Geordie
02-18-2006, 01:11 PM
As promised here is a brief overview of the Chrysler 300C UK spec cars.
The 3.5 and 5.7 petrol versions were launched in the UK in November 2005 and the CRD diesel model arrived last month. The 'on the road ' price of the 3.5 and CRD are the same at £25,750 and the 5.7 costs £32,995. Not sure what that equates to in $US but they are all considerably more expensive in the UK!
The only difference in outward appearance is that the diesel has the CRD badge on the trunk lid and the front bumper apron has an additional air intake vent in the centre below the grille.
I had test drives in the 3.5 and CRD before deciding that the CRD was the one to go for, primarily because the fuel consumption (fuel is very expensive in the UK) is vastly superior at 35 mpg (imperial gallon) on the 'combined cycle' which rises to 42 mpg during 'extra urban' use. The torque of the CRD is also compelling and is almost on a par with the HEMI!
The CRD, which is made at Gratz in Austria, has the latest 3.0lt V6 refined turbodiesel common rail Mercedes Benz engine of 2,987cc producing 218 bhp at 3,800 rpm and 376 lb ft of torque at 1,600 - 2,800 rpm. Top speed is 143 mph and 0 - 62 is reached in 7.6 secs. Startech have produced a tuning kit which further increases the output to 262 bhp!
The CRD is also fitted with the Mercedes Benz 5 speed fully auto transmission with 'AutoStick' manual over-ride which perfectly complements the CRD engine.
I understand that Euro diesel fuel is more refined than that used in the States and that it is intended to introduce this grade of diesel into the States in the near future following new legislation? It is therefore highly likely that this brilliant engine could be ultimately available to the US spec 300C!
The standard spec list on all three models is very comprehensive and there are only 5 available factory options viz. Calif. walnut Accents; 7 speaker Boston premium acoustic sound system with sub woofer and 380 watt output; full screen sat. nav; 6 disc CD auto changer and electric sunroof. There is also a 3 years or 60,000 miles warranty.
I have ordered the CRD in mineral grey metallic; dark slate / light slate interior with all 5 factory options and hope to take delivery next month.
The only mod that I am intending to make is the installation of a T-Rex triple chrome mesh grille which is currently ordered and on its way to the UK courtesy of my son who resides in CA. I know that aftermarket grilles are the 'norm' in the States but over here even the car is a rare site and Chrysler only intend to make about 2,000 300C's available to the UK market this year. In consequence there is presently a waiting list until November for the CRD which will be the most sought after model in the UK.
The 300C is fantastic value for money and there is nothing that can be compared to it in the UK. Just cant wait for it to arrive!
I will post some pics and provide a new owner overdue soon after arrival.
Regards
Geordie
The 3.5 and 5.7 petrol versions were launched in the UK in November 2005 and the CRD diesel model arrived last month. The 'on the road ' price of the 3.5 and CRD are the same at £25,750 and the 5.7 costs £32,995. Not sure what that equates to in $US but they are all considerably more expensive in the UK!
The only difference in outward appearance is that the diesel has the CRD badge on the trunk lid and the front bumper apron has an additional air intake vent in the centre below the grille.
I had test drives in the 3.5 and CRD before deciding that the CRD was the one to go for, primarily because the fuel consumption (fuel is very expensive in the UK) is vastly superior at 35 mpg (imperial gallon) on the 'combined cycle' which rises to 42 mpg during 'extra urban' use. The torque of the CRD is also compelling and is almost on a par with the HEMI!
The CRD, which is made at Gratz in Austria, has the latest 3.0lt V6 refined turbodiesel common rail Mercedes Benz engine of 2,987cc producing 218 bhp at 3,800 rpm and 376 lb ft of torque at 1,600 - 2,800 rpm. Top speed is 143 mph and 0 - 62 is reached in 7.6 secs. Startech have produced a tuning kit which further increases the output to 262 bhp!
The CRD is also fitted with the Mercedes Benz 5 speed fully auto transmission with 'AutoStick' manual over-ride which perfectly complements the CRD engine.
I understand that Euro diesel fuel is more refined than that used in the States and that it is intended to introduce this grade of diesel into the States in the near future following new legislation? It is therefore highly likely that this brilliant engine could be ultimately available to the US spec 300C!
The standard spec list on all three models is very comprehensive and there are only 5 available factory options viz. Calif. walnut Accents; 7 speaker Boston premium acoustic sound system with sub woofer and 380 watt output; full screen sat. nav; 6 disc CD auto changer and electric sunroof. There is also a 3 years or 60,000 miles warranty.
I have ordered the CRD in mineral grey metallic; dark slate / light slate interior with all 5 factory options and hope to take delivery next month.
The only mod that I am intending to make is the installation of a T-Rex triple chrome mesh grille which is currently ordered and on its way to the UK courtesy of my son who resides in CA. I know that aftermarket grilles are the 'norm' in the States but over here even the car is a rare site and Chrysler only intend to make about 2,000 300C's available to the UK market this year. In consequence there is presently a waiting list until November for the CRD which will be the most sought after model in the UK.
The 300C is fantastic value for money and there is nothing that can be compared to it in the UK. Just cant wait for it to arrive!
I will post some pics and provide a new owner overdue soon after arrival.
Regards
Geordie