2005 Chrysler 300 Touring Wagon Preview

A HEMI V8 resides behind the no-nonsense grille, sporting the same 340-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque plus the automaker's cylinder

Chrysler is intelligent enough to know it stands little chance of success in Europe without a diesel engine option. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

deactivation system dubbed MDS. A diesel will also be offered, while the automatic transmission mated to each will feature five forward speeds courtesy of the DaimlerChrysler marriage - the direct result of Mercedes-Benz V8 models receiving a new 7-speed automatic.

Did I say diesel in that last paragraph? It's true. Chrysler is intelligent enough to know it stands little chance of success in Europe without a diesel engine option, so one will be made available. It shouldn't be too hard to fit one in either, being that the 300 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. That said the diesel of choice won't be M-B's

While no diesel engine is offered in North America by Chrysler, the brand's European division offers a wide variety of diesel-powered models to choose from. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

wonderful 3.2-liter unit, as the engine bay of the 300 isn't 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.

While most North American Chrysler Group vehicles 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 diesels for years, fitting them to Grand Cherokees, Caravans, PT Cruisers and other American-made vehicles. Most likely the 300's 3.0-liter V6 will be as top notch as that fitted to M-B's E-Class, bridging the gap between its 2.7, 2.8 and 3.2-liter turbodiesels.