Chrysler 300

First generation (2004–2010)

The Chrysler 300 was designed to be a modern interpretation of the Chrysler C-300 and the letter series Chryslers that followed, featuring a large grille, long hood and low roofline that was prominent on those vehicles. The styling retained many elements of the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car, such as chrome interior accents and tortoiseshell finishings on the steering wheel and shifter knob.

The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 2003 to 2009. Shared components include the rear suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic transmission's design, and a derivative of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Base

The basic 300 (or 300C in some countries) comes with standard 17-inch wheels, wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, single disc MP3 player, auxiliary input jack, power driver seat and a four-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in) EER V6 making 190 hp (140 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6 engine. The vehicle comes with standard rear wheel drive and available all wheel drive. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008 and remains as the code-name for the platform.

Touring

The Touring model uses a 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6, producing 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 lb·ft (340 N·m) of torque, either a 4 or 5spd transmission depending on the year and drive configuration, and comes with 17-inch aluminium wheels, AM/FM radio with CD player and auxiliary audio jack, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), remote keyless entry, leather trimmed seats, and SIRIUS satellite radio. This model was renamed Touring Plus for the 2009 and 2010 model years.

Limited

The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 lb·ft (340 N·m) and either a 4 or 5 speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels, anti-roll bars.

300C

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8. Using the Multidisplacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed in order to reduce total fuel consumption. The USEPA-rated fuel consumption of the 300C is: 15 miles per US gallon (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg_‑imp) city, and 23 miles per US gallon (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp) highway. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp (250 kW) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) torque. It uses a five-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System in 2008 and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Backseat Television in 2008. The HEMI engine includes a pushrod induction tube, located on the side of the engine-block. This tube makes the 300C more fuel efficient and quicker, because of the air being "pulled and pushed" into the engine's induction area. The engine uses the HEMI, or double rocker configuration, with a cam-in-block, overhead valve (OHV) pushrod design. There are two spark plugs per cylinder to promote efficient fuel/air mixture burn and thereby reduce emissions. In 2009 - 2010 power output was increased to 360HP.

SRT-8

The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi engine producing 425 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can hit 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Station wagon

The 300C was sold in Europe, Australia and Japan as both a four-door notchback sedan and a five-door station wagon. The five-door station wagon was sold as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American notchback sedan's "Touring" trim level) which shared much of its sheet metal aft of the C-pillar with the Dodge Magnum. The base Chrysler 300 was not sold in Europe, instead all cars came with the 300C bodystyle/interior and a choice of either V6, diesel or V8 gasoline powerplants. All 300C Touring models, along with European 300C sedans and right-hand drive models were assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria beginning in June 2005. The five-door station wagon bodystyle was discontinued after the first generation.

Diesel (2006–2011)

In Europe and Australia, the 300C was available with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0 L diesel V6 engine (internal code OM642) rated 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp)@3800rpm and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m)@1600rpm. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31.5 mpg_‑imp) City, 42.8 mpg_‑US (5.50 L/100 km; 51.4 mpg_‑imp) Highway and 34.9 mpg_‑US (6.74 L/100 km; 41.9 mpg_‑imp) on the combined cycle. Acceleration from 0-60 mph happens in 7.9 seconds while the top speed remains the same as the gasoline V6 (140 mph (230 km/h)).

2008 UK models include 300C SRT-Design model in saloon or Touring body, which included SRT 20-inch alloy wheels and wheel arch spats, chrome mesh grille, MyGIG satellite navigation, SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fibre interior details.

ASC Helios 300

ASC created a convertible version of the Chrysler 300C, dubbed the ASC Helios 300, and unveiled it at the North American International Auto Show in early 2005. Despite rumours, Chrysler confirmed that the vehicle would not be produced.

Executive Series 300

The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300 was an extended wheelbase version shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It added six inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment.

Heritage Edition 300C

The Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition debuted in 2006 and was a performance oriented trim that used the 5.7 Hemi and had styling ques from the Chrysler 300 "letter series" of the 1950s and the 1960s.

Awards

The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year and was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005 and 2006. It also won the North American Car of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year Best New Luxury Car awards. During its debut year, it was promoted as being one of the most awarded new cars ever. The 300C was also included in the finalists for 2005 World Car of the Year but was eliminated in first round.

Reception and legacy

In the USA, the 300C enjoyed a wave of popularity in the mid-2000s, aided by celebrity owners (including future-US President Barack Obama,) and appearances in music videos. In 2004, rapper Snoop Dogg famously called then-Chrysler CEO, Dieter Zetsche, asking for his own 300C; he later appeared in a commercial for the car alongside Lee Iacocca. The 300C was ranked #12 in a Complex.com article, "The 25 Most Iconic Hip-Hop Cars" due to its popularity in many hip-hop music videos following its introduction. Chrysler 300 designer Ralph Gilles reflected on the vehicle's success in 2008, saying that the "300 turned out to be a bit of an icon for Chrysler".

In the UK, the BBC Top Gear team described the 300C as "something different with a bit of kitsch gangster cool". They praised the spacious and well equipped interior and the low price while criticizing the quality of materials, ride, steering and low engine torque. The first generation model was popular with British buyers who regarded it as the "poor man's Bentley". (Indeed, some owners swapped the Chrysler badges for Bentley ones). The post-2011 second generation proved less popular, primarily because of its less attractive appearance to British eyes.

Second generation (2011–present)

A redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011 as a four-door notchback sedan. Only the four-door notchback sedan bodystyle remained available; the five-door station wagon version of the 300 was discontinued. Exterior changes include an all new body, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, new taillights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grille as standard. The car also featured an updated version of the Chrysler brand's winged emblem, which dropped the blue ribbon centre dating back to 1930s. Thinner roof pillars and a more raked windshield contribute to improved visibility. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof offered twice the outward visibility of a single pane sunroof. The new 300 had optional 20-inch polished-aluminium wheels. The all new interior upgrades included a new instrument panel with "soft-touch" materials throughout, 8.4 inch Uconnect Touch, new steering wheel and centre console, and standard leather seating on all trim levels. Both seat-mounted and curtain side airbags were made standard.

The predecessors' 2.7- and 3.5-litre engines were replaced with Chrysler's new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine remained available with 363 horsepower. A 3.0-litre VM Motori V6 turbodiesel is also available in Europe, and Australia. Beginning with model year 2012 all V6 models were equipped with the 8-speed 8HP45 automatic transmission, licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen .

Variants

The 2011 model was offered in Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD trim levels. Touring and Limited trims included the Pentastar V6, while the 300C line offered a standard 5.7 HEMI.

A new 300C Executive Series luxury trim level was introduced alongside a new 300S trim at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The Executive/Luxury Series was also sold in Europe, rebranded as the Lancia Thema from 2011-2014. The sport themed 300S featured black treatment for grille and headlamps, 20-inch polished-face aluminium wheels with black painted pockets, 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system, and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

SRT

An SRT version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, powered by a 6.4-litre 392 HEMI V8 engine. The 6.4 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles. With 470 hp (350 kW), the new 300 SRT can go from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the low 4 second range.

In addition to the increase in power, the SRT receives specific exterior trim including a lower front fascia, large exhaust tips, body color instead of chrome trim and large 20-inch aluminium wheels. The car also gets a lowered, sportier suspension setup and a large Brembo brake package.

The 300 SRT (or SRT8) was discontinued for MY 2015 in the United States, but is still sold in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Contrary to past statements by Chrysler, the 300 SRT is still sold in left-hand drive abroad.

Special editions

Engines

Marketing

As part of the 2011 Chrysler 300 advertising campaign, three TV commercials were produced. "Homecoming" featured Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh driving through his rainy hometown of Portland, Oregon, in his new 2011 Chrysler 300, retracing his humble beginnings. "Attitude" featured John Varvatos seeking inspiration at a record store in Brooklyn and record under his arm and into his Chrysler 300. "Good Things" featured Dr. Dre driving through the streets of Los Angeles in a Beats by Dre equipped 2012 Chrysler 300.

The 'See It Through' TV commercial featured the Chrysler 300 and notable Detroit locals, including Detroit Lion's Ndamukong Suh and a poem written in 1917 by Edgar Guest titled "See It Through".

2015 facelift

In late 2014 a facelift version of the 300 was introduced. Changes include:

Safety

The Lancia version was safety tested by Euro NCAP in autumn 2011 and got the following results:

Concept cars