Road Strikers

Chrysler Sebring – that sounds vaguely familiar...? The Sebring has been out in the US since 1998 where it has been a reasonable seller, but hardly set showrooms alight. Even so, that’s more than could be said for the Cabriolet versions that the UK importer bought over here in 2001 and 2002 - it sold just 35 of them in two years. But this all-new saloon, with petrol and diesel engines and numerous gadgets, should fare a little better. Why so optimistic? Chrysler is on a roll having just enjoyed its best ever September sales worldwide and having been the fastest growing brand in Europe in the past three months. Also, the new Sebring is the first ever Mondeo-segment car that Chrysler has built in right-hand-drive and with a diesel engine. Plus, the forthcoming Los Angeles Motor Show is likely to see a thinly-disguised coupe-cabriolet version of the Sebring due to go into production in 2008. But it looks horrible... Yup. It’s definitely not as daring as the 300C and ...

What’s this SRT badge about? I thought the Hemi was the hot one. SRT, or ‘street and racing technologies’ is Chrysler’s answer to BMW’s M, Merc’s AMG and Audi’s RS monikers. Big power, big wheels and big attitude; that's what it's all about. But you're right, the original 50's and 60's Hemis were the top dogs in their day and it seems a shame that Chrysler has squandered the badge's reverie by plastering on every mid-spec car in its portfolio. Calm down and tell us what's so special about this 300C The big news is under the bonnet. The regular Hemi engine is reamed out from 5.7 to 6.1-litres, gets a hike in compression ratio, reworked cylinder heads with bigger valves, a lumpier cam and new inlet and exhaust manifolds. Chrysler has even borrowed from famous Hemis past, painting the block orange and the rocker covers black though neither has much to do with the 425bhp and 420lb ft totals, up from 340bhp and 387lb ft for the regular Hemi. It's ...

So, is this the new Chrysler 300C then? In a way, yes. The 300C gets a refresh late this year – and it’s likely to be the last for the popular and increasingly genre-defining American executive car. Replacing it won’t be easy, but the Nassau is a clear statement of intent from Chrysler. It’s based on the current 300C’s 120-inch (wheelbase) platform, it’s got a HEMI up front and drive to the rear. Mmm, sounds like a 300C replacement to us… But don’t be fooled by the hatchback. This is a toe-in-the-water exercise to see if the market is ready for an executive hatchback. We’d argue it isn’t (think Avantime and Signum), but it sure makes for a good-looking Touring version – which is what we’re probably seeing here. Stick your thumb over the Nassau’s ‘aerodeck’ on this pic and that’s what the saloon will look like. Or at least we hope so, because it looks great in the flesh. Is this the Chrysler ...

The Chrysler 300C has won more than its fair share of admirers since it exploded into view in 2005. It seems that those with a taste for the alternative have bought into the bad-boy American bruiser. Three years on, and now separated from its former German owners, Chrysler has given the 300C a mid-term brush-up, thankfully resisting the temptation to mess around with its styling – arguably its strongest selling point. In fact, if you be forgiven for thinking Chrysler hadn't changed a thing… A Chrysler 300C SRT Design with the diesel engine? That’s new… Yes, it is, because previously, the SRT Design pack was only available if you bought the Hemi-headed V8. However as most 300Cs sold in Europe are powered by the Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre V6 diesel, Chrysler realised that it was missing a trick not combining the bad-ass looks of the V8 with the relative frugality of the oil burner. As well as putting that right, the facelift has ushered in a few other changes ...

Not much change on the styling front for the 2013 Chrysler 300C? Chrysler is sticking with the tried (and trampled) US invasion plan for the UK car market: lots of car for lots less cash. The 300C is wider and taller than a Mercedes S-class, and almost as long. Its only engine is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, and the two-trim range starts at £35,995. In isolation, that looks precipitously pricey, but it’s actually not far off half the price of a base S350 Benz. The company is also sticking with the tried (and triumphant) proportions of the first-gen 300C. It looked fresh and brilliant because of the ratio of slitty sideglass to bulging bodywork, like a letterbox cut into a rhino. The poor man’s Bentley lamps and grille are now thankfully gone, replaced by beadier eyes and a mouth that’s the lovechild of Batman’s latest nemesis, Bane, and Hannibal Lecter. German limos can only dream of being this menacing and extrovert. First impressions of the Chrysler 300C...

Equipment Included: Chrysler 300 120" Wheel base Extension with full vinyl roof and coach lights Rear Overhead vanity mirrors AM-FM Radio W/ Single Disc CD and DVD in console Under Seat Storage Drawer 8 can Storage behind 3 seat 4 per window Tissue & Trash Chute 6 Assist Straps - 2 Coat Hooks 1-Turbo Air High output A/C / Heat evaporator system under rear facing seats 1-Turbo Air High output A/C evaporator system Under left side L seat at rear door w/ return port 1- Heavy Duty Condenser, 16" HD Pusher Fan and Drier / Filter for Max AC Efficiency Hands free intercom Single Partition w/ privacy shade and no smoking sign with Acrylex Surround Glass holders R and L side of 3 seat Two Tone 3"(8 cm) Seat side to side without extra console and two tone sides Acrylex Door Inserts LTD Acrylex Console Top and Bottom Insulation in Roof, Sides & Floor Heavy Duty Commercial Carpet w/jute backing 6 Color Fiber Optic Diamond Headliner with custom mirror and pin...

Equipment Included: Chrysler 300 70" Wheel base Extension w/ Full Vinyl Roof Overhead Control console W/Hardwood Fascia Illuminated Vanity Mirrors W/ Burn guard Protector AM/FM Stereo w/Single CD w DVD system w/ electric antenna Rubber-backed reversible commercial carpet overlay mat Basecoat/Clear coat Exterior Finish Heavy-Duty Suspension Upgrade Computer Balanced Driveline Extension Privacy Divider Facing seats Vanity Console w/Tissue Dispenser, trash chute on package shelf Sistema Electrico Airlite 2200 Front Chauffeur Controls for rear compartment w/disable feature Chrome Wheels Rear facing Arm Rest with cup holders Temperature Insulation on Roof, Side Panels & Floor Color Coordinated Exterior Pin Striping - (DLR) Rust Inhibitor to Underbody Conveniently mounted exit assist straps Heavy-Duty Commercial Carpet w/Jute backing Coat hooks ,Ash Trays 12v electric ports OEM Hi-Intensity reading lamps & halo lighting Emergency Reserve Starting Battery ...

Overview: The 300 SRT follows an old-school recipe: SRT stuffed a big Hemi engine into a Chrysler 300 sedan—specifically a 470-hp, 6.4-liter version—and added a lot of other goodies as well, including three-mode adaptive-damping suspension. The Hemi rocks, we like the quick steering, and admire the relaxed-yet-confident ride. Overall, it’s a lot like a Cadillac CTS-V, but for about 15 grand less. For even thriftier shoppers, there’s a 300 SRT Core with cloth seats and without the adjustable suspension.

Overview: The elegant, spacious and comfortable 300 is not only a great long-distance cruiser, it is also unexpectedly surefooted when the route gets twisty. The base engine is a 292-hp 3.6-liter V-6 with rear- or all-wheel drive; a 363-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with rear-wheel drive is optional. An eight-speed automatic is standard on all models. Regardless of how it’s outfitted, from the sporty S model to the top-line Platinum version, the 300 remains a handsome sedan that delivers performance and style.