The all-new Chrysler 300 SRT8, sporting a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, has arrived in South Africa.

"The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 adds high-performance hardware to the elegant proportions and head-turning design to provide the ultimate combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. With 347kW and 631 Nm of torque, the 300C SRT8 is targeted at customers who seek heart pounding, adrenaline-filled excitement, but don't want to sacrifice comfort and style. This is another SRT car from the Chrysler stable that looks like heaven and goes like hell," said Guy Franken, Head: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Chrysler South Africa and Fiat Group Automotive.

The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team builds upon the all-new Chrysler 300C sedan already executed for a world-class luxury experience, to deliver Chrysler's most powerful and best handling model ever.

Performance numbers include 0-100 km/h acceleration in around 5 seconds; quartermile in high the 12-second range; 0-160-0km/h in less than 16 seconds, a top speed of 280km/h, and stopping power from 100-0km/h in 35 metres.

Under the hood of the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the new 6.4-litre Hemi V8.

Even with the elevated power numbers, a 21 percent fuel economy increase on the highway is achieved by use of a new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range. The new active exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.

The five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters that join the centre console mounted lever, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the racetrack. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

New for 2012 is an Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that is tuned specifically for the Chrysler 300C SRT8 to offer a compliant and comfortable ride. The seven-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged aluminium wheels are also new.

The 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 sits a half-inch lower than non-SRT models and features new SRT-exclusive side sill cladding painted in matching body colour for the planted look of a true sports sedan.

The rear includes a unique lower fascia with accent bar, new four-inch round dual exhaust tips, and a modified SRT8 deck-lid badge with new black accent.

An all-new leather-wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface showing the SRT logo. Standard paddle shift controls flank both sides of the new contoured palm rests while all audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.

The standard heated and ventilated front seats have active headrests with the SRT logo embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort.

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 now features more than 70 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

Chrysler brand's signature SafetyTec Group is standard on the 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 and includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection.

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

Pricing:  

Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.4L V8: R629 990