Reintroduced with great fanfare as a 2005 model (and overdue for a refresh), the venerable Chrysler 300 continues to roll in style as the marquee’s flagship. Available with a range of engines and in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, the domestically-available Chrysler 300’s best gas mileage results come with the 2.7-liter V6 engine producing highway ratings in the mid-twenties in rear-wheel-drive form. On the flip side of the coin, the thirsty Hemi-powered 300/SRT-8’s gas mileage earns it an official status of gas guzzler (complete with federal tax).
A highly fuel-efficient version of the 300 is available in Europe, equipped with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. While Jeep sells the Grand Cherokee CRD with the same engine here in the States, Chrysler has never sold a diesel-engined Chrysler 300 domestically. This is truly unfortunate, as the turbo-diesel 300 is capable of highway mileage in the mid-thirties, with an abundance of torque. Continue reading →
When I woke up too late to catch the first session on the last day of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) conference in Washington DC yesterday, I decided to play the hand that I was dealt. After checking out of my hotel, I headed over to the show hall with the hopes of being able to catch some of the Senate testimony on a large screen, before the second session.
Not finding the elusive big screen, I trekked down to the show floor only to find an empty space where the Chevy Volt prototype had sat the previous day. With the coffee kicking in, I recalled an email tip. The Volt was over on Capitol Hill, waiting for the cameras and throngs.
While it’s been nearly impossible to escape the buzz surrounding the Chevy Volt (apologies for the phrase) a great many journalists and bloggers had written off the chances of Chrysler making a splash in the new world of electric cars … a great many, but not this one.
Just a week after the Volt’s unveiling, Chrysler is playing its trump cards … pulling the curtain on not just one, but three brand new electric vehicles … one for each of its marquees. The iconic Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler minivan will be transformed into electric vehicles, along with a brand new Dodge EV sports car that Left Lane News has pegged as a reworked Lotus Europa. Continue reading →
After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.
Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.
Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.
For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.
For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …
I hounded my friend Chris Pirillo while he was on the air last week until he picked up my call. My persistence was worth it, as the controversy over my article on Chrysler’s 35 MPG diesels created quite a stir in the chat room. Chris posted a video of the segment on YouTube, for all to enjoy.
