Testing is currently under way on a Chrysler 300 powered by a three-liter, direct-injection diesel engine for potential introduction to the U.S. The key word here is testing, because there are no specific plans to bring it into this country. After earlier diesels using much older technology failed in this market, there seems to be a mindset within the auto industry that diesels will not sell in the U.S. no matter how good they are. I think they are being terribly short sighted.
This car seats 5, holds 18.7 gallons of ultra low sulfur diesel and is equipped with an engine that delivers 215 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 376 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 rpm. There’s a five speed automatic, electronic stability control, traction control and anti lock brakes. On top of all that, it has the good looks of the Chrysler 300 and getting 41 mpg it sips fuel like an economy car. Who can seriously believe this will not sell?
Consumers are not the uninformed buyers some auto execs still seem to believe. Ask any auto salesperson today about buyers coming into the showrooms with spec sheets and comparisons printed from the Internet with invoice pricing, holdbacks and everything else already factored into their offer. Today’s buyer knows all about new technology, sometimes before the sales force hears about it. Introduce a clean diesel sedan like this Chrysler 300 that gets 41 mpg on the highway while retaining the size and comfort of a standard gasoline version and you’ll have buyers ready to drive one off the lot. This car needs to be in the U.S. along with many more like it. Chrysler, don’t drop the ball on this one, it will sell.
Link: Detroit News via AutoblogGreen
This is the car I have been waiting for. I plan on getting a Grand Cherokee Diesel, but I would rather have a Black 300
WHAT ARE YOU NUTS!?!?! DO NOT SECOND GUESS. GO FOR IT!!! AS LONG PRICE IS WITHIN REASONABLE AND NOT RIDICIOUSILY HIGH AND I WILL BUY IT! WHO NEEDS PEE-WEE HONDAS? :-@
Those engines are sold in Mercedes cars for quite few yers now.
You can get them about $4000 below MSRP.
hi everyone i have purchased a new chrsler 300 2007crd yes diesel and it is fantastic . i am always very wary of comments on all new vehicle . but i have to say i love this car and it has all the power you will ever need im pleased i didnt get the v8 this is super economical recomend i live in new zealand
Hi, I’m from England, i have just taken delivery of my new 300c with the Mercedes diesel engine and its brilliant. I probably paid the equivalent of $60,000, you lot would get it much cheaper due to the exchange rate of $2 to £1. We haven’t had Chrysler in our country for long so people are wary to trust them. But this car is great, it has more torque than a v8 petrol and the fuel economy is brilliant.(about 38 miles to a uk gallon (approx 4.5 litres) Diesels account for over 60% of all new car sales now in Britain- everyone has them! Petrol (gas) and diesel now cost the equivalent of $7 per US gallon, so we have to drive small economical cars usually.
I heard about this car last month and will be waiting impatiently for it.
I would buy this in a heart beat as long as they don’t over price it like they did with the CRD Grand Cherokee.