Vehicles clustered behind the Chrysler badge from DaimlerChrysler in 2006 include two convertibles, racy two-seat sports coupes and roadsters, a crossover SUV and elegant minivans, plus stately sports touring sedans in the 300 series. And there are two high-powered performance models emerging from Chrysler's sporty SRT group.

Titled under a numeric label, Chrysler's flagship series of large-scale sedans ride on a platform developed through parent DaimlerChrysler and share some components with a sedan by Mercedes-Benz plus two cars from Dodge. Three engines are available to power the sedans through four trims tagged as base 300, 300 Touring, luxurious 300 Limited and flagship 300C. Cushy 300C, with leather seats and simulated tortoise shell trim, totes a high-tech rendition of Chrysler's fabled HEMI engine with hemispheric combustion chambers. The 5.7-liter V8 makes 340 hp through an electronic automatic five-speed transmission teamed with Chrysler's AutoStick. It comes with a multi-displacement system (MDS) that can switch to fuel-saving four-cylinder mode when all of that power is not needed. Chrysler adds another option to the 300 line with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for the top two powertrains.

The initials of SRT - signifying "Street and Racing Technology" - mark high-performance vehicles for Chrysler, while the digit tacked at the tail indicates the number of cylinders in the engine. In the case of new 300C SRT8, that means a substantial 6.1-liter HEMI V8 stuffed below the big hood with output reaching 425 hp. Special exterior modifications are revamped front fascia with brake-cooling ducts and air dam or the rear decklid spoiler.

Its suspension tunes for tight sport work and brakes score four-piston Brembo calipers. The cockpit contains special sport bolstered bucket seats with suede inserts and power-adjustable pedals, plus an optional 13-speaker Kicker audio kit with knock-your-ears-off 322-watt amplifier.

Chrysler's spirited two-seater debuted in 2004 as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports coupe blending slick American car styling with chassis and parts from Germany via Mercedes. Original issues stocked a six-pack aluminum plant with a notchy six-speed manual gearbox or optional five-speed automatic and Chrysler's AutoStick selective shifter. In 2005, the collection expanded with open-top roadster editions. Both the coupe and roadster repeat in 2006 with two trims each -- Crossfire and Limited.

Limited models reflect a monochromatic paint treatment and carry luxury gear. Crossfire's engine is a single-cam 3.2-liter V6 good for 215 hp. Noteworthy mechanical tools aboard include power-assisted disc brakes tied to anti-lock (ABS) and all-speed traction control (TCS) systems, even a non-skid device called electronic stability program (ESP). Crossfire's retractable tail spoiler deploys above 60 mph to exert more aerodynamic force on rear tires. (CONTINUE...)