Chrysler 300 SRT8 update details leaked

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has let slip details of the forthcoming 300 SRT8 updates just days after the launch of the V6-powered MkII facelift, with examples of the updated muscle cars expected in showrooms before the end of August.

The Australian-only 300 SRT8 Core low-spec entry version remains on fleet, and will be priced at $59,000 plus on-road costs, representing an increase of $3,000 over the current car.

Similarly, the range-topping 300 SRT8 will increase in price from $66,000 to $69,000 before on-road costs. As with the 300C Luxury, expect the fitment of a host of additional electronic safety aids that will include full autonomous braking, intelligent adaptive cruise control and more.

There are modest power and torque increases on offer – power from the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 jumps 3kW to 350kW, while torque rises by 6Nm to 637Nm – the real news comes from the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission behind the mighty motor, a change from the old five-speed unit.

While specific details are scarce, changes to interior spec, the addition of the eight-speed ZF auto and electric power steering as well as cosmetic tweaks front and rear will account for the price rise.

The dash, for example, will score a new 7.0-inch TFT colour screen and a rotary dial to control the transmission.

Similarly, new bi-Xenon HID headlights, quad LED fog-lights, a new grille and new exhaust garnishes will likely transfer over to the SRT8.

The burly American twins compete in-market with HSV’s Gen-F Clubsport, which sells for $61,990 plus on-road costs, while Ford’s revised XR8 at $53,490 offers much of the performance if not the interior treatment. Similarly, Holden’ s Commodore SS-V Redline at $52,490 plus on-roads offers V8 rear-drive performance that is almost on par with the American car.

FCA Australia president and CEO Pat Dougherty confirmed that the SRT8 would remain the flagship of the now-smaller 300 fleet, that is now without a diesel option.

“It's really more of a driver's car,” he said. “Somebody that wants the luxury but also wants some performance, and they want a bigger vehicle. And it's cool.” Mr Dougherty said the reason for it not being launched at the same time as the rest of the range was simple.

“We didn't bring it specifically (to the launch of the 300C and 300C Luxury), because we don't have a car in market,” he said. “And we don't like to do that until we have a car in market.”