Revised 2015 Chrysler 300 SRT returns to head line-up

The revised Chrysler 300 SRT has arrived in Australia, re-joining the local line-up as the performance hero of the range.

Rivalling the locally built Holden Commodore SSV Redline and Ford Falcon XR8, the facelifted Chrysler 300 SRT has dropped the ‘8’ from its nameplate, but it is still V8-powered.

Like before, the 300 SRT is offered in two trim levels – entry level Core and fully loaded SRT – both powered by SRT engineered 6.4-litre V8 that pushes out 350kW and 637Nm, an increase of 3kW and 6Nm over the pre-update engine.

Sitting atop the V6-only 300 range, the 300 SRT Core is priced from $59,000 plus on-roads, while the flagship 300 SRT comes in at $69,000, both fetching a $3,000 price hike over the outgoing model.

The American car maker justifies the price increase with a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the long-overdue five-speed auto. The car’s launch control has been updated to better match the new transmission, which also features lower cruising rpm top gear for long-legged cruising.

Bilstein-sourced adaptive dampers continue to be standard item in the upper-spec SRT, offering different driving modes including Track mode, which, apart from stiffening the dampers, also quickens gear shifts and allows the driver to hold a gear, even at the redline, when the paddle shifters are used.

As with the previous model, stopping performance is taken care of by Brembo performance brakes – four piston all around acting on 361mm front and 351mm rear slotted discs.

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, and is able to “pre-engage” the brakes in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.

Chrysler has made improvement to brake cooling and fade performance, with new wind tunnel-tested cooling ducts that direct airflow to the brake rotors for consistent stopping power.

Also new is the electric power steering, which can vary steering effort to different driving conditions. In Sport or Track mode, the new system is said to give even greater response and feedback.

Replacing the previous steel structure, the new aluminium axles and housing in the 2015 Chrysler 300 SRT help to reduce weight. Lightweight construction also sees the new SRT utilise high-strength materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver the desired strength and rigidity.

Adopting the key design changes of the 2015 Chrysler 300, the new 300 SRT now offers a redesigned fascia featuring a more sculptured surface, taller more prominent grille with a unique dimensional texture.

The 2015 300 SRT sits lower than non-SRT models and features SRT-exclusive side sill cladding painted in matching body color for the “planted” look. Adding to the dramatic appearance are wheels measuring 20 x 9-inch fitted as standard.

Inside, SRT models include real carbon fibre interior trim pieces integrated into the instrument panel, door spears and shifter bezel and racing style brake and accelerator pedals.

2015 Chrysler 300 SRT specification

Chrysler 300 SRT Core

• 6.4 HEMI® V8 Petrol engine producing 350kW, 637Nm
• 8-speed automatic with Rotary E-Shift
• Configurable drive modes
• Fuel Saver Technology
• 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen
• 20-inch satin black, machine faced aluminium wheels and performance tyres
• SRT Performance cloth seats
• Black Brembo Performance 4-piston brakes with slotted rotors front and rear
• Mechanical limited slip rear differential
• Four-wheel independent sport performance suspension
• Performance-tuned steering
• Launch control
• Interactive SRT Performance Pages
• Leather-wrapped SRT flat-bottom steering wheel
• 4-inch round exhaust tips
• Rear boot-lid spoiler
• SRT badging

Chrysler 300 SRT

• 6.4 HEMI® V8 Petrol engine producing 350kW, 637Nm
• 8-speed automatic with Rotary E-Shift
• Configurable drive modes
• Fuel Saver Technology
• 20-inch fully polished forged aluminium wheels and performance tyres
• Leather and Alcantara suede-trimmed upholstery
• Red Brembo Performance 4-piston brakes with slotted rotors front and rear
• 3-mode adaptive damping performance suspension
• Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio including subwoofer and 900-watt amplifier