02 Sep 03 00:00
Chrysler is to introduce its 300C saloon to Europe next year, and this is a preview of the estate version. The 300C Touring Concept, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Show next week, is Chrysler's rival to the E-Class estate, A4 Avant, 5-Series Touring and so on; it has four-wheel drive, "the ride and handling of a European sports sedan", and the all-new 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which makes it the most powerful and torquey Chrysler since the 426cu in HEMI-equipped models of the '60s and '70s.The return of a HEMI engine to the Chrysler range, and styling which recalls large Chrysler family cars of the past, hints that this will be marketed as a bit of a retro car and part of a grand all-American tradition, even though the range will share its rear-wheel drive platform with Mercedes-Benz products. "A production version of the Chrysler 300C Touring concept will be available exclusively outside of North America late next year", says Chrysler.
*For the lowdown on the new cars to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, check out our detailed Preview.
