While the talk continues about how bad the cars coming out of Detroit are, I continue to test drive cars that impress me quite a bit. The Chrysler 300C is one that I’ve liked since day one, and the new iteration this big performance sedan is even better. The 2009 300C SRT8 features a new grille, new ABS and ESP calibration, revised suspension tuning and improved fuel economy.
The edgy styling is unchanged save the grille, which is much nicer than the original and makes the need to replace it with the Bentley look-a-like unnecessary to me. The interior of the 300C is no nonsense but nice even though there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles. Ergonomics are decent and the SRT8 version offers special badged seats that are sporty yet comfortable. This is a car you can enjoy driving to the grocery store or hitting the highway for a long road trip.
While performance numbers remain the same, 425hp and 420lb-ft of torque, the changes in suspension tuning make a huge difference in the handling and feel of this big car. It seems much lighter and more agile than its predecessor and while much of that may be perception, the performance is very real and very exhilarating. It is a blast to drive and has a huge fun factor.
Overall, I have to say that my time in the 300C SRT8 was a lot of fun and it was one of the cars I hated having to give up. The facts are that this is just one of the many really good cars coming out of Detroit, so don’t let the ubiquitous media make you cynical about American metal. Everyone is building good cars right now and if you’re looking for a bargain in a full size American sport sedan, go drive the Chrysler 300C SRT8, I’m betting you’ll like it as much as I do. Read more about the 300C...
