Chrysler 300 SRT8

The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 took a leap forward in refinement, but the large sedan's makeover didn't come with an SRT8 variant. No worries, though, because the all-new, more powerful and damn sharp-looking 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is debuting today at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

All that power is worthless without proper stoppers, so Chrysler engineers fitted 14.2-inch front rotors and 13.8-inch discs out back, while four-piston Brembo calipers supply the bite. Chrysler's tape measure reveals that these high-end brakes manage to bring this undoubtedly heavy sedan (the last generation SRT8 tipped the scales at 4,046 lbs) from 60 mph to a stand-still in under 120 feet.

More power and better performance can often lead to less desirable fuel economy, yet Chrysler insists that this SRT8 actually boasts a 25-percent increase in efficiency. One reason for the big improvement is a new active valve exhaust system, which allows the big V8 to drop down to four-cylinder mode over a much wider RPM range than before. The company isn't ready to provide specific numbers, but our math tells us to expect about 24 miles per gallon in highway driving.

Add up everything that goes into the 300 SRT8, and you have what Chrysler calls "the most powerful and best handling model ever." We want one. For more info on the 300 SRT8, along with information about the new 300S and 300C Executive Series, check out the press release below.