The new Jeep Commander and Chrysler 300C

[B]The Jeep Commander[/B]

Powered by a 4.7 litre V8 engine, the Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats, positioned theater-style: the second row is higher than the first, the third row is higher than the second. Additional head room is created by literally raising the roof. It is 3.15 inches higher, beginning over the second row, producing a stepped effect. The seats can be split and folded, and the vehicle has masses of storage room throughout for carrying every type of outdoor gear you’ll ever need.

For even more carrying capacity, a new roof rack rail has three integrated tie-downs on each side. On Commander Limited, assist handles extend from the roof rail down the back of the D-pillars. The assist handles are black with chrome inserts in the grip area. On top of the rear bumper is a diamond plate texture step pad. The pad’s non-skid surface is helpful when stepping on the rear bumper to gain access to the roof of the vehicle. Reinforcing the constructed look on the Limited model are decorative bolts that appear to attach the classic Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares to the body.

Inside, the two-tone color scheme on Commander’s instrument panel and interior trim exemplify the vehicle’s attention to interior detail. The upper instrument panel is new. Character is provided by 16 Allen head bolts. A new “JEEP” medallion dominates the center of the steering wheel and the new shift knob. The four gauges in the instrument cluster are simple and purposeful.

There can be no mistaking the Commander for anything else, because of its classic Jeep design elements — seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings, round headlamps, flat surfaces, plus a steep windshield, backlite and rear end. The result is a rugged, constructed appearance that still says, “Jeep.”

Local retail price for the Commander is $220,000 (including COE)


[B]Chrysler 300C SRT8[/B]

The Chrysler 300C SRT8's gigantic, normally aspirated 6.1-litre HEMI engine puts out a phenomenal 425-horsepower. The car connects with the road via a new wheel and tire assembly consisting of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical tread. Tire dimensions are a beefy 245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.

Get past the exterior, and the interior of the 300C SRT8 offers power-adjustable sport seats up front that are fitted with performance suede. Seats are also equipped with heat and memory functions that, when paired with the adjustable pedal cluster, are adjustable for every driver.
Steering wheel, shifter and door pulls are covered with "technical" leather trim for positive grip. Other SRT-only trim includes special finishing on the steering wheel, door pulls, door trim and center stack.

Full instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges ensure that the driver can monitor crucial functions. A tire pressure monitoring display within the instrument panel display is standard for 2006.

The local retail price of the 300C SRT 8 is $210,000 (including COE)

Credits: Dinorider