The 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 was the car that proved big American sedans could once again play in true high-performance territory, and this example captures that era perfectly. Finished in a beautiful Brilliant Black Crystal exterior over a slate/greystone interior, showing only 46,459 miles since new, it delivers the unmistakable presence and power that made the SRT-8 one of the most talked-about four-door performance cars of the 2000s. The long, low body, massive grille, blocky fenders and short overhangs give it that bold, almost “gangster” stance the 300 became famous for, and in SRT-8 trim it looks even more serious thanks to the lowered ride height, aggressive fascias and 20-inch wheels that frame the big brakes lurking behind them.
At the heart of every 300 SRT-8 is its calling card: the legendary 6.1-liter HEMI V8. This engine is a high-compression, bored-out evolution of the 5.7 HEMI, engineered by SRT to deliver a factory-rated 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It uses a forged crankshaft, lightened valvetrain components and an aggressive cam profile to spin eagerly to around 6,400 rpm, yet it still has massive torque down low. In independent instrumented testing when new, the 300 SRT-8 was capable of sprinting from 0–60 mph in the high-four-second range and running the quarter-mile in the low 13s, with an ungoverned top speed reported in the 170+ mph range. All of that power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission derived from the Mercedes E-Class, calibrated by SRT for quick, decisive shifts and strong kickdown response, sending torque to the rear wheels in classic muscle-sedan fashion. The result is a car that, in its day, could run with far more expensive European super-sedans while wearing a Chrysler badge and a far more attainable window sticker.
Underneath, the 300 SRT-8 has far more going on than just a big engine. Thanks to the DaimlerChrysler era, the 300/300C/SRT-8 and its Dodge Charger sibling ride on a version of the Mercedes W211 E-Class platform. That heritage brings a rear-wheel-drive layout, a solid, German-influenced structure and a level of chassis composure that separated the 300 from traditional front-wheel-drive full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. SRT further lowered and stiffened the suspension, fitted larger front and rear knuckles and wrapped 20-inch wheels in high-performance rubber, giving the SRT-8 impressive grip for a big sedan and a planted, confident feel at speed. Large performance brakes with multi-piston calipers and oversized rotors give the SRT-8 braking distances that, when new, rivaled some of the best European sports sedans of its time. The net effect is a car that feels substantial and secure on the road, with the rear-drive balance and chassis tuning enthusiasts expect from a serious performance sedan.
Inside, this 300 SRT-8 continues the theme of purposeful performance with added comfort. The slate/greystone interior features leather seats with SRT8 embossed into the backrests, giving the cabin a clear visual link to the car’s high-performance mission. The front seats offer substantial bolstering to help hold you in place during spirited driving, while still providing the everyday comfort expected from a large American sedan. This example is equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, allowing both driver and front passenger to fine-tune their seating position and stay comfortable in cooler weather, and power mirrors for easy adjustment from the driver’s seat. The overall layout is straightforward and driver-focused, with large, easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls that give the cabin a clean, functional feel rather than trying to distract from what the car is really about: that SRT-8 powertrain and chassis.
To bring the in-car experience up to date, this 300 SRT-8 has been fitted with a new infotainment screen that integrates AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity, adding modern usability to the original layout. Bluetooth allows you to pair compatible devices for hands-free calling and audio streaming, while the touchscreen interface and traditional knobs/buttons make everyday operation simple and familiar. This upgrade helps bridge the gap between the car’s early-2000s origins and today’s expectations, making it a much easier car to live with on a daily basis while still retaining the character that made the 300 SRT-8 such a standout when it was new.
Part of what makes the 300 SRT-8 so important historically is how it reshaped Chrysler’s image in the mid-2000s. When the modern 300 debuted, it instantly stood out for its bold, upright design and rear-drive proportions, and the SRT-8 turned that presence into true performance credibility. In an era when having 425 horsepower in a four-door sedan at this price point was a major statement, the 300 SRT-8 quickly earned a reputation as one of the best performance-per-dollar buys on the market. It offered the attitude and torque of classic American muscle with the refinement benefits of a Mercedes-based platform and a genuinely quiet, substantial-feeling cabin at highway speeds. For enthusiasts who remember that period, owning a 300 SRT-8 isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about owning one of the defining “bang for your buck” performance sedans of its decade.
In the interest of transparency, it is important to note that this particular 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 was involved in a moderate accident back in 2020, and there are some noticeable flaws on the exterior. These cosmetic imperfections are part of the reason the car is priced the way it is, and the event occurred approximately five years ago. For someone who cares most about the drivetrain, platform and overall performance hardware that make the SRT-8 special, this presents an opportunity to get into a low-mileage, Brilliant Black Crystal 300 SRT-8 with just 46,459 miles at a more accessible price point.
Taken as a whole, this 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 in Brilliant Black Crystal over slate/greystone leather brings together everything that made these cars so coveted when they were new: the unmistakable stance, the Mercedes-derived rear-drive platform, the SRT-tuned chassis and brakes, the deeply impressive 6.1-liter HEMI with its 425-horsepower punch, and a cabin equipped with SRT-embossed leather seating, power heated front seats, power mirrors and a modernized infotainment system with AM/FM and Bluetooth. For an enthusiast who understands what the 300 SRT-8 represents and is looking for a serious performance sedan with a legendary engine and a distinctive presence, this example offers a compelling way to experience one of the standout American performance sedans of the 2000s.
