A high performance version of the 300C will spearhead Chrysler’s product offensive in 2006, with the company yesterday confirming the arrival of four new vehicles including a diesel within six months.

The 300C SRT-8 is the first to arrive. Featuring a 6.1-litre V8 engine, and impressive figures of 317 kW, 570 Nm and a 0-100 time in the mid five second range, the 300C SRT-8 has 25 per cent more power than the 300C V8.

Further building on the runaway success of the 300C, a wagon version, the 300C Touring, will also join the model line-up.

A diesel 300C variant will follow, featuring a 3.0-litre V6.

And a four-seater convertible version of the PT Cruiser will further strengthen Chrysler’s product range.

“The arrival of these exciting new products not only strengthens our Chrysler line-up and broadens our appeal, but will further catapult the success of the 300C,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“From the additional space and flexibility offered in the 300C Touring to the phenomenal performance of the SRT-8 and refinement and efficiency of the new diesel engine, the growing 300C family offers a wide range for customers to choose the vehicle that best suits their lifestyle.

“As for the PT Cruiser Cabrio, this four seat soft-top takes the fun of the iconic sedan to new heights, providing customers with a fresh, practical and affordable soft top,” said Jenkins.

Chrysler 300C SRT-8

With a 6.1-litre V8, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes, the 300C SRT-8 is engineered for incredible acceleration and stopping power.

Due to arrive in April the 300C SRT-8 joins the Crossfire SRT-6 in the SRT range to further delight performance enthusiasts.

The 300C SRT-8 has been developed by the Chrysler Group’s ‘Street and Race Technology’ performance division and features unique exterior details, sports suspension and a sports interior.

This 6.1-litre V8 engine will also feature in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, which the Chrysler Group has also confirmed for release in Australia.

Chrysler 300C Touring

The 300C Touring shares its major attributes, design, equipment, interior appointments and technical specifications with the Chrysler 300C Sedan — and then adds striking wagon proportions and expanded cargo space.

Like the Sedan, the Chrysler 300C Touring will be available with a choice of three engines (3.5-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine and the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel) and boasts a host of thoughtful features including a unique wide access rear liftgate.

Compact aluminium 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine

The addition of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine will further strengthen the 300C line-up when it arrives in the third quarter of 2006. The new engine, which will be available on both the 300C Sedan and Touring models, offers performance, refinement and fuel efficiency (8.1L/100km combined fuel consumption).

The compact and lightweight, all-aluminium 3.0-litre V6 produces 160 kW of power and torque of 510 Nm.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

Completing the product offensive and injecting more air into the Chrysler range the PT Cruiser Cabrio, a soft top version of the PT Cruiser Sedan, will arrive mid year joining the Crossfire Roadster in the brand’s soft top range.

With its cool looks, spacious four-seater cabin and unique versatility, the new PT Cruiser Cabrio promises to be a different kind of convertible.

Powered by the same 2.4-litre in-line four cylinder engine used in the Sedan, the PT Cruiser Cabrio is set to redefine the soft top segment in the same way that the original Chrysler PT Cruiser refused to fit into an automotive ‘pigeon hole’.

The new PT Cruiser Cabrio retains many of the unique styling elements of the original PT Cruiser, and develops that outspoken retro design theme even further to create its own strong personality and distinctive aesthetics.

Australian pricing yet to be confirmed.

2006 Chrysler 300C diesel

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