Older but cool video from Top Gear of the Jaguar S type R going at it...

The race.....
Holden/Vauxhall Monaro VX-R • Chrysler 300C • Jaguar S type R

Fast forward to 48 minutes to see the race!

Top Gear Season 5 Episode 1 - Car Videos on StreetFire


STR FTW!

 

Thanks for the vid...testament the STR was a true sleeper. How'd ya like how fast the STR buried the Aussie and Ameri-German car?

 

This episode is the main reason why we didn't buy a 300, and went with an S-type instead. We test drove both, and just as the TG crew illustrated, it was a wallowing hippo.

 

AWWWW man, just that part when it come out of the cargo plane spanking everyone gave me goosebumps.........

Awesome Vampyre

 

Lol

 

I have that shootout saved on my DVR. When it came time to replace my X-Type, I showed that vid to my wife, in particular the studio shot of that gorgeous STR in green. Sealed the deal instantly.

I choose to ignore the fact that they picked the Monaro as the winner, seemingly only because they didn't like the snout on the STR.

 

10-4 on that one Chris. IMO the Monaro is ugly...don't like its boring lines. The STR attracts the eye then keeps it.

 

Actually that comparison wasn't really fair. They compared the basic 300C to the R version Jag.... They should have brought the V8 S Type. But they knew what would happen. Now, if you are going to compare the R to a 300, might has well be the SRT8....

Watch this "hippo" run....

Monticello 6_25_2010 - YouTube

 

Jeff, a few days ago my STR destroyed a 2010 Dodge Charger SRT8.

 

No doubt. Heck, I'm not delusional about the 300's abilities. Even in SRT8 guise the STR is lighter, has equivalent HP, and an additional gear in the autobox.

I didn't say, nor do I think, the LX cars are faster than the STR. My point about the comment was that Top Gear intentionally stacked the deck more in favor of the "domestic". They should have used the SRT8 or they should have used the NA 4.2 Jag.

The funny thing is when I got the car, my expectations were slanted by reviews like that and to be honest, my car has shocked me. Way better than expected. Nice surprise. I woke it up a little with the additions of a short ram intake with AEM dry filter (no oil!) and a Diablosport tuner. My autocross buddy took it out for a test drive the other day to give me some advice on things to do to crisp up the handling a bit. He came back and asked "What the heck did you do to that thing...I've driven these before and yours is a lot quicker!". For a total investment of $400.00 my 5.7 is now "wide awake".

Now to start refining the suspension. Actually going to start with tires and wheels since they are definitely the weakest link right now. I mean, 'cmon Chrysler, 7.5" wheels with 225 series tires on this "tank"???? First step is 245/55 rubber on the stock skinny wheels. Then, 18 x 8 wheels with a 255 or 265 setup. Nothing radical...I'm not one for "throwing 22's on dat thang"... Just hunting for the best combination of compliance with minimal deflection. Might move to a 20" staggered set up, but may not need to invest that much $$ to get what I'm looking for. Before anyone balks... The factory optional / SRT8 wheels are 20".

Sorry a bit wordy.. Too much coffee this morning.

 

I'd take the 300C over the Holden any day of the week Jeff - at least it has some nice lines and unique design. The Monaro of that vintage screamed "mullet IROC wanna-be" to me.

 

LOL! "Too much coffee", totally understand. Agree, mismatched cars. Was a SRT8 available then? Sounds like you knew what you were doing waking up the Chrysler from its slumber. Chris, you mad man, Mullet Iroc wanna be? LOL!

 

Ah, see, you caught me there.... LOL! No the SRT8 wasn't available then. Here is Jeremy testing the SRT8.... And he still hates it.... LOL...

What I find funny in this one... He goes and compares it to a M5 V10.... Honestly, I totally understand Chrysler making them (Top Gear) buy their own test car for the US special with the Corvette and CTS V.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNTLy...yer_detailpage

 

Yeah, he beats a bit too much on the Benz-Chrysler. I like the new Chrysler 300...Looks more refined.

 

I wonder what ever happened to the cars after they had been driven through the sand and saltwater?

 

LOL.... The Chrysler rusted away.... The Jag went into Limp Mode.... and the Vauxhaul just started shedding interior parts....

 

LOL! Ditto.

 

I've seen this video many times, I wish they had done the testing on asphalt. I love how they make a point that the Jag has 1.5 liters less than the Holden and Chrysler, but make it sound amazing for having more power without mentioning that it has a supercharger! Just a minor detail I guess haha.

The Holden Monaro (aka Pontiac GTO) was one of my top choices for used cars prior to buying my STR a few weeks back. I would have bought it too but my wife thought it was ugly. I'm glad she stopped me from buying it because I'm loving my STR!!!! I also was consdering the AMG C32 but as someone who has read a lot about the C32, I decided not to for reliability reasons and that I couldn't find a decent, unmolested model with low miles. All the ones I saw were owned by bratty rich Jersey Shore kids who I would imagine didnt treat them well.