Chryslers Hot New 300 Suits Up for Europe with an All-New Diesel

Other Carmakers Have Tried Europe without a Diesel, But Chrysler is Smarter than That

An American werewolf in Paris? The Chrysler 300C just may be that, although it will be showing up in many other cities across the continent as Chrysler officially brings it to Europe.

This very classy executive sedan captures the original 1950s 300 swagger and bold styling without giving up any of the sophistication of 21st century cars. Like other Chrysler and Jeep products already being sold in Europe, most motor combinations will be available. In the case of the 300, two V6s and the Hemi V8 with MDS variable displacement will be featured, but theres something extra heading overseas that wont be sold here - a turbodiesel.

Surprised? You shouldnt be if youve read anything about the 300, which shares much of its chassis architecture, 5-speed automatic transmission, steering column and more with the Mercedes-Benz E Class, one of very few cars sold in North America with a diesel engine. In order for the 300 to be a success in Europe, it must feature an economical power solution thats refined and powerful. Common-rail turbodiesel power is the golden key that will differentiate the 300 from other large American luxury sedans that tried to set foot where gas is priced like liquid gold (namely the Cadillac Seville STS).

While all the details regarding this new motor have yet to be released, some information is available. First of all its all-new, not a preexisting powerplant from an associated DaimlerChrysler product. Logically, the 300C should have used one of Benzs current straight sixes, but the nose section of the 300C isnt long enough to accommodate six cylinders in a row. Power and torque figures, as well as specifics about fuel consumption and emissions have yet to be released.

Although North American Chrysler Group models do not yet feature turbodiesel motors, other than heavy duty Ram pickups and the recently updated Jeep Liberty, its European division has been designing and assembling oil-burners for years, fitting them to Grand Cherokees, Caravans, PT Cruisers and other American-made vehicles. Most likely the 300s 3.0 liter V6 will be as top notch as that fitted to M-Bs E-Class, bridging the gap between its 2.7, 2.8 and 3.2-liter turbodiesels.

As a large, luxurious cruiser with tons of attitude, Chrysler only expects moderate sales of the 300 being that the brand is not on the European collective radar. After the release of the turbodiesel, and the upcoming Europe-only Touring wagon version, it is expected that Chrysler will take a stronger hold in the upmarket executive segment, a significant competitor to cars such as the Opel Signum, Peugeot 607, and even the Audi A6.