With German automakers strengthening their diesel lineups in the United States, Chrysler is also considering adding an oil-burner to its U.S.-spec 300 sedan. Sourcing the engine wouldn’t be a problem, as the European version of the Chrysler 300, the Lancia Thema, is already available with a diesel unit as is the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The engine is built by VM Motori, a Fiat supplier that also produces diesel engines for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500 (with the latter set to go on sale later this year). Chrysler’s third diesel-powered model in its U.S. lineup could be the 300 full-size sedan.
Chrysler brand president and CEO Saad Chehab told WardsAuto that while the automaker is investigating the possibility, a final decision has not been made.
“I think that we are in talks about the diesels because the Thema has a diesel in Europe anyway. It’s a matter of how much the customer is willing to pay for that premium. That’s the only issue with it,” Chehab told the publication.
In the case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel model is $7,500 more expensive compared with the standard 3.6-liter V6 gasoline model. “We have to make sure it’s within the reach of people,” Chehab explained. He didn’t rule out a diesel engine for the upcoming 200 sedan either.
The 3.0-liter diesel unit on the Jeep Grand Cherokee produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque and delivers 22 mpg (10.7 liters/100 km) city and 30 mpg (7.84 l/100 km) highway in 4×2 models, offering a driving range of over 730 miles (1,175 km). 4×4 models deliver an estimated 21 mpg city (11.2 l/100 km) and 28 mpg (8.4 l/100 km) highway.
By Dan Mihalascu
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