Splash of chrome for Chrysler 300C special edition

CHRYSLER'S stylish 300C sedan may have just gone on sale in Australia but Chrysler in the United States is preparing a new model for next month's Los Angeles car show.

The new 300C "Heritage Edition" pays homage to the great 1957 Chrysler 300, of the late 1950s, which was affectionately called the "Beautiful Brute".

The newcomer will debut at the show's official opening on January 4.

The limited-production sedan is a performance specialty vehicle offering the power of the award-winning 250kW/535Nm 5.7-litre HEMI engine with the fuel-saving Multiple Displacement System (MDS), high-performance styling cues of the popular SRT line-up and exclusive features, including Chrysler's SmartBeam headlamp technology, which adjusts brightness and intensity based on the surrounding light.

The special 300C will also have chromed bodyside molding with a distinctive tri-color 300C badge that is modeled after the badge on the 1957 Chrysler 300C.

"The Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition honors the long line of beautiful Chrysler 300 vehicles by combining power and fuel-economy in a sporty, stylish package," according to Chrysler vice president, Jeff Bell.

The Heritage Edition includes P225/60R18 all-season touring tyres and 18-inch chrome clad wheels with performance suspension, performance-shifting five-speed AutoStick, responsive performance steering gear and a performance exhaust sound.

The interior features SRT-inspired front seats with tri-color heritage badge on the seat backs, a special interior two-tone colour scheme and upgraded 368-watt Boston Acoustic seven-speaker sound system with subwoofer.

It also features a new finish called smoke translucent on the upper steering wheel and door handles.

As well as the standard features found on the Chrysler 300C, the new Heritage Edition also includes power adjustable pedals with memory, SRT-inspired rear boot spoiler and chrome power folding heated exterior mirrors.