Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of an Australian motoring icon, the 1969 Valiant Pacer, Chrysler Australia today announced details of the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer, reviving the Pacer nameplate in 2020.

Paying homage to the original Valiant Pacer, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer will be available in an exclusive run of just 50 units across three colours, Bright White, Gloss Black and Ceramic Grey.

“Marking the 50^th Anniversary of the much loved Valiant Pacer, we’re excited to celebrate such a milestone with this limited edition car – a revival of the Pacer nameplate for Australian motoring enthusiasts,” said Guillaume Drelon, Director of Product, Chrysler Australia.

“This is truly a modern take on an Australian classic and we’re excited to bring the Pacer back in this exclusive run of fantastic looking vehicles.”

Based on the Chrysler 300 SRT Core, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer features details that pay homage to the original 1969 Chrysler Valiant Pacer. Inspired by the Valiant’s black and red horizontal front grill, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer features a unique black and red decal across the lower apron with the classic ‘Pacer’ logo embedded within, as well as black and red rear bootlid decal.

The ‘Pacer 392’ badge sits proudly on the vehicle’s side behind the front wheels, referencing the engine’s imperial displacement of 392 Cubit inches – a nod to classic muscle cars. The side panels are further adorned with a sweeping red and black decal stripe along the shoulder of the vehicle, concluding at the rear with ‘HEMI’ integrated into the stripe, denoting the powerful 6.4L HEMI V8 under the bonnet.

Also under the bonnet, each Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer is fitted with an individually numbered build plate. Unique to each vehicle, the build plate corresponds to the production number of each of the coveted limited edition build.

Inside the cabin, the interior is accented with Pacer enhancements including ‘Pacer 392’ sill trims and ‘Pacer’ labelled front floor mats. The centre console is also decorated with a special edition plaque the highlights the vehicle build number further showcasing the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer’s exclusivity.

A real tribute to Australia’s celebrated home grown Valiant Pacer, this exclusive run of Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer vehicles is now available for order at Chrysler dealerships from $69,950 plus on-road costs.

Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer Features

The Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer is based on the Chrysler 300 SRT Core with the features below in addition to (or replacing) those standard in the Chrysler 300 SRT Core.

Exterior:

• Red Brembo High Performance Brakes
• Black Day Light Openings
• Black Mirror covers
• ‘Pacer 392’ exterior badging
• Black and red side decals with ‘HEMI’ logo
• Black and red front apron decal with ‘Pacer’ logo
• Black and red bootlid decal
• Individually numbered build plate under bonnet

Interior:

• Bright Sport Brake Pedals
• ‘Pacer 392’ entry sill plates
• ‘Pacer’ badge on front floor mats
• Special edition plaque located on centre console

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Citing customer demand, Mopar has unleashed its new 6.2-litre supercharged Crate HEMI Engine Kit – nicknamed the “Hellcrate” at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Producing a thumping 520kW and 881Nm of torque, the supercharged Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI is the first-ever factory-backed crate engine kit.

“Never before has a supercharged, factory-direct 707-horsepower (520kW) crate engine kit been offered, and we are proud to be the first to deliver a solution enthusiasts have demanded,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA.

“This ultimate powertrain option fits the needs of owners and fans who demand iconic performance.”

The new Hellcrate engine kit is said to provide relatively simple “plug and play” with the 6.2-litre supercharged Crate HEMI Engine assembly – also available from Mopar.

The kit includes a powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors and fuel pump control module for the 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine. The PCM is unlocked and set to the factory 520kW calibration. The Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit is optimised for use with manual transmissions, such as the Tremec Magnum transmission kit.

An essential Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) Kit, which includes an alternator, power steering pump, belts, pulleys and more, is among additional engine accessory hardware components available to assist in installing the Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit.

FCA says the kit is intended for pre-1976 street and off-road vehicles and ships in unique packaging featuring the “Hellcrate” logo and includes in-depth information sheets with helpful installation tips and requirements.

The kit won’t come cheap though, costing US$19,530 for the engine and another US$2,195 for the electronics kit.

FCA has also prepared a 1970 Plymouth Superbird with a Hellcrate engine to showcase its intended application at SEMA.

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Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) group have today announced a partnership to integrate Google’s autonomous vehicle technology with Chrysler’s Pacifica hybrid minivan. This marks the first time that Google has worked directly with an automaker to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle.

The partnership will see Google’s fleet expand by more than double, with 100 vehicles to be upgraded with the self-driving technology.

The two companies will share engineering responsibilities based on their respective expertise. Initial design and engineering will be taken on by FCA, while Google will integrate their suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will rely on to navigate roads autonomously.

“FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project. “The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive.”

According to US government studies, human error is responsible for 94% of road fatalities each year. The collaboration will help both companies better understand what it will take to bring self-driving cars to the masses.

“Working with Google provides an opportunity for FCA to partner with one of the world’s leading technology companies to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.”

Google is already testing self-driving vehicles in four American cities. The new self-driving minivans will be tested by Google’s self-driving car team on their private test track in California before rolling on to public roads.

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Copying someone else’s work will only get you so far, eventually you’ll copy some mistakes; that’s just what happened to Chrysler with their 200 sedan.

Earlier this month at the Detroit auto show, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was put in the spotlight as to why the Chrysler 200 hadn’t received recommendation by Consumer Reports.

Sergio mentioned that “the 200 failed because somebody thought that the rear-seat entry point inside the 200 — which is our fault, by the way — is not up to snuff”. The issue is with the slope on the roof, it crimps the rear entry portal.

Chrysler 200

Hyundai Sonata

“The Hyundai which we copied has the same problem, We didn’t copy the car, we copied the entry point to the rear seat. Dummies. I acknowledge it. Some people from design left some of their private parts on the table after we came up with that determination. But I think we’re learning from this process.”

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When we tested the Chrysler 300 SRT8 Core in 2013, we liked its simplistic and lunatic approach to performance. Unashamedly big in style and attitude, the SRT8 is stupendously powerful and roars so ferociously it rattles windows and sends pets yapping around the neighbourhood.

For 2015, this big brash American was in for a nip and tuck. And we were as keen as ever to try it out again.

Rivalling the Aussie-built Holden Commodore SSV and Ford Falcon XR8, the updated Chrysler 300 SRT has dropped the ‘8’ from its nameplate, but rest assured it is still V8-powered.

Positioned just below the Luxury Car Tax threshold at $59,000 plus on-roads, the SRT Core offers all the essentials for those purely after performance, while the flagship SRT packs all the bells and whistles for $69,000 plus on-roads.

Both models are $3,000 dearer than before but still pack a great deal of fire power for the money.

Ruining the rear tyres is an improved 6.4-litre HEMI V8 which now pushes out 350kW and 637Nm, an increase of 3kW and 6Nm over the pre-update engine. Further back from the mill, the old five-speed automatic is gone and in its place a new eight-speed self-shifter sourced from ZF.

The big atmospheric V8 is still one of the most powerful in the business, capable of hauling the 2-tonne sports sedan from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 4.5 seconds (tested) using the in-built launch control system. Turn the electronics off, find a long empty stretch of tarmac, and the SRT will happily tear it up in as much wheel spin (and smoke) as you want. Top it up with that thunderous roar from the V8, the SRT is really one heck of a car to drive flat out. It is immensely addictive to pin the right pedal to the floor just for this experience.

But there’s a lot more to its lunacy in a straight line, as the SRT actually takes on the twisty bits rather well when driven tidily. Point that gaping front grille where you want it to be and the SRT will obey with barely a hint of understeer, a testament to its almost endless amount of front end grip.

Apply more throttle and the back end will happily step out, before the ESP quickly, but subtly tidy things up.

The recalibrated electric power steering helps big time when zig zagging through tighter bends, as it now offers noticeably sharper response and crisper feedback.

In the upper-spec SRT, the standard Bilstein adaptive dampers offer even sharper dynamics. The quicker rebound rates mean the car is less prone to being unsettled by mid-corner bumps. Driver can choose from different driving modes including Track mode, which, apart from stiffening the dampers, also quickens gear shifts and allows the driver to hold a gear, even at the redline, when the paddle shifters are used.

Speaking of transmission, the new eight-speed auto is the biggest improvement to the SRT’s drivetrain, shuffling the grunt from the V8 much more effectively than the dated five-speeder. It works better with the launch control, keeping revs in the powerband for quicker and smoother acceleration. It also features lower cruising rpm top gear to save fuel during long-legged cruising.

As with the previous model, stopping performance is taken care of by Brembo high performance brakes – four-piston all around acting on 361mm front and 351mm rear slotted discs.

Chrysler has made improvement to brake cooling and fade performance, with new wind tunnel-tested cooling ducts that direct airflow to the brake rotors for strong and consistent stopping power.

Standard in the SRT is a system called Ready Alert Braking which anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, and is able to “pre-engage” the brakes in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.

Around town, while the SRT8 Core makes the mundane trip of going to the supermarket exhilarating, its constant exhaust drone can get a bit tiring after a while. Its ride is also on the firm side where most ruts and dimples made their presence felt. That said, it is by no means spine crushingly hard.

But the SRT’s biggest gripe perhaps, is its thirst for fuel. Even with cylinder deactivation (running on four cylinder in low load condition), the sports sedan will gulp close to 20L/100km in urban traffic! Fortunately consumption on freeway is less crazy at around 8.0L/100km.

Replacing the previous steel structure, the new aluminium axles and housing in the 2015 SRT help to reduce weight. Lightweight construction also sees the new SRT utilise high-strength materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver the desired strength and rigidity. Good move, but the SRT is still one hulking beast, tipping the scale at 1,965kg.

Adopting the key design changes of the 2015 Chrysler 300, the new 300 SRT gains a redesigned fascia featuring a more sculptured front bumper and new grille. At the other end of the car, there’re new style LED tail lights and revised rear bumper. Adding to the “gangsta” appearance are wheels measuring 20 x 9-inch fitted as standard.

Inside, the SRT is as dramatic as its brash exterior. Everything is big – big seats, big steering wheel, big dashboard and big screen. There are now real carbon fibre trim pieces integrated into the revised instrument panel, door spears and shifter bezel. Also new are the “racing style” brake and accelerator pedals.

The already impressive 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen has been polished with even better graphics and has no shortage of toys for you to play with or eye candies for you to show off to your mates. A full fledge “SRT Performance” page brings up everything from real time power/torque figures and g-forces to steering angle and drivetrain parameters. For the top-spec SRT model, the screen allows customisation of different drive modes for the sports suspension, steering wheel, transmission and throttle response.

Despite Chrysler’s effort to up the build quality of the SRT, overall fit and finish still leaves much to be desired and is no match with the Holden Commodore. The foot-operated park brake in particular, felt flimsy in our test car.

Verdict

The 2015 Chrysler 300 SRT ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance, features and style.

The mighty V8 offers enormous forward thrust, while the brilliant chassis serves up remarkable dynamics at the bends. It makes all the right noises, too. You just have to have deep enough pockets to cover for the frequent visits to the bowser.

Competitor: Holden Commodore SSV Redline; Ford Falcon XR8

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When the Chrysler 300 first hit the market in 2005, there’s nothing quite like it in the segment. It’s big, brash and bold, with loads of space on offer and a powerful engine to boot.

Its mix of gangster-inspired looks and splashes of chrome made it stood out from the conventional large rear-wheel-drive sedan crowd, which includes the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.

Now in its second generation, the Chrysler 300 gains a mid-life update for 2015 with even more dramatic styling and new features.

The range has been simplified to just two models, with the slow-selling diesel and sports-oriented S variants dropped. The local line-up now consists of the 300C priced from $49,000 plus on-roads and the fully loaded 300C Luxury with a sticker of $54,000.

Punters seeking the good old V8 muscle will be glad to know that the SRT and SRT Core models remain in the line-up, potentially emerging as the only bent-eight offering in the segment after the dismissal of the Commodore and Falcon from 2017 and beyond.

Coping a $3,000 price hike, the SRT Core is now priced at $59,000, while the fully loaded SRT flagship bows in at $69,000.

Tweaks to the Chrysler 300’s already purposeful exterior are subtle, but look closer and you will spot a bolder front grille, revised front and rear bumpers, restyled headlamps and taillights, polished exhaust tips, new LED fog lamps and new wheel designs.

The new updates bring a cleaner and more modern look to the large sedan, but rest assured its road presence is still unrivalled.

Inside, new design elements for the 2015 model include a standard 7-inch full-colour configurable instrument display cluster and electronic rotary transmission shifter, which takes a bit of getting used to and looks rather cheap. Chrysler’s new three-spoke steering wheel with larger vehicle controls and die-cast paddle shifters also make first application in the new 300.

We like the overall layout and ergonomics of the revised interior. Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system is also one of the most intuitive we have come across, delivering multimedia and satellite navigation controls though a crisp 8.4-inch colour touchscreen in the centre console.

However, cabin fit and finish and overall quality still leave much to be desired, and we were not even being picky.

Having said that, the cabin is now even quieter thanks to new noise absorbing components and materials including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners.

The Detroit lounge-style seats offer supremely comfortable seating for all occupants but their chunky dimensions impede on interior space, especially rear legroom.

The 300 rides smoothly on most surfaces, motivated by an equally smooth and aurally satisfying 3.6-litre atmospheric V6 producing 210kW and 340Nm, unchanged from before. It continues to drive the rear wheels via the excellent ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, which tags along nicely with well-spaced ratios.

A new Sport mode further sharpens throttle response and cut gear shift times by 37 percent, according to Chrysler. It can also hold the desired gear without unexpected shift, including at redline. Kick down is almost instantaneous and preceded with a throttle blip.

Improvements have also been made to the 300?s electronic power steering. The new variable system can increase power assistance for a lighter steering in low-speed situations and when parking, or reduce steering assistance at highway speeds for a firmer feel. We also find the new steering more communicative and sharper in its response.

Elsewhere, the 2015 Chrysler 300 gains an all-new, lighter cast-aluminium axles and axle housing for reduced parasitic friction.

The 300’s handling around the bends is remarkable for a large sedan. Despite its heft, body control is well-judged and there’s a sense of assurance in its composure. The grip from those 245/45 R20 tyres (standard on 300 Luxury) is also abundance to keep the car in its intended line of travel.

Befitting its American origin, the Chrysler 300 is superbly well equipped for the money. Standard features in the entry-level 300 include electrically operated front seats and steering wheel column, bi-xenon headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, interior mood-lighting, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, GPS and reversing camera, an Alpine 506-watt 9-speaker sound system and heated/cooled front cup holders (our favourite!).

The 300 Luxury ups the ante with 20-inch polished alloy wheels, deep quilted Nappa-trimmed interior and a full suite of advanced electronic driving aid including adaptive cruise control with full stop, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Verdict

The first generation Chrysler 300 brought with it charisma, comfort and lots of visual flourishes that made others in the segment looked stale. Ten years and two generations later, it has lost none of those.

Competitors: Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon

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The revised Chrysler 300 SRT has arrived in Australia, re-joining the local line-up as the performance hero of the range.

Rivalling the locally built Holden Commodore SSV Redline and Ford Falcon XR8, the facelifted Chrysler 300 SRT has dropped the ‘8’ from its nameplate, but it is still V8-powered.

Like before, the 300 SRT is offered in two trim levels – entry level Core and fully loaded SRT – both powered by SRT engineered 6.4-litre V8 that pushes out 350kW and 637Nm, an increase of 3kW and 6Nm over the pre-update engine.

Sitting atop the V6-only 300 range, the 300 SRT Core is priced from $59,000 plus on-roads, while the flagship 300 SRT comes in at $69,000, both fetching a $3,000 price hike over the outgoing model.

The American car maker justifies the price increase with a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the long-overdue five-speed auto. The car’s launch control has been updated to better match the new transmission, which also features lower cruising rpm top gear for long-legged cruising.

Bilstein-sourced adaptive dampers continue to be standard item in the upper-spec SRT, offering different driving modes including Track mode, which, apart from stiffening the dampers, also quickens gear shifts and allows the driver to hold a gear, even at the redline, when the paddle shifters are used.

As with the previous model, stopping performance is taken care of by Brembo performance brakes – four piston all around acting on 361mm front and 351mm rear slotted discs.

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, and is able to “pre-engage” the brakes in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.

Chrysler has made improvement to brake cooling and fade performance, with new wind tunnel-tested cooling ducts that direct airflow to the brake rotors for consistent stopping power.

Also new is the electric power steering, which can vary steering effort to different driving conditions. In Sport or Track mode, the new system is said to give even greater response and feedback.

Replacing the previous steel structure, the new aluminium axles and housing in the 2015 Chrysler 300 SRT help to reduce weight. Lightweight construction also sees the new SRT utilise high-strength materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver the desired strength and rigidity.

Adopting the key design changes of the 2015 Chrysler 300, the new 300 SRT now offers a redesigned fascia featuring a more sculptured surface, taller more prominent grille with a unique dimensional texture.

The 2015 300 SRT sits lower than non-SRT models and features SRT-exclusive side sill cladding painted in matching body color for the “planted” look. Adding to the dramatic appearance are wheels measuring 20 x 9-inch fitted as standard.

Inside, SRT models include real carbon fibre interior trim pieces integrated into the instrument panel, door spears and shifter bezel and racing style brake and accelerator pedals.

2015 Chrysler 300 SRT specification

Chrysler 300 SRT Core

• 6.4 HEMI® V8 Petrol engine producing 350kW, 637Nm
• 8-speed automatic with Rotary E-Shift
• Configurable drive modes
• Fuel Saver Technology
• 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen
• 20-inch satin black, machine faced aluminium wheels and performance tyres
• SRT Performance cloth seats
• Black Brembo Performance 4-piston brakes with slotted rotors front and rear
• Mechanical limited slip rear differential
• Four-wheel independent sport performance suspension
• Performance-tuned steering
• Launch control
• Interactive SRT Performance Pages
• Leather-wrapped SRT flat-bottom steering wheel
• 4-inch round exhaust tips
• Rear boot-lid spoiler
• SRT badging

Chrysler 300 SRT

• 6.4 HEMI® V8 Petrol engine producing 350kW, 637Nm
• 8-speed automatic with Rotary E-Shift
• Configurable drive modes
• Fuel Saver Technology
• 20-inch fully polished forged aluminium wheels and performance tyres
• Leather and Alcantara suede-trimmed upholstery
• Red Brembo Performance 4-piston brakes with slotted rotors front and rear
• 3-mode adaptive damping performance suspension
• Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio including subwoofer and 900-watt amplifier

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The revised Chrysler 300 has arrived in Australia with even more dramatic styling and new features for 2015. The range has been simplified to just two models, with the slow-selling diesel variant dropped. The local line-up now consists of the 300C priced from $49,000 plus on-roads and the fully loaded 300C Luxury with a sticker of $54,000.

While the 300 Limited and sports-oriented 300S also received the same fate as the 300 diesel, the refreshed fire-breathing SRT8 has been confirmed for Australian shores and will join the new line-up in August priced from $59,000 for the SRT8 Core and $69,000 for the range-topping SRT8 Premium.

The new Chrysler 300’s purposeful exterior is now crafted with a bolder front grille, revised front and rear bumpers, restyled headlamps and taillights, polished exhaust tips, new LED fog lamps and new wheel designs.

Inside, new design elements for the 2015 Chrysler 300 include a standard 7-inch full-color digital instrument display cluster and electronic rotary transmission shifter. Chrysler’s new three-spoke steering wheel with larger vehicle controls and available die-cast paddle shifters also make first application in the new 300.

The Chrysler 300’s cabin is now quieter thanks to new noise absorbing components and materials including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners.

Improvements have also been made to the 300’s electronic power steering. The new variable system can increase power assistance for a lighter steering in low-speed situations and when parking, or reduce steering assistance at highway speeds for a firmer feel. The new steering has also been tuned for sharper response and better road feel for spirited driving.

Elsewhere, the 2015 Chrysler 300 gains an all-new, lighter cast-aluminum axles and axle housing for reduced parasitic friction.

A new Sport mode further sharpens throttle response and cut gear shift times by 37 percent. It can also hold the desired gear without unexpected shift, including at the redline.

Under the bonnet, the 300C’s atmospheric 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine remains unchanged and continues to channel 210kW and 340Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, now standard across the range.

The flagship 300 SRT8’s 6.4-litre V8 scores a slight bump in performance, liberating another 3kW and 6Nm to bring total output to 350kW and 637Nm. The rival to Holden’s HSV and Ford’s FPV also gains a new eight-speed auto in place of the old five-speeder.

2015 Chrysler 300C standard features:

• 18-inch polished alloy wheels
• Luxury perforated Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery
• 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen with satellite navigation
• 7-inch full colour, configurable instrument cluster display
• Alpine 9-Speaker audio system including subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier
• Adaptive Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights
• Acoustic windshield and front door glass
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control
• ParkView rear back-up camera with dynamic distance grid lines
• ParkSense front and rear park assist system
• Wood & leather wrapped heated steering wheel
• Push-button and remote start
• 7-Airbags
• DAB+ digital radio
• Ventilated and heated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Radio/driver seat/mirrors memory
• Keyless Enter & Go
• Cruise control
• Automatic headlights
• Electric front seats
• Auto dimming inside and outside rear-view mirrors
• Rotary shifter
• LED fog & tail lamps
• DRL’s – Chrysler ‘C’
• Front & rear floor mats
• Heated/cooled front cup holders

2015 Chrysler 300C Luxury standard features above 300C:

• 20-inch polished alloy wheels
• Deep quilted Nappa leather-trimmed interior
• Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop
• LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Plus
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
• Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection
• Rain-sensitive windshield wipers and automatic high-beam headlamp control
• Sport mode (S) with die-cast steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters
• Driver seat, outside rear vision mirror and radio memory
• Ventilated front seats
• Luxury steering wheel
• Luxury front & rear floor mats
• Advanced brake assist

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Chrysler has launched a limited edition model of the 300 SRT flagship performance sedan. Based on the Chrysler 300 SRT Core the new special edition ‘Satin Vapour’ features a unique exterior style complemented by additional levels of standard equipment.

Available in 3 colour choices – Billet Silver, Bright White or Granite Crystal – and with only 133 units allocated for Australia, the Chrysler 300 SRT Core Satin Vapour gains Satin black treatment for the mirror caps, roof and rear spoiler.

Black chrome and gloss black touches further extend to the grille, window surrounds and body colour fascia. Finishing up the exterior tweaks are a set of 20-inch satin black wheels with red brake calipers, SRT lower black stripe and gloss black fender badges.

Inside, the Satin Vapour edition’s extra features over the standard SRT Core include dual pane panoramic sunroof, 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation and leather trim seats with perforated suede.

Strictly a styling exercise, the SRT Core Satin Vapour retains the same 347kW/631Nm 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine as the rest of the 300 SRT range. It fetches a $4,000 premium over the Core, with a sticker of $60,000 excluding on-roads.

Read ForceGT’s Chrysler 300 SRT Core Review

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The Chrysler 300 has been refreshed for 2015 with revised styling, new features and improved fuel economy.

Unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Chrysler 300’s purposeful exterior is now crafted with even more sculptural and expressive style for 2015, with a bolder front grille, revised front and rear bumpers, restyled headlamps and taillights and new wheel designs.

The range is now available with seven new wheel designs, ranging from 17 inches to wider and wheel-well-filling 20 inches. There is also a pair of elegantly drawn, polished exhaust tips placed in the corners to give the Chrysler 300 an upscale athletic appearance from the rear end.

Inside, new design elements for the 2015 Chrysler 300 include a standard 7-inch full-color digital instrument display cluster and electronic rotary transmission shifter. Chrysler’s new three-spoke steering wheel with larger vehicle controls and available die-cast paddle shifters also make first application in the new 300.

As the pinnacle of the Chrysler brand’s lineup, the new 300C Platinum offers an all-new and exclusive two-tone Indigo/Linen interior inspired by La Jolla, California. There is quilted and perforated Nappa leather on front and rear seats, as well as the door panels.

High-end Foligno leather from Italian leather expert, Poltrona Frau, wraps the instrument panel and sides of the center console and is finished with French accent stitching.

In terms of drivetrain, the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard on every model. The new gearbox promises smoother and faster gear shifts, improved refinement and fuel efficiency, and a more engaging Sport mode.

In Sport mode shift times have been sharpened to 250 milliseconds, with increase engine and throttle responsiveness. It also adjusts the electronic stability control (ESC) settings and firm up the steering feel of the new standard electric power steering (EPS) system.

The 300S midrange sport model gains added level of performance with its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine output lifted from 218kW and 353Nm to 224kW and 358Nm. The extra punch is accompanied by a unique sport-tuned dual exhaust system with a more distinctive sound.

Building on a fine-tuned chassis for 2015, including a new lighter cast-aluminum axles and axle housing, the surefootedness of the new Chrysler 300S has been further enhanced with a new sport-tuned suspension with increased damping compared to the previous model.

Outside, the new Chrysler 300S trades chrome exterior accents for unique blacked-out and body-color design details, and all-new Hyper Black finished 20-inch aluminum wheels.

And for drivers who want even more performance and attitude, the new 300S can be had with a 270kW/534Nm 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine, new eight-speed paddle-shifting transmission with Sport mode, and all-new uniquely sculpted side sills and deck-lid spoiler.

Read ForceGT’s 2014 Chrysler 300S Review

The Chrysler 300 also offers three premium audio systems, including the segment-exclusive high-definition BeatsAudio system and premium Harman Kardon audio system with 18-speakers, 8-inch subwoofer and 900-watt amplifier.

New safety features for the 2015 model year include Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.

The 2015 Chrysler 300 is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2015. Full specification and pricing will be announced closer to local launch.

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