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Chrysler Australia wanted a new six-cylinder engine for use in the Australian Chrysler Valiant, and so Chrysler USA sent a prototype engine to Chrysler Australia's engineers to continue developing the D-engine. The first 245 cu in (4.0 L) variant was released for the 1970 model year in the VG-model Valiant.
The base model Charger was A$2750, and the range extended upwards with high-performance and luxury models. Charger won the "Wheels" magazine Car of the Year award in 1971. It was also a winner in the sales stakes, capturing the imagination of the Australian public in the same way as the Ford Mustang did in the US and the Ford Capri did in the UK.
Chrysler developed its first experimental hemi engine for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft. The XIV-2220 was an inverted V16 rated at 2,500 hp (1,860 kW). The P-47 was already in production with a Pratt & Whitney radial engine when the XIV-2220 flew successfully in trials in 1945 as a possible upgrade, but the war was winding down and it did not go into production.
The new engine was introduced as a 245 cu in (4.0 L) unit with quasi-hemispherical combustion chambers. The "Hemi" name was already legendary in America with Chrysler's use of the Hemi V8, hence Chrysler Australia's marketing leverage for its 6-cylinder offering. The 1-barrel version of the 245 produced 165 bhp (123 kW) and 235 lbf⋅ft (319 N ...
A new electronic ignition system was introduced on some models, the first time that this feature had been offered in an Australian built car. [3] The total number of models offered was significantly reduced with Ranger XL, Hemi Pacer, Regal 770 and Charger R/T not carried across from the VH Valiant into the new series. [1]
The Charger was extraordinarily popular in Australia during the VH series. At one point Charger production totalled 80% of all Australian Valiant production. The VH Valiant Charger achieved critical acclaim, winning the 1971 Australian Wheels Car of the Year Award. It was also popular in New Zealand where they were assembled from imported kits.
The 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine was modified to improve both economy and performance, [11] however new emission regulations saw this unit replaced by a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 from 1 July 1976. [12] The CK Chrysler was discontinued in October 1976 with the introduction of the CL Series of Valiant and Regal models.
In November 1971, Chrysler Australia introduced the CH series Chrysler by Chrysler, which was a long wheelbase, luxury model developed from the VH Valiant. [2] It was offered in four-door sedan and two-door hardtop bodystyles with a choice of 265 cid six and 360 cid V8 engines.