2007 CHRYSLER 300C SRT8

AS-TESTED PRICE: $46,040
DRIVETRAIN: 6.1-liter V8; rwd, five-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4160 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 16/15.4 mpg
OPTIONS: SRT option group II, including DVD-based GPS navigation system, six-CD changer, UConnect hands-free communication ($1,770); power sunroof ($950)

OUR TAKE: For the top SRT model selling in the mid-$40,000s range, there are still some “mass market” elements left over here. The trunk interior is pretty sparse and looks just like that in a V6-powered rental-car 300, and while the seats are upgraded and there’s a nav system and all, the dashboard materials and switchgear are still those of a car more than $20,000 cheaper. Inevitable? Perhaps, but Cadillac, for one, does a better job of upgrading the rest of the car when you opt for a V-Series on any chassis. Of course, a $40,000 Cadillac V-Series would be a bargain.

What everyone wants to know about is the performance, of course. Ride quality is very good, considering the 20-inch wheels with short-sidewall, high-performance rubber. But this car’s mostly about power.

It has 425 hp in a 4160-pound car, which makes for 10 lb/hp and a screamer. With all that power, though, the SRT8 is really well mannered, even with all the electronic assists switched off. You’d probably want to leave all those assists on in winter, however; the traction and stability control systems work so well that the worries a lot of people still have about driving high-powered rear-drive cars in the bad-weather states are made instantly irrelevant.

To get this big a car from Ford or General Motors (excluding Cadillacs, which generally cost more), you’re still looking at front-drive or fwd-derived all-wheel-drive models—at least until GM brings the new Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac G8 to market.

So, on style, performance and value, the 300C SRT8 is still tops in its class. Maybe now that Chrysler doesn’t have to worry about treading on Mercedes’ turf, the next version can move upscale and really match up to Cadillac, the way 300s of the 1950s did.

SUPERSTARS and ZAKSPEED signing co-operation

SUPERSTARS, the new race series based on an Italian Championship and on an international calendar approved by FIA, and ZAKSPEED, one of the most successful german raceteams – the only private one taking an active part in FORMULA 1 1985-1990 – have signed an allembracing co-operation agreement to develop and to built SUPERSTARS racecars (see picture attached).


ZAKSPEED’s first racecar to be developed and to be built for SUPERSTARS will be based on a CHRYSLER 300C SRT 8.

Due to the technical regulations, which are managed by ORAL ENGINEERING, ZAKSPEED will process existing technology and will set up a brand new racecar for international markets and customers.

The preproduction model already will be shown by the end of the year at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW in Germany.

“First tests are set up for early January 2008” Peter Zakowski, owner of ZAKSPEED, says. “The “ZAKSPEED 300C SRT 08” will be developed for international markets and customers. ZAKSPEED will not only provide the car, but as well a relevant as a desired service at the track, depending on the customers necessities.” Also ZAKSPEED will provide any technical and logistic infrastructure for the races itself.

The synergy between SUPERSTARS and ZAKSPEED is eminent due to the professionalism of both parties.

“We are well aware of the knowledge of ZAKSPEED in developing racecars. They have been developing-partner and manufacturer team for e.g. FORD, MERCEDES, OPEL, PORSCHE etc. Also ZAKSPEED was mainly involved in creating and setting up the race series V8 S.T.A.R. as well as developing and producing these outstanding racecars” Vincenzo Lamaro, Managing Director of FGSPORT, says. “And with more than 400 races won and lots of national and international titels ZAKSPEED has testified that their evolutions are successful”.

ZAKSPEED’s history is long, thrilling and challenging:

With more than 400 races won and lots of national and international titles ZAKSPEED is one of the most successful german raceteams.

ZAKSPEED has become a constant in the touring car scene and significantly contributed to forming it.

Beyond this ZAKSPEED obtained high acceptance and made its mark in motorsports by the inimitable dedication to the Formula 1 from 1985 to 1990.

As manufacturer-team ZAKSPEED has been successful for years for e.g. Ford, Mercedes, Opel etc. .

In 1990 ZAKSPEED founded the 1st permanent race-driving school, located at Nürburgring.

Since 1999 ZAKSPEED runs the especially modified Dodge Viper GTS-R in longdistance-races. The “ZAKSPEED Dodge Viper GTS-R Special” achieved a lot of victories.
The 3 times overall-winner of the int. 24h-race at the Nürburgring-Northerloop makes DODGE the leader of the field of international manufacturers.

2000 until 2003 ZAKSPEED has been involved radically in the V8 S.T.A.R. race series, not only winning races and titels as well as the drivers-mastership, but also in developing the racecars and servicing the series.
ZAKSPEED by today operates the V8 RACING SCHOOL, offering anybody interested to drive an original racecar (the ZAKSPEED V8)on a race track