Chrysler reprises Charger nameplate -- times 10!

It might not share the race homologation heritage of the iconic Charger E49 but Chrysler's new E490 concept suggests there is an Australian pulse beating again at the US brand's local headquarters.

The E490 badge, flanked by two kangaroos that could have been lifted from a 1960s Qantas airliner or a pre-decimal currency penny coin, graces Chrysler's latest hotrodded "evaluation" version of its already sizzling SRT8 Touring.

It is significant that after Prodrive management felt that Ford's iconic Super Roo graphic didn't belong on FPV's 40th Anniversary GT, Chrysler has added a kangaroo motif to its $84,990 concept car. Not on display at the Melbourne Motor Show, the E490 was in the underground car park where CarPoint was able to hear and see it in action. 

Conceived by David McCarthy, Chrysler's Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and former CarPoint staffer, Project E490 builds on the Touring's low, chopped-top stance and generates a presence that is more menacing than the original Charger E49. Featuring a blacked-out grille, wild XHP wheels and exhaust outlets that could double as rocket launchers, the E490 displays some serious attitude.

The sports exhaust system and Mopar cold-air intake add an edge to the powerful SRT8 hemi-V8 engine that is apparent as soon as the engine bursts into life. The exhaust rumble is something special and delivers "serious aural pleasure" according to McCarthy.

Chrysler is not yet making any claims but output should be a modest improvement over the standard 317kW. Even in standard SRT8 trim the E490 is the most powerful wagon available today under $200K.

The motivation behind the new project is simple. Today's revheads at Chrysler can remember the days when the Aussie performance scene was dominated by the Big Three and Chrysler was one of them. Project 490 represents "the range of enhancements that customers make to their 300C's" and is intended "to assess customer reaction" according to Chrysler.

Chrysler's local Managing Director Gerry Jenkins has a clear agenda with Project E490. After letting local staff off the leash to deliver the concept, Jenkins is ready to explore a number of Australian projects if the concept is well-received.

Chrysler's local success is also encouraging Jenkins to do everything possible to get a RHD version of the new Challenger for the Australian market. The E490 is a stepping stone in this process, according to McCarthy.

The E490 also showcases Alpine's latest in-car entertainment system.

The E490 package is not yet ADR-compliant but the process is already underway in exactly the same sequence as previous 300C enhancement packages which reached the market after a show preview. If the demand is there, it will soon be offered at Chrysler dealers.

Already, Chrysler executives have had to refuse cash deposits from those who want to drive away in the concept car.

Pricing starts at $74,990 for the SRT8 Touring. From there, the E490 package is expected to add an extra $10,000 to cover the cold air induction, special exhaust, painted-out grille, XHP 20-inch CRUZ wheels and the special badging. The Alpine in-car entertainment system will add $6380.

When Chrysler claims that the "E490 is a vehicle that reflects the performance heritage of Chryslers past as well as our present range" there's little doubting Chrysler's desire to revive past glories in Australia. 

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