Marchionne: Chrysler 300 Hybrid coming in 2013

Chrysler is not new to the hybrid market, having previously offered the unsuccessful Durango and Aspen hybrid SUVs, but with the advancement of the technology over the past few years combined with some assistance from the folks from Fiat, the 2013 Chrysler 300 Hybrid could be a legit contender. Luxury hybrids are growing and these higher-end vehicles with bigger price tags allow automakers to increase profits from this new (often expensive) technology.

Marchionne did not go into any detail as to what engine will be mated with a hybrid drivetrain in the 2013 Chrysler 300 Hybrid but we do know that this ultra-fuel efficient luxury sedan will be equipped with an 8-speed transmission. The addition of this 8-speed automatic transmission is no surprise, as Marchionne has frequently referenced these transmissions in talks on future products but it leaves us wondering which engine option will come with the hybrid badging.

Chrysler previously used the popular 5.7L Hemi for the hybrid SUVs and while power is the big story on the Hemi, the modern V8 includes Chrysler’s Fuel Saver technology (formerly known as MDS) to improve fuel economy. Their prior efforts to boost the fuel economy of the Hemi with a hybrid system would lead me to expect to see the famous V8 used but Chrysler has also been working hard to find new uses for their new Pentastar V6.

The 3.6L Pentastar is found in almost every vehicle the company offers in the US and in speaking with insiders from Chrysler there is still constant, intensive testing of the Pentastar architecture. There has been no evidence that there is a Pentastar hybrid coming but this already-efficient V6 offers over 300hp in the Dodge Challenger and when mated to a hybrid system, this could offer slightly less power than the Hemi in the 300C but it could offered improved fuel economy. This hybrid V6 could be ideal for those who want improved fuel economy and the stunning good looks of the redesigned Chrysler 300, but they aren’t so worried about the big power of the Hemi.

Check out the images below of the 2011 Chrysler 300 and stay tuned to TorqueNews.com for all of your latest industry news!

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