NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Chrysler trio debuts

The Chrysler group of companies has continued its model onslaught with a trio of new models announced at this week's New York Auto Show.

Three versions of the marque's new 300 were debuted ahead of their Q3 US launch. And the line-up is wider than ever including a performance SRT8 variant, 300S, a model to target younger buyers dubbed the 300S, and 300C Executive Series -- the latter billed as the 'most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever'.

King of the 300 hill, the SRT8 is powered by a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 developing 347kW/630Nm, a 29kW/61Nm increase over the 6.1-litre mill it replaces. The American brand says the figures are enough to rocket the large sedan from rest to 60mph in "the high four-second range". Sub 13 second quarter mile times are also projected, as is a top speed of 282km/h.

Fuel economy figures have yet to be announced, though Chrysler says the big-block 300 SRT8 will outshine the consumption figure of its predecessor by around 25 per cent, a new exhaust system allowing the engine's cylinder shutdown system to operate across a wider rev-range. The 'active exhaust system' also opens completely under load for a more robust aural experience.

The show model rides on 20-inch aluminium and black-finished alloy wheels and packs a high-end audio package, black trim accents and special 'monochrome black' upholstery.

The upscale 300C Executive Series, powered by a 270kW 5.7-litre HEMI V8 (available in rear and all-wheel drive format) is clad with ultra-premium leather upholstery and includes what Chrysler says is 'world-class refinement', improved handling and state-of-the-art safety and infotainment features.

The luxury model is defined by a leather bound instrument cluster brow and instrument panel, the centre console side panels and door skin uppers and armrests also wrapped in up-scale cow hide. Twelve-way electric seats and dual-mode ventilation and heating is also offered on the front pews while real wood trim punctuates the cabin in a low-gloss finish.

On the exterior, the flagship model replaces chromed fascia, mirror and door handle accents with a unique platinum chrome finish also found on the car's grille surround.

A more aggressively styled, youth-oriented 300S model is available with the choice of 218kW 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 or 270kW 5.7-litre HEMI V8 power. Riding on a 'touring' suspension tune the S rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Externally, the S variant is styled for a "low-key street presence", says Chrysler, with body-coloured fascia accents and mirror caps, black-accented headlamp bezels and a black chrome grille. Cloth seats in black or 'radar red' are complemented by a matte graphite finish decor accented by piano black highlights. Fitting its youthful image, 300S is available with a powerful audio system promising studio-quality sound.

Joining its sedan cousin, the Jeep Wrangler Mojave -- named in tribute to the famed 138-mile Mojave Trail -- follows a succession of special edition models, this time with a desert inspired motif. Set to arrive in US showrooms from June 2011, the Mojave is available in Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited guise and features an aggressive tyre and wheel package, body-coloured hardtop and fender flares, lizard decals and model-specific side steps.

Indoors, bespoke driftwood vent surrounds, steering wheel inserts and grab handles are a prominent accent in an otherwise standard cabin. The floor's 'slush mats' are finished in a Mopar tread pattern design.

Finally, the impressive new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes complete with the same all new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 found in the aforementioned 300 SRT8.

With the same output figures, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 reaches triple figures in 4.8 seconds, covers the quarter-mile in 'the mid-13 range' and boasts a top speed of 250km/h. Equally impressive is the Grand Cherokee SRT8's claimed stopping prowess, Jeep claiming a 100-0km/h distance of just 35.3 metres.

With a performance-orientated version of Grand Cherokee's advanced Selec-Track suspension management system, Jeep says the hi-po SUV managed cornering forces of 0.90g on a skid pan, making it the best handling Jeep ever built. And despite its performance slant, Chrysler says the brawny Grand Cherokee delivers a 13 per cent improvement in highway fuel efficiency.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be in US showrooms Q3 this year.

Chrysler Australia's head of marketing, Dean Bonthorne, told the Carsales Network that he can confirm both the 300 and Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are on the list for local showrooms, though we still have just over a year to wait.

"We can confirm both SRT8s are slated for Australia, but it's a bit to early to lock in dates. If I had to guess, I'd say the new 300 range will arrive in about 12 months time with the SRT8 variant early in Q3 [next year]. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 will arrive at roughly the same time as the 300, somewhere towards to pointy end of Q2."

Bonthorne also confirmed the Wrangler Mojave is a US-only special edition and will not be sold in right-hand drive. 

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