Chrysler 300 2015 Overview

The four-door, all-wheel drive car is designed to stand out, and the V8 engine gets the chassis it deserves.

The engine in the Chrysler 300 SRT is a belter. Has always been.

The 6.4-litre Hemi V8 makes 350kW and 637Nm, and if you're not too worried about going to the gas station every other day, driving becomes a pleasure.

From the moment you turn the key, it has a heavy V8 sound, with torque right from the start and enough power to satisfy anyone who isn't a racer.

Until now, Hemi has been the engine in search of a chassis. Okay, but… with a lot of buts.

STO came to life

The gangster-style sedan was reluctant to switch to straight-line traffic due to twisty sections, had fuzzy steering and barely noticeable brakes, and the interior was more suitable for rental car work than for the track.

Now, through intensive chassis work with a focus on local roads and drivers, the SRT has come to life.

The 2016 model, while no match for the VFII Commodore SS-V with FE3 sports suspension, is a well-balanced package that delivers great driving pleasure without compromising the sanity or safety of the person behind the wheel.

Prices are nice too, with the new Core 56,000 net worth $300, $10,000 less than the previous model.

A full SRT starting at $69,000 includes a seven-inch infotainment screen, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with real metal paddles, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and an old-school mechanical limited-slip differential.

Chrysler also highlights safety gear, claiming more than 80 features available, including automatic safe braking, blind spot warning, and lane keeping assist.

But the big changes were in the steering and chassis, as we've noted and enjoyed cars with lesser specs.

Electric steering allows for several other improvements. There are also recalibrated springs and dampers and even cast aluminum axles.

The goal was to get rid of the sloppiness of the car and make it more fit and responsive - to create a car that is more than just a special traffic light.

You may be tempted to treat it as such. There's an eight-speed automatic transmission and a launch control system if you want to start from a standstill.

The claimed acceleration time to 0 km/h is only 100 seconds.

In Australia, it's impossible to jump into the SRT without thinking about the Falcon XR8 and Commodore SS-V.

But for me, the SRT is superior to the XR8 and closer to the Commodore than I expect. He's not as refined as Holden's character and always seems a lot bigger and heavier, but I like a lot of what he does and the way he reacts.

The belated overhaul of the 300 series eliminates the hesitation of previous models. Interior upgrades also work for the starter car.

But SRT - which stands for Street and Racing Technology - adds icing to the cake and spreads it thick and delicious.

The latest exhaust technology improves economy, and the new car is also great for city driving. Turn the rotary switch to Sport and the transmission will actually engage, delivering crisp shifts and instant response to the paddles.

There's a lot to be said for a big daddy with works

The "Sport" setting also boosts the damping without making it too harsh, though on some bumpy roads the power drops better in the standard setting.

Driven by the ripper, the SRT handles bumps and bumps properly and then brakes straighter and harder. The leather steering wheel gives a lot more feel and I know the car will turn and not go straight ahead.

Suspension work also means the SRT can send more power and torque to the road instead of fighting the driver for control.

I'm less than happy with the fuel economy despite the latest tweaks around the field. The V8 still has that great Hemi roar.

Inside, the SRT's seats are much more comfortable than in the base 300, there's loud sound and enough room for five adults. The trunk is also roomy, the car is easy to park.

It is very heavy, there is only a spare to save space, and towing is not recommended despite the huge torque that boat and float owners will enjoy.

In terms of safety, I really like the automatic high beams, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control among the many features. They may just be a safety net for the enthusiastic driver who is likely to opt for the SRT, but they are definitely worth having in any car.

Looking at the prices, I would probably be tempted by the Core, which is great value for money with a lot of hardware. But even then, there's a lot to be said for a big daddy of work.

I like STO. Actually quite a lot. It's fun to ride, well-equipped and comfortable, and its gangster look makes it stand out from the crowd. This may be surpassed by the latest Commodore, but Tick guarantees it.