Reviews

First Drive: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

Jul 22 2011

First Drive: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

First Drive: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the highest-performing model ever in Chrysler’s lineup, boasts a powerful 6.4-liter Hemi V8 punch, massive Brembo brakes, lightweight forged wheels, countless hours of suspension tuning and a slew of cosmetic goodies. It is, without question, a very impressive sport sedan. But choosing a target like the CTS-V, Cadillac’s highly regarded flagship performance vehicle, may reveal a bit too much confidence. After all, the CTS-V isn’t just more powerful – its chassis is a bit lighter, it’s shorter in stature and it wears stickier shoes. Of course, it’s also much more expensive.

Introduced as a concept at the 2003 New York Auto Show, the first production Chrysler 300 rolled into showrooms shortly thereafter as 2005 models. Designed during the peak of the DaimlerChrysler relationship, the 300 was a big change from its front-wheel-drive 300M (and Concorde) predecessors. The new car had bold styling and was built on a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive platform with a suspension borrowed from the W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1996-2002) and W220 S-Class (1999-2006). Standard models were fitted with a 2.7-liter V6 rated at 190 horsepower, but a range-topping SRT8 model debuted at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance boasting a 6.1-liter V8 rated at 425 horsepower. It was a much-needed shot in the arm for both the car and brand.

Source: AutoBlog

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Jul 22 2011

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Thankfully, our time with the the affable Mr. Gilles wasn’t spent pondering the last generation LX’s branding issues. Or refinement issues. Or interior gaffes. Instead, Chrysler rounded up its newest factory-fettled performance superstars in Southern California so we could get some quality time with the latest generation of SRT machines, including the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8.

From nose to tail, the SRT8 runs 200.3 inches, and if you pace off that distance, you’ll arrive around back to find more classic Charger DNA. The lengthy taillamp array spreads across the rump like a wildfire burning with a total of 164 LEDs. Just above the flames sits a rear spoiler that’s functional, just like every other vent or angle on the Charger’s exterior. Aero engineers have worked hard to make sure the sedan stays stable at speed, all the way up to a 175 mph top end, but they still managed make a sinister-looking sedan.

Source: Autoblog

2012 BMW 1 Series Five-Door

Jul 18 2011

2012 BMW 1 Series Five-Door

2012 BMW 1 Series Five Door
In yet another example of such forbidden fruit, we traveled to Berlin, Germany this month to drive the latest “F20″ four-door version of the car considered by many to be the first hatchback to take the premium European compact genre big-time. Admittedly, that judgment call is a bit of a toss-up between the 1 Series and the Mini Cooper and Audi A3, but the 1 Series has done BMW proud selling nearly 1.3 million units worldwide in a single generation since late 2004. This success story is not unlike that of the X3 compact crossover that is just now entering its more sophisticated second generation.

For this drive, we had a matte corral red 118i with 1.6-liter TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder at our disposal. The N13 engine’s 168 horsepower were ably complemented by 184 pound-feet of torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. This powerplant is actually a heavily adapted and retuned longitudinal version of the transverse N18 1.6-liter found in the Mini Cooper S. To go with this single twin-scroll turbocharged unit, buyers will need to choose between an optional eight-speed Steptronic automatic or the happy little car seen here with the same six-speed ZF manual found in the fantabulous 1 M Coupe.

Source: AutoBlog

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