SRT models top Chrysler power push

Chrysler Jeep will add variety to its road and offroad ranges later this year with a blend of high performance and turbodiesel models. The performance variants will wear the company's SRT badging and boast HEMI engines rated at more than 300kW while frugal turbodiesel will be offered in the 300C for the first time.

A hi-po version of the muscular 300C sedan will be the first to arrive. Due in April, the 300C SRT-8 features a 6.1-litre V8 engine rated at 317kW/570 Nm. The SRT's 25 per cent power boost (over the standard 5.7-litre HEMI) is enough to propel the aggressively-styled saloon to a 0-100km/h time in the mid-five second range, says Chrysler.

The 300C SRT-8 also gets 20-inch wheels, sports suspension and a high-performance Brembo braking package.

The same engine 6.1-litre V8 will also make its way into a beefed up variant of Jeep's Gand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 will arrive in Australia late in 2006 with, according to Chrysler, "the raw power to outperform the Porsche Cayenne Turbo" and a specially developed street-biassed full-time four-wheel drive system that channels 90 per cent of power to the rear wheels. Expect a 0-100km/h time in the fives from the hi-po SUV too.

While not set to challenge the SRT cars in performance terms, the 300C Touring arrives mid year to add a stylish alternative to the local and imported wagon marketplace. Initially available in both V8 and V6 petrol engines and a new 3.0-litre common rail turbodiesel, the Touring shares its major attributes, design, equipment, interior appointments and technical specifications with the Chrysler 300C Sedan.

The all-aluminium 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine will be extended to the 300C sedan later in the year. Already seen in both Jeep and Mercedes-Benz products, the V6 produces 160kW/510Nm in 300C guise and delivers 8.1lt/100km combined fuel consumption according to Chrysler.

"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," Jenkins said.

This year will also see Chrysler Jeep launch the Dodge brand back into Australia. To read more about the plans for Dodge, including the brand's new Caliber compact five-door check out CarPoint's recent coverage here.