Now that Chrysler has begun their diesel offensive with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD they are evaluating where to go next. The company has been selling the 300 in Europe with the same Mercedes 3.0L V-6 since it's introduction there and now they are evaluating it in the US market.

Warren Brown of the Washington Post had a chance to drive the 300 CRD that Chrysler is testing and managed 41 mpg in highway driving. That's certainly not something you can achieve with a 300 SRT-8. If they offer the Bluetec version of the engine they could have a 50-state legal full-size sedan that meets the proposed new fuel economy standards.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler sells a version of the 300 in Europe equipped with a Mercedes 3.0L V-6 diesel. So far the 300 CRD has proved remarkably popular, particularly in Britain where gas prices currently hover around $6.50 per US gallon. Unlike almost any American car over here, used diesel 300s are going for prices above the list for a new model. Glass's Guide which is a guide to resale prices in Britain lists the suggested price for a 2006 300 diesel with 9,000 miles £27,500 ($54,130) compared to an MSRP of £26,250 ($51,700). If Chrysler could get these kinds of prices in this country, there would certainly be no suggestion from DCX shareholders about dumping the group. Chrysler really needs to offer diesel V-6 here in the Dodge Magnum which recently has seen it's sales go through the floor.

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