The process is called “de-contenting” and it’s the fastest way to kill off a vehicle brand. Pull the models people like, reduce the model spread, and once you can justify the financial axing of a brand, you sign it off to the history books. Oldsmobile, Mercury, Plymouth…they all went that way. And now, it is very clear that Chrysler is going the same route, with its head hanging low and it’s tail tucked between its legs as its walked around to the back of the barn for that last pet on the head before it gets two rounds and goes down. While the 300 has languished here, more or less unloved for several years, the 300 SRT brute-in-a-suit model has had a slightly better run of things in the Middle East and in Australia. But sources are starting to indicate that the Aussie market is drying up for the equivalent of a Charger Scat Pack 392. Dealerships are no longer able to order new ones in and FCA has said that they will honor the New South Wales contract for Chrysler SRT police vehicles through the end of 2021. Meanwhile, we got shafted on hot-rod Chrysler 300s when the SRT badge left our shores in 2015.
Does anybody remember, about fifteen years ago now, when the 300C burst onto the scene and the 300C SRT-8 was something to behold? Remember how stunning it was that not only were two-door musclecars returning to their tire-frying roots, but of all companies, CHRYSLER had a hellraiser in the lineup? For many, it was the car to be seen in, a bit of leather and opulence coupled with an absolute anvil of an engine. And it didn’t have to resort to full musclecar looks like the Charger did to make it’s point. Paint it black, keep the chrome to a bare tasteful minimum, and let the exhaust tell the tale. Mark my words, the last 300 to leave the line before Stellantis drops the guillotine on Chrysler will be a rental-spec 300 in silver, or white, or some other color that will blend into the sea of vehicles. What a sad way to go for such a storied model.
Sorry, Australia. We gave you our best, shame it didn’t last. Apparently the company is more concerned with electric aircraft right now…
This pisses me off so much, I may never buy another of any make of Mopar product.