Without hybrids or EVs, Chrysler will have a hard time meeting upcoming fuel economy standards set by the U.S. government. But Chrysler has an ace up its sleeve; the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6, which debuted in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and will be coming to Ram pickups as well. There is also rumor that the Chrysler 300 diesel may cross the pond from Europe and be for sale in America. But will luxury car buyers bite?
Chrysler already sells a diesel-powered version of the 300 in most of Europe (as the Lancia Thema), which has even tighter emissions standards and much higher gas prices. Since diesel engines are more efficient, even a large car like the 300 can get respectable gas mileage with a turbodiesel engine. But these engines carry a hefty price premium.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel will cost $7,500 more than the standard gas model. Then again, it also gets about 30 mpg highway, a 7 mpg improvement over the gas model, though it will still take many years and thousands of miles to recoup the cost difference.
If Chrysler thinks buyers will pay that kind of premium, then you can bet the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel will migrate over to the Chrysler 300, where it could return 40 mpg or better on the highway. With the standard 3.6 liter gas engine and eight-speed transmission, the Chrysler 300 already gets a respectable 31 mpg. But the EcoDiesel engine, with its 240 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque, is a bit more…powerful.
Do you think a diesel engine is coming to the Chrysler 300, and if so, how much extra would you be willing to pay for it?
Source: Wards Auto
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