Chrysler 300 gets third V8 variant

CHRYSLER has added a third V8 variant to its 300 large sedan range with the new Satin Vapour now sitting between the cheapest Core and top-of-the-range SRT8.

Priced from $60,000 before on road costs, the new SRT8 Core Satin Vapour gains much of the gear omitted from the most affordable Core variant, but is priced $6000 cheaper than the flagship.

In top of the gear in the Core, the Satin Vapour gets Satin black mirrors, roof and spoiler, black leather/suede upholstered seats, satellite navigation, panoramic sunroof, reverse camera, 20-inch wheels and gloss black window surround and grille for an extra $4000.

The new addition also gets a distinctive SRT-branded black strip along each side with accompanying 6.4L Hemi badges on each side to set the new variant apart from its V8 siblings.

Stepping up to the range-topping SRT8 adds additional safety equipment in the form of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, cross-traffic warning and lane departure warning, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive suspension, a higher quality sound system with 900 Watt amplifier and a greater range of customisation options.

Second row passengers are also treated to heated seats and illuminated cup holders in the top of the range SRT8.

Performance is unaffected thanks to the hearty 6.4-litre hemi V8 that sends a bountiful 347kW and 631Nm to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.

Customers have the choice of three colours with Billet Silver, Bright White and Granite Crystal on offer for the Satin Vapour, while its Brembo brake callipers come in red as standard.

Like its better-equipped stablemate, the Satin Vapour has real carbon-fibre dash, centre console and door trims, a chunky SRT steering wheel with paddle shifters and SRT driving information accessible via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The run of mid-range V8-powered 300s will be limited to just 133 in Australia and are on sale at Chrysler dealerships now.

A third-generation Chrysler 300 is due in 2017, and while the rest of the world will only see the celebrated SRT badge on Dodge-branded vehicles, Australia has been given special dispensation to keep selling the Chrysler 300 in SRT form.

2015 Chrysler 300 SRT range*

Core (a)	$56,000
Core Satin Vapour (a)	$60,000
SRT8 (a)	$66,000

*Excludes on-road costs.