Chrysler managed to upset its fans in the United
States by not offering the 300 SRT performance sedan in its home market. Australia, New Zealand, and
Middle East markets get it but North America does not. It was and still remains
a curious decision from Chrysler given the success of the Dodge Charger SRT 392
in North America. Well, Chrysler is now trying to make amends with fans of quick American sedans by introducing the SRT
looks on the range-topping 300C.
Yes, you read that right: only the SRT looks will
make it to the U.S. market Chrysler 300C in the form of a Premium Appearance
Package. The 469 horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 will continue to remain forbidden
fruit for American buyers of the 300 sedan.
Essentially, what Chrysler is doing is expanding the
availability of the Sport Appearance Package from the 300S to the 300C
top-of-the-line model, changing the name into Performance Appearance Package in
the process. The pack costs $695 and adds the SRT-styled front fascia, LED fog
lights, and SRT-styled side sills. It’s a small update but one that brings the
Chrysler 300C closer to the 300 SRT from a visual standpoint. At least U.S.
buyers will now get the chance to combine the SRT looks with a standard V8
engine, even though it’s the “wrong” eight-cylinder power plant.
The 300C’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine remains
untouched and continues to deliver 363 horsepower and 534 Nm of
torque. Those are respectable figures but not as exciting as the 300 SRT’s 469
hp and 637 Nm of torque. While Chrysler hasn’t yet begun advertising the
Performance Appearance Package for the 300C, Mopar Insiders reports dealers are
already taking orders for the new option.
