2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8: Heart-Pounding Performance, Unbeatable Value

• All-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 with 425-horsepower HEMI® priced at $39,995 including destination With an additional 85 horses - 25 percent more power - Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers the ultimate performance sedan at a head-turning price
• Zero to 60 mph in low 5-second range, quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range, 0-100-0 mph in mid 16-second range

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Even more HEMI ® horsepower. That’s what happens when HEMI meets Chrysler 300C meets Street and Racing Technology (SRT).  The result is American muscle, wrapped in a stunning sedan and delivered by Chrysler for $39,995, which includes $625 for destination. Chrysler announced pricing today for its all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, powered by an SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, and equipped with a host of performance upgrades and premium amenities.  The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 arrives in showrooms this spring. "With the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, we’re delivering the ultimate performance sedan," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Marketing.  "No other manufacturer can bring together the incredible combination of the HEMI, the Chrysler 300C, and SRT.  Chrysler does just that with the 300C SRT8, all at an unbeatable value. “For less than $40,000, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 delivers world-class handling, benchmark braking, functional exterior enhancements, race-inspired interior appointments and a jaw-dropping 425 horsepower,” Bell added.  “No one else comes even close to delivering the Chrysler 300C SRT8’s combination of performance and value.” The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is capable of remarkable performance times:   0 to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range and 0-100-0 mph in the mid 16-second range. HEMI Power The heart of the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is its SRT 6.1-liter HEMI engine, which generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version with more cubic inches, higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and better engine “breathing” through special cylinder heads and manifolds.  The 6.1-liter HEMI engine was strengthened with components including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods. The result is an engine capable of 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque -- the highest specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group, whose horsepower-per-liter exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI. 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Features The all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is equipped with many SRT-tuned performance upgrades, including larger-diameter anti-sway bars, specially tailored spring rates, Bilstein dampers, Brembo four-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear F1 three-season tires. Standard features of the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 include front seats equipped with heat and memory functions, clad with performance suede inserts that secure occupants during spirited driving.  Other features include an adjustable pedal cluster, “technical” leather trim on the steering wheel, shifter and door pulls, and special finishing on interior trim such as the center stack.  Full instrumentation includes a 180 mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges. Premium amenities include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer powering a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls.  Also available are SIRIUS ® Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations. Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8’s exterior styling combines premium elegance with functional performance enhancements.  Redesigned front and rear fascias include unmistakable SRT cues, such as air ducting for brake cooling, as well as the specially designed rear decklid spoiler, which increases rear downforce without increasing drag.  Other touches include a body-color grille insert with chrome collar, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging. Available exterior colors for the 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 are Bright Silver and Brilliant Black.  The interior is offered in a Light Graystone/Dark Slate combination.

Chrysler Brand The recent launch of the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Chrysler Crossfire Roadster and Crossfire SRT6 continues the brand's rapid-fire product offensive and decade-long growth.  Chrysler brand sales increased 109% over 10 years -- from 221,990 in 1993 to 463,590 in 2003.  In 2004 (through November), sales were up more than 20 percent.   The Chrysler brand's objective is to grow market share and brand image through its elegant designs, inspired engineering and exceptional value. The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. -###-