Chrysler Rolls Out the 300C Down Under

Motoring Channel Staff- 2/11/2005

Having taken out 'car of the year' awards in the US and proving to be a popular model among new car buyers, right-hand drive versions of the the big Chrysler 300C have finally made their way off the container ships and onto Australian soil.

Chrysler says that following its unprecedented runaway success in the United States, the highly anticipated Chrysler 300C will be priced from $53,990 in Australia.

With an entirely new shape based on the company’s rear-wheel drive architecture, the Chrysler 300C features classic proportions - a long bonnet, short deck and dramatic profile complete with 18-inch wheels give the premium sports sedan a stunning presence.

The Chrysler 300C model marks the return of the Hemi engine to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler’s ‘letter series’ cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the 5.7-litre Hemi V8.

With 250kW of power and 525Nm of torque, the Chrysler 300C can go from 0 to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Not unlike Ford Australia's 5.4-litre V8, the 250kW Hemi motor from Chrysler needn't rev high to achieve big numbers: 250kW arrives @ 5000rpm and 525Nm of torque @ 4000rpm.

The Chrysler 300C also features a clever cylinder deactivation system, explains Chrysler, called the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). It seamlessly turns off the fuel injection in four cylinders of the 5.7-litre engine when V8 power is not needed, such as when cruising at low engine revs on the highway.

This provides a world-class combination of outstanding performance, power and very competitive fuel efficiency (12.1L/100km combined cycle - ADR81/01). The 3.5-litre V6 returns fuel consumption figures of 11L/100km.

"The 300C is absolutely stunning, no question, this vehicle really stands out from the pack," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

"The powerful HEMI V8 performance is complemented by our MDS cylinder deactivation system, delivering up to a 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and adding a clever and differentiating element to this segment of the market. Customers can enjoy impressive performance and still achieve excellent fuel economy," enthused Chrysler's Australian chief.

Chrysler has revealed that two engine variants are available in Australia; a 3.5-litre high output V6 engine delivering 183kW @ 6400rpm and 340Nm of torque @ 3800rpm, which complements the already talked-about 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with MDS.

Chrysler says that since its release in the US, the 300C has captured the imagination of Americans, winning many prestigious awards including the coveted Motor Trend 'Car of the Year' and North American 'Car of the Year'.

Now this stunning vehicle is set to make its mark in the Australia, providing a much needed genuine competitor to the locally produced large rear-wheel drive sedans, those being Commodore and Falcon, or more aptly for the 300C's more prestigious character, the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman.

And as the global car maker points out, twenty four years have elapsed since Chrysler last sold a large rear-wheel drive sedan in Australia, making it a very big deal for the carmaker, which hopes the 300C will expand it's annual market share here.

"With its contemporary styling, undeniable road presence, powerful performance and comprehensive list of standard equipment, the 300C aptly illustrates the essence of the Chrysler brand while adding a new dimension to our heritage and setting an exciting course for the future," added Jenkins.

Chrysler has been aggressive in pricing the stunning 300C, achieving $53,990 for the 3.5-litre 183kW V6 and $59,990 for the 5.7-litre Hemi V8.

The Chrysler 300C model range is expected to expand further next year with a wagon version of the vehicle, called the 300C Touring, which builds upon the attributes of the sedan, and is likely to make its way to Australia mid 2006 according to Chrysler.

The 300C will begin arriving in Chrysler dealerships across the country in early November, 2005.

Performance

Two engine choices including:

• 5.7-litre Hemi V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick (driver can manually select a gear range).
  

• 3.5-litre high output V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick (driver can manually select a gear range).

6.4 second 0-100km/h with 5.7-litre V8
18-inch polished five-split-spoke alloy wheels
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7-litre V8
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Short and long arm (SLA) front suspension
Independent five-bar multi-link rear suspension
Rack and pinion steering

Standard features

Leather seats – heated driver and front passenger seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with flush-mounted audio, trip computer controls and vehicle information controls
Driver and front passenger adjustable lumbar support
Eight-way power driver and passenger seats
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with infrared and sun sensors
Express-up/down power front windows
Dual driver memory system controls for driver’s seat, mirrors and radio presets
Air filtration system
Electrochromic interior and driver’s rear-view mirror
60/40 split folding rear seat
California walnut wood accents (5.7-litre HEMI V8)
Patented tortoise shell interior accents (3.5-litre V6)
Boston Acoustics 6-speaker premium sound system with 276 watts of digital Power (3.5-litre V6)

Additional features on Chrysler 300C 5.7-litre Hemi V8:

Six-disc CD
Boston Acoustic 7-speaker premium sound system with 368 watt digital amplifier and subwoofer

Safety features (V6 and V8 models)

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Emergency Brake Assist
All-speed Traction Control System (TCS)
Four-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
High-pressure headlamp washers
Driver and front passenger multi-stage front airbags
Front and rear side-curtain air bags
Front seat belt pretensioners
Three-blink lane change turn signal feature
Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
Enhanced battery saver
Ultrasonic rear park assist system
Sentry Key engine immobiliser system
Security alarm with interior monitoring

The Chrysler 300C sedan is covered by Chrysler's 3-year/100,000 kilometre warranty and 3-year/unlimited kilometer road side assistance.