The 2013 300 SRT Core model features an interior finished in black ballistic cloth, 20-inch cast aluminum five-spoke wheels and black Brembo calipers. A distinctive 6.4L fender badge informs onlookers of what’s under its hood – the merciless 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
According to Jim Wilder, Manager, Vehicle Integration Responsible for Core Vehicles, the idea is simple. "We took some content out, but kept the performance aspects of the car the same," he said. "We go from a red Brembo caliper to a black anodized caliper like we do on the Super Bee, but there is no difference in performance. That’s the formula. Take some features out of the car to get cost down, but keep the performance in the car."
Think of the new Core vehicles as an opportunity for customers to express their personality. "We are not putting stripes on the cars, so people can customize them," said Wilder. "We’re not adding features that the customer may not want, allowing them to spend their money elsewhere and customize it how they want. Mopar® has a long list of accessory options."
A popular area of customization for performance enthusiasts is the wheel and tire package. "We shared the Super Bee wheels with the newest additions to the SRT Core lineup," said Wilder. "300 SRT and Challenger SRT Core models will come standard with the 20-inch wheel." Core models also delete fog lamps and replace HID headlamps with halogen.
Suspensions on the new Core models are another area of going slightly retro. "They’re still Bilstein® shocks for the suspension," noted Wilder. "It’s still very performance-oriented. In 2012, we brought in ADS with the active suspension in two-mode. For the new Core cars we are going back to a firm single-setting performance car suspension."
On the inside, the new cloth seats are familiar in shape and size. "It’s still an SRT seat," Wilder points out. "It’s still the SRT seat with the big bolsters and everything. Instead of covering it in leather we covered it in the same ballistic fabric found in the 2013 SRT Viper."
At the Chicago Auto Show in February, the 2013 Charger SRT Super Bee Core model was unveiled in TorRed, one of three popular colors making a comeback. Plum Crazy returns and adorns the 2013 Challenger SRT Core model at the show, and HEMI Orange Pearl Coat is also available on both the Charger and Challenger SRT. Three great heritage colors all being rolled out this spring. Let the good times roll.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AutoWeek
Don't call 'em strippers. SRT boss Ralph Gilles told Autoweek they're "back to basics" models. He also called it a "grand experiment," a way to see if the serious enthusiast is still out there; those who just want the power, performance and looks, yet don't require exotic leathers and electronics.
In simple terms, you get the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 pushing out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft in both the Challenger and 300, cloth seats, simple (non-active) suspensions and a stripped-down electronic interface, though the 8.4-inch touchscreen is an option.
Known:
- 20" cast wheels from the existing SuperBee
- non-adaptive, single-mode Bilstein suspension (again, on the 'Bee)
- no fog lights
- "Ballistic" cloth from the Viper; no leather, but SRT-blostered seats with the SRT logo
- 8.4" UConnect at least an "option"
- performance pages standard
- base price of $44,990 US
Rumored:
- it's basically a base 300 with the SRT motor, brakes, wheels, exhaust and seats (sound familiar? It's the SuperBee idea; Charger SE with the SRT go-fast bits)
- no sunroof option
- HID option
- paddle-shifter option
- no cooled front seats
- no rear heated seats
- no heated / cooled cupholders
- launch control standard
- availability elsewhere in the world (including Canada)
Thoughts?
__________________ "This car is 100% sh*ts and giggles." "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you." Jeremy Clarkson
Speed: " It's really about judgement and intelligence; so long as your brain can go faster than you are going at any time, you're all right, and it isn't fast." - L J K Setright
Some things to note:
- the parking sensor discs are still there, but there may be no sensors in them
- the fog lights are replaced by black plastic "blanks"
I'm curious if these are meant to "blow out" existing inventory of the SRT-specific parts they may have supplier agreements in place for prior to the 2014 refresh...
The 300 was initially marketed as a mid to upper level luxury car and this seems to be a bit of a departure from that approach. But, given the base model level of appointments and a recognized market segment that has yet to be addressed, I see the rationale behind this scheme.
For me, however, I appreciate the power AND the luxury that goes into the SRT8 and I am thankful they are not marketing a stripped down model as an SRT8.
I agree with you. The flagship of the luxury high line brand in a stripped down version doesn't quite sound right. I don't care what Ralph says, a stripped down car is a stripped down car.
I thought the Camaro ZL1 was awesome and then I sat it one. The interior is just awful! I could never buy it now. Chrysler needs to hurry up and add more power to the 300 SRT8!
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