Autoblog

SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, SRT

As the high-performance division of Chrysler, the SRT brand used the Chicago Auto Show to reveal new "Core" models for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8. Similar to a move made by Chrysler in Australia, both of these new Core models will get a significant drop in price compared to the current SRTs, and each will get some new, exclusive styling elements as well. Both new models will arrive in showrooms this summer.

The Challenger SRT8 Core will start at $38,995 (not including $995 for destination), which is $5,780 less than the SRT8 currently on sale. Along with the lower price, this new configuration gets classic colors like Orange Pearl Coat and Plum Crazy Pearl Coat (shown at right), and all models get black accents on the grille, a spoiler, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brake calipers. The interior also gets some unique elements such as cloth inserts on the seats (also used on the SRT Viper) and a "mini-carbon bezel" on the instrument panel.

As for the 300 SRT8, the Core version has a new price of $43,995 marking a drop of $5,000 over the current 300 SRT8 base model. This car also gets similar upgrades - inside and out - as the Challenger SRT8, but it will also have plenty of matte carbon and piano black interior accents and the option of red-painted calipers. The finishing touch on this model is the addition of the "6.4L" fender badges, which is a first for the 300 SRT8.

It isn't clear what, if any, equipment has been de-contented to create this new lower price, but we're sure buyers looking to get behind the wheel of either one of these products will be happy. Scroll down to read more about the Challenger SRT8 and 300 SRT8 Core models.

Continue reading SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8

SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #316

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Hyundai, Design/Style

2013 Detroit Auto Show recap featuring Corvette, plus Ralph Gilles interview

Episode #316 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert and Michael Harley talk about the sights that have been seen at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, especially the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Plus, Dan and Zach recorded an interview with Ralph Gilles, head of SRT and design for Chrysler, and we share that as part of the podcast as well. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #316:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8
2013 Buick Enclave

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Michael Harley

Runtime: 01:50:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #316

Autoblog Podcast #316 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Luxury

Imported From Detroit And Then Some

To the average driver, the term "horsepower" has, for all intents and purposes, no meaning whatsoever. Not surprising, really, as there isn't any single established explanation, at least not a good one, as to how today's piston-powered engines became so intertwined with the output of a horse. Think, for a moment: Can you really quantify how much power 200 horses produce? Regardless, and though not all engines have been measured with the same methods of certification, enthusiasts of the four-wheeled kind have well over a century of automobiles and their attendant horsepower ratings with which to occupy themselves.

The Ford Model T, way back in 1908, offered up 20 horsepower. The original air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle was rated at 50 horses or less, depending on the year and displacement. Fast-forward to 1955, when Chevrolet's newly introduced small-block V8 made an impressive 162 hp, and then to the release in 1964 of the Pontiac GTO and its 348-horsepower Tri-Power engine. We'll shimmy right past the lamentable 1970s and '80s (in 1975, it was possible to buy a Chevrolet Corvette with as few as 165 horses) because, more recently, there's been a very welcome power resurgence.

Our Editor-in-Chief's beloved 1991 Ford Taurus SHO is fitted with a Yamaha 3.0-liter V6 that was factory rated at 220 horsepower, and a few short years later, the 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS offered up a 260-horsepower V8. We bring up the SHO and Impala because they are four-door sedans, meaning horsepower need not be dismissed by the average man who must pile in his spouse and 2.5 children.

And now we have the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. Lurking behind its blacked-out grille is a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that ripples the pavement with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. To put that figure into perspective, its more ponies than such high-horse heavy hitters as the latest Chevrolet Camaro SS and Ford Mustang GT. In fact, it's 40 horsepower more than the 2012 Corvette. Giddyup.

Certainly, there's more to the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 than its honker of a V8. But let's not kid ourselves - if the SRT8 is on your shopping list, it's 6.4-liter V8 is what put it there.

Continue reading 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 [w/video]

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, First Drives, Luxury

Reborn Luxury Bruiser Aspires To Great Heights

We couldn't help but ask Chrysler officials point-blank about what cars their 2012 300 SRT8, the brand's self-proclaimed "Ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance," will compete against. Their answer, delivered with zero hesitation and a perfect poker face? The Cadillac CTS-V. That utterance shut us up so quickly that we had to sit back in our chair to ponder the bold response.

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the highest-performing model ever in Chrysler's lineup, boasts a powerful 6.4-liter Hemi V8 punch, massive Brembo brakes, lightweight forged wheels, countless hours of suspension tuning and a slew of cosmetic goodies. It is, without question, a very impressive sport sedan. But choosing a target like the CTS-V, Cadillac's highly regarded flagship performance vehicle, may reveal a bit too much confidence. After all, the CTS-V isn't just more powerful - its chassis is a bit lighter, it's shorter in stature and it wears stickier shoes. Of course, it's also much more expensive.

We didn't question Chrysler's comment, or even raise an eyebrow to their claim. We were, after all, sitting at a racetrack with a 300 SRT8 idling in the hot pits just a dozen yards away. Instead, we walked out of the building, donned a helmet and climbed into the driver's seat to find out for ourselves.

Continue reading 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has announced pricing on four of the company's new SRT models, including The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

According to Automotive News, buyers looking to jump into the 470-horsepower Charger with its scowling bodywork and 12-second quarter mile time can expect to be met with a $46,660 MSRP, including an $825 shipping and destination fee. The Charger's two-door cousin, the 2012 Challenger SRT8, comes saddled with a moderately cheaper $44,077 price tag, though the gap narrows somewhat when you realize that the car gets hit with a $1,500 gas guzzler tax in automatic guise and a $1,000 tax when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. Sounds like all the more reason to row your own cogs to us.

Step off of the Dodge lot and into the Chrysler showroom, and the 2012 300 SRT8 will set you back $47,995 thanks to some additional luxury bits.

Which vehicle is the most expensive of the SRT flock? That title goes to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 with its $55,295 entry price.

Everyone who purchases an SRT vehicle gets a one-day track experience to help them understand how to better control their vehicle, a move that sounds like a good investment to us. Hit the jump for the gaggle of press releases on these vehicles.

Continue reading Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet

Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Chrysler's new 300 SRT8 is a tuxedo-wearing thug

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Chrysler

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We may have fallen all over the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 that debuted this past February at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, but if we're honest, The Pentastar's latest LX-platform creation - the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 - is the one we'd want to take home. In its previous generation, this car was one of our favorite guilty pleasures, and with all of the new enhancements made for the 2012 model year, the top-rung Hemi 300 is sure to impress.

Gone is the 6.1-liter V8 of yore, and a new, fire-breathing 6.4-liter Hemi engine has been fitted underhood. With 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque on tap, the 300 SRT8 will easily sprint to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds, and all that grunt is managed by a five-speed automatic transmission, now enhanced with paddle shifters. Not the most modern transmission, yes, but we're sure the 300 SRT8 will still be a total hoot to drive.

The 2012 300 SRT8 has made its debut this week at the 2011 New York Auto Show next to its Grand Cherokee SRT8 cousin, and we invite you to click through a handful of high-res images live from the Javits Center in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

Continue reading New York 2011: Chrysler's new 300 SRT8 is a tuxedo-wearing thug

New York 2011: Chrysler's new 300 SRT8 is a tuxedo-wearing thug originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, New Car Reviews

2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the economic downfall of 2008 had happened just a few years earlier, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 probably wouldn't exist. Think about it: when the nation was on the verge of $4.00/gallon gasoline and people were doing everything possible to get out of their fuel-sucking SUVs and into smaller, more efficient vehicles, a 425-horsepower flagship sedan with a free-breathing 6.1-liter Hemi V8 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But then again, did it ever?

The 300C SRT8 is the product of a pre-castrated Chrysler. This was a time of Viper-powered Rams, Hemi-powered Jeeps and SRT-badged Neons. "You want it, you got it." Chrysler wanted the 300C SRT8 to start a new trend of muscle sedans - a land where quarter-mile times reigned supreme, and booming exhaust notes were all that mattered. This trend never really caught on (save the Cadillac CTS-V, which has been honed to be one hell of a machine), and at the end of the day, Chrysler was left with a big, heavy, powerful sedan that didn't offer much in the way of refinement and carried a near-$50,000 price tag.

But despite its flaws - and there are quite a few - we still think of the 300C SRT8 as a guilty pleasure. It has all the ingredients of an American muscle car wrapped in a four-door, luxury(ish) package. We'd probably never buy one or recommend buying a new one to a friend, but if we're totally honest, there's still something about the SRT8 that gets us all giddy when one comes through the Autoblog Garage. Make the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure

Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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