Geneva Motor Show 2004 - Chrysler

Chrysler is to launch a higher-powered version of its Crossfire coupe.

The SRT-6 model, unveiled today at Geneva, develops 330bhp from its 3.2-litre supercharged engine, 115bhp more than the standard Crossfire. That should enable the car to reach 60mph in just over five seconds and top out at 158mph.

To handle the extra power, Chrysler has given the range-topping Crossfire stiffer suspension, uprated brakes and a larger rear spoiler.

The SRT name will be given to Chrysler’s performance models, and the Crossfire will be the first to wear the badge in Europe. It will be followed by the 500bhp SRT-10 supercar towards the end of this year.

Also making its European debut in Geneva was the 300C saloon concept, based on the previous-generation Mercedes platform. It uses a 5.7-litre V8, and owners can shut off four of its cylinders when cruising for better economy. The 300C is likely to go on sale in right-hand-drive form in mid-2005, priced from around £22,000, and Chrysler is hoping to also offer it with Mercedes diesel engines by the time of launch.

Chrysler also revealed face-lifted versions of the Voyager and Grand Voyager MPVs using a new 2.8 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that can be specified with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The new model is likely to cost from around £20,000 and will replace the current 2.5 turbodiesel.

On display was a roadster version of the Crossfire coupe, which has a neat canvas folding roof that opens electrically after unlatching a couple of catches. It is set to cost less that £30,000.

The company is also set to launch a cabriolet version of the PT Cruiser MPV this summer for less than £20,000. The new model uses a 220bhp 2.4 turbo engine and has proper seats for four, a decent boot and nine different seating combinations. It will be available in limited numbers at launch to test public opinion before Chrysler commits to building right-hand-drive versions.

Chrysler Jeep will have between three and four cars on sale in right-hand-drive form on sale in the UK by 2007 as part of its plans to more than double its product line-up.

Although Dodge will be continue to be its sporty brand in the UK, it will also have more mainstream models to complement the fringe cars currently on offer. The next Neon is likely to be given Dodge badges, there will be Dodge diesels and it’s possible that Dodge and Mitsubishi will collaborate on a smaller car.

The Jeep line-up will benefit from additional products as well as replacements for the current range.

Chrysler Jeep’s international sales and marketing director, Tomas Hausch, said: ‘We will be launching at least one more vehicle in the mid-term, which should use cues from some of our previous concept vehicles.

‘We can adapt US vehicles for Europe without losing their personality, for example, the diesel engine in the PT Cruiser and Grand Cherokee, and the new diesel unit for the Voyager announced today.’