Lucas Bell 
While they might not be as widespread as they once were, there is no denying that Americans love their V8 engines. Whether they are under the hood of a muscle car, a pickup truck or an SUV, V8 engines have long been an icon of American automotive opulence. As it turns out, our red, white and blue-blooded love for these powertrains has just spelled disaster for our friends Down Under. According to a report from CarAdvice, FCA has officially removed the Chrysler 300 SRT from the Australian market, and they can blame us yankees for that.
FCA has decided to pull the Chrysler 300 SRT from the Aussies due to the increasing level of demand for hemi-powered Dodge Challengers and Dodge Chargers here in the United States. Ongoing pandemic-related supply chain issues reportedly played a part as well, with FCA maintaining that this was their best path forward. While we can all appreciate the love for the folks at home, FCA’s move has officially killed off the affordable V8-powered sedan Down Under. As you might know from watching the Supercar Championship, the Aussies really love those damn things.
The automaker’s Australian arm was quick to note that there are still Chrysler 300 SRT models sitting on dealer lots across the country, should buyers need their V8 fix. They’ve also committed to filling an order of Chrysler 300 SRT patrol cars for the New South Wales Police Department. Chrysler Australia will release an update for customers once they receive more information, though no timeframe has been set in place. To our ears, that isn’t good news.
It’s hard not to feel bad for the Australians. First Ford pulled out of the country, then General Motors decided to kill off the much-loved Holden. Now that both of the country’s most iconic automakers are gone, Chrysler Australia decided to kick the reeling gearheads while they are down. If the affordable V8-powered sedan can disappear from the land of massive burnouts, the future doesn’t seem all that bright here at home.
