2015 Chrysler 300 revealed

Updated Chrysler 300 unveiled at LA motor show.

A 6.4-litre Hemi V8 will continue to power performance versions of the facelifted Chrysler 300 in Australia.

Chrysler has dropped the SRT model in North America to focus on Dodge as its performance car brand.

The existing Dodge Charger coupe and Challenger sedan are fitted with 6.4-litre engines in SRT guise and a supercharged 6.2-litre engine in the "Hellcat" variants.

2015 Chrysler 300 Platinum

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2015 Chrysler 300 Platinum

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Chrysler CEO Al Gardner says the forced-induction engine is reserved for Dodge.

"Australia will get the 6.4," he says. "We appreciate there are enthusiasts over there and it's a market we won't ignore."

The announcement came as Chrysler launched an update of its second-generation 300 at this week's Los Angeles Motor Show.

The changes amount to a 30 per cent bigger grille that gives the car a more purposeful look without reverting to the chromed front end that earned the first generation vehicle a reputation as a "Mafia staff car".

That enlarged mesh area is now adorned with a bigger Chrysler winged logo and flanked by revised headlamps with more pronounced C-shape daytime running lights.

The rear lamps are also LEDs and Chrysler chief designer Ralph Gilles says the square design gives the flagship large sedan a point of difference at a time when most makers are stretching their tail-lamps out.

"The most important part about the 300 is the silhouette," Gilles says.

"Everyone knows what this car is as it approaches and it's the same for the profile — it is unique."

2015 Chrysler 300 S

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The interior changes are topped by a seven-inch configurable information display and a rotary dial transmission selector in the centre console.

The steering wheel now has larger buttons.

A software update for the 300's UConnect infotainment improves connectivity and shows the satnav display in 3D on the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Under the big bonnet the show cars were fitted with 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission to improve smoothness and trim fuel use.

Output on the V6 has been boosted from 210kW/340Nm to 224kW/358Nm. The 5.7-litre V8 is good for 270kW/534Nm. Ironically the V8 is the more economical engine by virtue of its cylinder-on-demand technology that shuts down four pistons when coasting or on light throttle pressure.

Chrysler has yet to announce power outputs or fuel economy for the Aussie-spec 6.4-litre engine, which is fitted with the same fuel-saving technology.

V8 models will include a sports mode that sharpens transmission and throttle response and tightens the electric steering.

The updated 300 is due in Australia next year. CarsGuide understands there will be little movement from the current $43,000-$66,000 range.