The 2006 Chrysler 300 offered three engine options depending on trim: a 3.5-liter V6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and a high-performance 6.1-liter Hemi in the SRT8 variant.
Here's a detailed look at which engine came with which trim and the rough performance figures you could expect from each setup.
Engine options by trim
The following breakdown covers the core engine choices used across the 2006 model year 300 lineup.
3.5-liter V6 — Approximately 250 horsepower and around 250 lb-ft of torque. Used in base and mid-range trims, typically paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
5.7-liter Hemi V8 — Roughly 340–345 horsepower and about 370–410 lb-ft of torque, depending on calibration. Found in the 300C and other higher trims, usually with a five-speed automatic.
6.1-liter Hemi V8 (SRT8) — About 425 horsepower and 420+ lb-ft of torque, paired with a robust five-speed automatic. This engine powered the SRT8 performance variant.
These engines offered a range from fuel-efficient V6 performance to serious V8 power, with the SRT8 delivering the top-end performance in the lineup.
Summary
In 2006, the Chrysler 300’s engine lineup varied by trim: 3.5L V6 for the base models, 5.7L Hemi V8 for the higher-end 300C, and the 6.1L Hemi in the SRT8. horsepower ranged from roughly 250 hp for the V6 to about 425 hp for the SRT8, with respective torque figures. Transmission typically ranged from four- to five-speed automatics depending on the engine. Always verify the specific build for a given car, as options can vary by market and production date.