Chrysler's Hot New 300 Suits Up for Europe with an All-New Diesel

While all the details regarding this new motor have yet to be released, some information is available. First of all it's all-new, not a preexisting

The one fact that is known about the new diesel engine is that it currently doesn't exist in DaimlerChrysler's product lineup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

powerplant from an associated DaimlerChrysler product. Logically, the 300C should have used one of Benz's current straight sixes, but the nose section of the 300C 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.

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

DaimlerChrylser is hoping that the 300 will be the car that puts the Chrysler brand on European customers' collective radar. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

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.

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.