Chrysler Australia have released their new 300 range including the improved high performance SRT8 model.

Australian Journalists were invited to test the new cars at Phillip Island. (No we weren’t invited)

The  SRT8 features an all-new 6.4-litre Hemi V8, ensuring the 300 SRT8’s status as one of the most powerful factory-fettled sports saloons on the planet.

According to Chrysler the new 6.4-litre Hemi is one of the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8s, punching out 347kW @ 6100rpm with an impressive 631Nm of torque at a low 4150rpm.

The engine has also benefited from a range of enhancements designed to improve performance and efficiency. Compared to the previous 300C SRT8, this latest development includes comprehensive enhancements to the bore, stroke, cam, heads, compression, intake and exhaust systems.

This latest iteration Hemi V8 also features a sophisticated electronic throttle control system; aluminium cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers, a high compression ratio, dual knock sensors, and dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) to improve peak power and torque while reducing exhaust emissions.

Other features new to the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 include Fuel Saver Technology, an upgraded form of the Chrysler multiple-displacement system (MDS) that deactivates half of the engine’s cylinders over a broader range of operating conditions to improve fuel economy from five to 20 percent depending on driving conditions. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) delivers significant efficiencies and performance that shows in the engine’s willingness to respond to driver commands.

The engine also features a new interactive fuel shut-off (iDFSO) that turns off the flow of fuel during vehicle deceleration for improved real-world fuel economy without any noticeable changes in engine performance. This iDFSO is also featured on the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine.

As a result of these changes the new 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivers urban cycle consumption of 20.4L/100km, extra-urban cycle of 8.7L/100km, a combined cycle of 13.0L/100km, and CO2

emissions of 303g/km.

The launch of the new 300 STR8 comes at a time when rumours are growing about a fourth manufacturer in V8 Supercars.

According to the publication Australian Auto Action, a fourth manufacturer is poised to join Ford, Holden (GM) and Nissan on the grid in 2013.

Rumours have persisted that Chrysler could be that manufacturer.

Certainly the company has flagged a renewed interest in motorsport with news that a GT3 and GTE version of the new Viper will be on the grid in 2013 in international sportscar competition.

The company showed their enthusiasm for the sport with a car on display at this years’s Le Mans 24 hour race.

The company also is also a major player in the world of NASCAR and one would expect that a 5 litre version of the company’s 6 litre NASCAR power unit could form the basis of a V8 Supercar campaign.

However Chrysler Australia Director of Corporate Affairs Lenore Fletcher told In Pit Lane that V8 Supercars are well and truly off the agenda locally.

“We’ve had a lot of media speculation regarding this (V8 Supercars) but we have decided that we are definitely not going in that direction.” she said.