Chrysler 300 2005 - Present
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car. Sales in the U.S. began in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model year car. Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a luxurious sedan while the SRT-8 model was designed to be the high-performance version. The Chrysler 300 is also marketed in Australia, as the first full-size Chrysler vehicle sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981.
First Generation
The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. 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. The Chrysler 300 also features a double wishbone front suspension that is derived from the W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Model Range
BaseThe 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, then Touring for 2009 and 2010.
TouringThe Touring model uses a 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6, producing 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 ft·lb (340 N·m) of torque. It also has a 4-speed automatic transmission, and comes with 17-inch aluminum 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.
LimitedThe Limited model uses the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, which generates 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (340 N·m) mated to a high-performance five-speed Mercedes W5A580 automatic transmission with Autostick. Additional features include 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.
300CThe top-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 United States Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 300C as getting 15 miles per US gallon (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg-imp) city, 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 ft·lbf (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 assure complete fuel/air mixture burn and decrease emissions.
Heritage EditionThe Heritage Edition of the 300C features the 5.7 L engine along with many of the SRT-8's exterior modification, added chrome accents, special badging, and special tires on 20 inch wheels. It is the first Chrysler vehicle with SmartBeam headlights. It also includes SRT front seats with the Heritage 300C symbols stitched into their headrests. The Heritage Edition debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.
SRT Design GroupIn 2007, a special options package for non-SRT 300C's became available. The SRT Design group included badging, performance suspension, SRT 20-inch forged, polished aluminium wheels, SRT front seats, SRT body modifications (minus the front lip spoiler) high-speed engine controller with revised tuning for 5.7 L HEMI, raising horsepower to 350 HP, high-flow air cleaner system and performance exhaust (similar to the Charger R/T's Road and Track Performance Group). Other options were included but are year dependent.
SRT-8Chrysler introduced the SRT-8 version of the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004. It includes a new 370-cubic-inch, 6.1 L Hemi V8 which produces 425 hp (317 kW). Preliminary performance targets for the 300C SRT8 are 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range and quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range. It went on sale in February 2005 and has a sticker price of US$43,695 as of 2006 plus applicable taxes. Additional features include leather SRT-8 performance-embossed seats and 20-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and a rear lip spoiler.
Other variants
300SThe 300S is a limited edition of which 1,242 have been built.
Station wagonThe 300C is sold in Europe and Australia as both a sedan and a station wagon. The station wagon is sold as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American sedan's "Touring" trim level) which shares much of its sheet metal aft of the c-pillar with the Dodge Magnum. The base Chrysler 300 is not sold in Europe, instead all cars come 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 are built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
DieselIn Europe and Australia, the 300C is available with a 3.0 L diesel V6 engine (internal code OM642) developed by Mercedes-Benz. It produces 218 hp (163 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m) of torque and will soon be available with NOx BlueTec clean-diesel technology. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpg-US (8.98 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 petrol V6 (140 mph (230 km/h)).
ASC Helios 300ASC 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 rumors, Chrysler has confirmed that the vehicle will not be produced.
Executive Series 300The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300 is an extended wheelbase version shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It adds six inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment and will be built by Accubuilt.
The extended wheelbase 300 competes with the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS in the American livery market.
AwardsThe 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.
Second generation
A redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011. Exterior changes include a revised body, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, modified tail lights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grill. Thinner roof pillars and a more raked windshield will contribute to improved visibility. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof will offer twice the outward visibility of an average sunroof. The new 300 has optional 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels. Interior upgrades included a new instrument panel with "soft-touch" materials throughout, 8.4 inch Uconnect Touch, new steering wheel and center console. Both seat-mounted and curtain side airbags were made standard.
The predecessors' 2.7- and 3.5-liter engines were replaced with Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine remained available with 363 horsepower. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 will also be available in Europe.
The 2011 model is offered in Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD configurations. Touring and Limited trims will come with the Pentastar V6 while the 300C line will offer the 5.7. An SRT-8 version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. Also shown was a 300S trim, which featured a blacked-out grille and headlamps, as well as 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, and a 300C Executive series.
In Continental Europe it will be sold under the Lancia badge, except for the UK where it will retain the Chrysler badge.
Concepts- In 1999, Chrysler introduced the 300 HEMI C, a 2+2 convertible bearing the new 5.7 litre HEMI engine with 353 horsepower (263 kW) and 353 lb·ft (479 N·m) torque. It had rear wheel drive and a four speed automatic transmission. It was capable of 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds.
- In 1991, Chrysler introduced a Monteverdi High Speed inspired concept 300, employing the Dodge Viper engine. It was inspired by the a 1970s Swiss-built sedan powered by Chrysler.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_300