2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8: launch control and the Core

The 2013 300 SRT8 was priced at $47,820 plus $995 destination and kept the same 470-hp, 470-lb-ft 6.4 HEMI and five-speed automatic documented in this record's own powertrain listing. It gained three-mode adaptive damping, standard launch control, and five new colors for the year: Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Jazz Blue, Pewter Grey, and Phantom Black Tri-coat, expanding the palette buyers could choose from at order time.¹

In February 2013 the SRT brand added a lower-cost 300 SRT8 Core at $43,995 plus $995 destination, due in summer 2013. It carried Ballistic cloth seats with Axel accents, 20-inch cast wheels with black pockets, and black Brembo calipers rather than the standard car's premium trim, positioning it as a stripped-down performance variant beneath the full SRT8. Chrysler reported 57,724 US sales for the whole 300 nameplate across calendar 2013.^2,3

Two prices are documented: $47,820 for the standard 300 SRT8, effective at its August 2012 launch, and $43,995 for the 300 SRT8 Core, effective at its February 2013 announcement, both excluding a $995 destination charge. The 6.4-liter, 392-cu-in SRT HEMI, naturally aspirated and rated 470 hp and 470 lb-ft, or 351 kW and 637 N-m, is documented as available on both the standard SRT8 and the Core, paired in both cases with the five-speed automatic and paddle shifters as the sole standard transmission.^1,2

A wide range of content is documented for the year: the SRT8 Core's own package of Ballistic cloth with Axel accents, 20-inch cast wheels with black pockets, and black Brembo calipers, with red calipers optional; a panoramic dual-pane power sunroof; Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45ZR20 three-season tires, with Eagle RS-A2 all-season tires standard; a Black Painted Roof package, described as Sporty Black; a Black Chrome Group bundling Black Vapor Chrome 20-inch fully forged wheels with black chrome grille surrounds, a black chrome lower-fascia surround, and a rear accent bar; a Leather Premium Interior Group with Nappa leather armrests and Poltrona Foligno leather-wrapped trim; an SRT Option Group I with Harman Kardon audio across 19 speakers, a subwoofer, and a 900-watt amplifier; and a SafetyTec Group bundling forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, LED rear fog lamps, and mirrors with supplemental turn signals.^2,4

Specification detail is extensive: the 6.4-liter HEMI with Fuel Saver Technology at 392 cu in, 6,417 cc, 4.09-by-3.72-inch bore and stroke, and 10.9:1 compression, rated 470 hp at 6,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm under SAE J2723, built at the Saltillo Engine Plant in Mexico; the W5A580 five-speed automatic with a 3.06 final drive and Getrag limited-slip differential; a 120.2-inch wheelbase, 200.33-inch length, and 4,365-lb curb weight split 54/46; a 19.1-gallon fuel tank with EPA figures of 14 city and 23 highway mpg; and Brembo four-piston fixed-caliper brakes on 20-by-9.0-inch fully forged aluminum wheels. The specification sheet itself dates the model's introduction to summer 2012 as a 2013 model, built at Brampton.⁵

Nine exterior colors are documented in total, the five new ones already named alongside Bright White, Gloss Black, Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, and Ivory Pearl Tri-Coat. Interior trim includes the SRT8 Core's Ballistic cloth with Axel accents, plus the standard car's black Nappa leather with Axis perforated suede inserts and silver accent stitching, offered in black or Radar Red over black. Chrysler's own manufacturer claim for the 300 SRT8 Core puts top speed at 175 mph, though this record's own performance note flags that the test conditions behind that claim are not stated.^1,4,2