRT-8 will be available to UK customers with a base price of £40,990. The SRT-8 Touring will use the same stump-pulling 6.1-litre, 425 hp Hemi V8 engine as the SRT-8 "saloon," which can push this beast from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds and on to a top speed of 168mph. Look for it on dealership lots in February 2007.
[Source: DaimlerChrysler UK]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Piter @ Dec 8th 2006 3:28PM
It might go from 0-60 in 5 seconds, but,i bet it corners like ass.
Eric L. @ Dec 8th 2006 3:33PM
Might be an appropriate car for American roads, but I doubt it will be a hit in the UK. While the normal 300C made one of the Car and Driver's Top Ten cars for 2007, the same car came in dead last in a Top Gear comparison that also involved the Holden Monaro (GTO) and Jag S-type R.
John P @ Dec 8th 2006 3:58PM
sedan == 0.9gs on the skidpad ... don't think the wagon could be THAT far off.
its built off of the old e-class ... so is a capable platform .. however interior ... well is less than desirable.
i really don't think performance straight / brake or turning (considering the size) is lacking in this.
That One Person @ Dec 8th 2006 4:07PM
It is NOT built off the old E-Class. It just shares similar designs (suspension, trans. etc). They arent the same platforms...
And like Eric says, its nice for America but not for Europe. I dont think they like it all that much...
Paul @ Dec 8th 2006 4:11PM
. Might be an appropriate car for American roads, but I doubt it will be a hit in the UK. While the normal 300C made one of the Car and Driver's Top Ten cars for 2007, the same car came in dead last in a Top Gear comparison that also involved the Holden Monaro (GTO) and Jag S-type R.
I Saw that Top gear and that wasn't an SRT-8 it was just a normal 300c it was also just there oppinion. I am from Australia and i'm looking foward to have these over here and would drive one any day over our own Holdens.
Chrysler 300C @ Dec 8th 2006 4:19PM
Great news for the UK readers. Might be a tough sell for England tho, I guess that remains to be seen.
If you're interested in finding out more about the 300C, check out http://www.300cforums.com/
SRT-8 @ Dec 8th 2006 4:33PM
WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE A 300 SRT-8 WAGON I THOUGHT THE COULD SELL THE DODGES (MAGNUM) IN EUROPE NOW (CALIBER)?
SRT-8 @ Dec 8th 2006 4:40PM
BY THE WAY IN EUROPE THEY'RE NOT SO CRAZY ABOUT GASOLINE ENGINES THEY SHOULD JUST STICK WITH THE 3.0L DIESEL AND JUST PUT SOME MORE TURBOS IN IT AND CALL IT AN SRT-6 , JUST A THOUGHT !!!!!!!!
Eric @ Dec 8th 2006 4:59PM
Here's one Chysler needs to bring to the U.S. market a classy wagon to boost Chysler's bottom line.
JJ @ Dec 8th 2006 5:49PM
eric... they already have it over here... its called the Magnum. if you want the 300 front end, just buy one and put it on the magnum, its a simple enough job as the front clips are nearly identical.
felonious monk @ Dec 8th 2006 6:02PM
"1. It might go from 0-60 in 5 seconds, but,i bet it corners like ass."
Not if the suspension is tuned correctly.
GT_Arun @ Dec 8th 2006 6:08PM
RE: #2
I think Eric L. made a good point, but then went away from it. European architecture has much narrower roads, and a lot of city roads running in between closesly spaced buildings (our alleys, but smaller). It doesn't matter how well this car can corner b/c even at 10 mph, the sheer size of the thing is still going to be a concern for a lot of european drivers because there might the risk of getting stuck.
andrewh @ Dec 8th 2006 6:20PM
I really wanted to like the 300C, with its former Mercedes E-class IRS design and big honking V8. Coming in a wagon/estate form would make it even better. Until I sat in one. It feels like a boat because of its high beltlines. Not a driver's car. I guess that's quintessentially American.
Ian Etchell @ Dec 8th 2006 7:54PM
Very gangster but I would hate to pay for the petrol. The CRD is better suited for the motorways here.
Chet @ Dec 8th 2006 8:57PM
The 300C Touring is further evidence that the Chrysler Aspen was the wrong move.
The SRT-8 is sweet, but the real play is an AWD Hemi with an extra inch of ground clearance for the sport-SUV look (or simply more room for dubs).
barretta @ Dec 11th 2006 12:01AM
As a brit who owns one of these (well a saloon 300 SRT8 anyway) in the US I completely agree that these are a huge laugh.
I also can see them falling well short on a British road - too big, too heavy, too affected by bumps round corners and steering that doesn't give much feedback. Cornering G is very different from handling.
Mr_Oak @ Dec 11th 2006 10:23AM
"American Roads" yes, and there is a lot of it. Actually: The National Highway System What is the National Highway System? It is approximately 160,000 miles (256,000 kilometers). Not the crappy little cobblestone alley ways you call streets. Which explains the majority of your cars.
BTW: These do not include city streets. In America, we putter around the city streets and let it rip on the on the open roads. The SRT-8 would be a wonderful way to drive cross-country. Roomy, comfortable, AWD, and enough torque to flatten out the hundred or so mountains you'd have to cross in an Atlantic to Pacific run. Man, I love the open road.
hemicharger @ Dec 11th 2006 5:27PM
"I think Eric L. made a good point, but then went away from it. European architecture has much narrower roads, and a lot of city roads running in between closesly spaced buildings (our alleys, but smaller). It doesn't matter how well this car can corner b/c even at 10 mph, the sheer size of the thing is still going to be a concern for a lot of european drivers because there might the risk of getting stuck."
So i guess mercedes should just stop selling the s-class right? or bmw should kill the 7 series? there will always be a market for big cars in UK. It might not sell nearly as much as a smaller car but there are buyers for it. Btw, the 300c is only as big as a regular e-class. its proportions make it look bigger than it really is. Also, shame on number 2 for referencing a top gear test. although entertaining, top gear tests should be taken with a grain of salt. You can't expect a camry competitor (the 300c) to beat a freakin jaguar s-type r or monaro. Apples and oranges.