Some of you may recall that the Holden Commodore SS, alongside the Chevy SS, was discontinued this year, leaving the New South Wales Police Force without a rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan. Historically, V8 sedans have been essential for the Highway Patrol Unit in effectively patrolling Australia’s highways, and officials have been on the lookout for a suitable replacement.
As the Commodore SS vehicles continue to age, the New South Wales Police Force will need to find new options—and reports suggest they might have found one. Though the Chrysler 300 SRT was discontinued in the United States in 2015, it remains available in Australia. This robust sedan is equipped with a 392 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine, similar to those in the Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Packs, as well as other SRT models. Much like its American counterparts, the Chrysler 300 SRT delivers 469 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
It remains uncertain if FCA is enhancing the suspension, wheels, and alternator—like they have for other vehicles under the FCA Law Enforcement Division—but it is likely that the NSW Police will appropriately modify each vehicle to withstand the rigors of highway patrol if they indeed integrate the 300 into their fleet. It will be interesting to see if Chrysler offers the 300 SRT through a government contract, as SRT vehicles do not qualify as fleet cars in the U.S. Regardless, the 300 SRT represents a significant addition to the NSW Police Force, marking the most powerful vehicle they have ever used.
Currently, the NSW Police has just one Chrysler 300 SRT in their fleet, designated as a public relations vehicle. However, if the rumors hold true, more of these vehicles could be seen on the highways within the next year..
