Chrysler 300

WorldBrand briefing

AI supplement

Original synthesis to sit alongside the encyclopedia article below. Not part of Wikipedia; verify facts on Wikipedia when precision matters.

The Chrysler 300 is a celebrated full-size luxury sedan (and formerly offered a station wagon variant) produced by Chrysler, a division of global automaker Stellantis. It has long stood as an iconic example of American automotive luxury, distinguished by its bold, muscular styling, rear-wheel-drive layout, and high-performance engine options across its multiple production runs.

Key moments

  • 1955Original C-300 debuts as first model in Chrysler's high-performance Letter Series sedan line
  • 1956–1965Successive Letter Series variants (300B, 300C, 300D, etc.) released with upgraded powertrains and luxury features
  • 2003Modern Chrysler 300 concept unveiled at New York International Auto Show, styled by Ralph Gilles
  • April 2004Production of the first modern-generation 300 (LX platform) starts ahead of 2005 model year launch
  • 2011Second generation (LD platform) launches, with updated styling and badged as Chrysler 300C in UK/Ireland and Lancia Thema in most European markets
  • 2023Production of the second-generation Chrysler 300 concludes, ending the nameplate's mass production run

Chrysler 300 Competitive Analysis

The Chrysler 300 competes in the full-size luxury sedan segment, with a mix of direct premium rivals and mainstream near-luxury competitors:

  • Premium European Rivals: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • Domestic Luxury Rivals: Cadillac CT5/CT6, Lexus ES
  • Mainstream Near-Luxury Rivals: Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia K8 The 300 differentiated itself from competitors by leaning into bold, traditional American luxury styling, offering rear-wheel drive as standard (a rare feature among many mainstream luxury rivals at launch), and undercutting the pricing of most German premium sedans while still delivering high-performance trims like the SRT-8 with Hemi V8 power.
  • Premium European Rivals: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • Domestic Luxury Rivals: Cadillac CT5/CT6, Lexus ES
  • Mainstream Near-Luxury Rivals: Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia K8
  • Standout traits: Bold American luxury styling, standard rear-wheel drive, more accessible pricing than German rivals

The Chrysler 300 is an iconic nameplate in the global automotive industry, rooted in American luxury heritage and owned by Stellantis through its Chrysler division. As a full-size luxury sedan that has seen multiple production runs spanning decades, it has built a distinct brand identity defined by bold, muscular styling, rear-wheel-drive performance, and accessible luxury positioning. It has long served as a flagship representative of traditional American automotive design, standing out against more understated European and Asian premium rivals.

The brand’s strength stems largely from its deep connection to automotive culture in its core North American market, with a dedicated base of enthusiasts and long-standing recognition among mainstream consumers. It successfully carved out a unique niche in the full-size luxury segment, combining V8 performance and spacious interiors at price points that undercut European premium competitors, making it a popular choice for buyers seeking an alternative to imported luxury vehicles.

While production of the current generation Chrysler 300 ended in 2023 as parent company Stellantis shifts focus to electric vehicles and SUVs, the nameplate retains significant residual brand strength thanks to its decades-long heritage and cultural cachet. It remains a benchmark for American full-size sedans, with enduring value that extends into the used vehicle market and automotive enthusiast communities.

Brand leadership

Score: 62/100

Chrysler 300 holds solid brand leadership among American full-size luxury sedans, with a well-established reputation for blending accessible pricing with V8 performance. It created a unique niche between mainstream near-luxury models and high-end European premium sedans, leading the segment for domestic offerings during its active production run.

Customer brand interaction

Score: 58/100

The model maintains active organic interaction through automotive enthusiast communities, social media groups, and classic car events, particularly in North America. Owners frequently share custom builds, restoration projects, and driving experiences, keeping engagement high relative to other discontinued nameplates, though it lags behind currently produced models in active marketing-driven interaction.

Brand momentum

Score: 35/100

With production ceasing in 2023 and no confirmed next-generation model as of 2026, the Chrysler 300 has limited new product or marketing momentum. Parent company Stellantis has reallocated most Chrysler brand resources to electrification and SUV development, reducing the model's near-term market momentum, even as it retains cultural momentum among enthusiasts.

Brand stability

Score: 70/100

The Chrysler 300 nameplate has maintained a consistent positioning around bold American luxury and rear-wheel-drive performance across multiple generations, giving it strong brand stability. Its reputation has remained largely positive over decades, with no major scandals or dramatic shifts in positioning that would erode consumer trust or recognition.

Brand heritage age

Score: 85/100

The Chrysler 300 nameplate was first introduced in 1955, giving it over 70 years of heritage in the American automotive industry. Multiple production runs across different eras have allowed the brand to build on its legacy, connecting classic mid-century luxury to modern performance, making its long history a core brand asset.

Industry profile

Score: 65/100

Within the global automotive industry, the Chrysler 300 is widely recognized as an iconic example of modern American full-size luxury. It is frequently cited by automotive media and analysts when discussing the evolution of the luxury sedan segment, and its distinctive design influenced competitor models during its peak production period.

Global market penetration

Score: 40/100

The Chrysler 300 was primarily designed and marketed for the North American market, with limited official distribution in Europe, Asia, and other global regions. Its large size and fuel-intensive powertrain options made it less suited to global market preferences and regulatory requirements, resulting in relatively low global presence compared to competing premium sedans.

AI-driven analysis can support reasoned assessment of the Chrysler 300's brand value based on its heritage, market recognition and competitive positioning. All insights related to brand value are illustrative rather than formally audited. To obtain a fully audited, official valuation of the Chrysler 300 brand, contact World Brand Lab.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car[3] produced by Chrysler under Stellantis North America and its predecessors. The first generation (model years 2005–2010) was available as a four-door sedan and station wagon, in the second generation (model years 2011–2023) was available solely as a sedan.

The second generation 300 was marketed as the Chrysler 300C in the United Kingdom and Ireland and as the Lancia Thema in the remainder of Europe.[4]

Background

The Chrysler 300 continues a tradition of full-sized, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, V8-powered luxury sedans the company has offered, starting in the 1940s with the Chrysler Saratoga and Chrysler New Yorker, followed by the Chrysler Windsor, Chrysler Newport, and the Chrysler Cordoba, with the last rear wheel drive sedan, the Chrysler Fifth Avenue that ended production in 1989.

When the company began operations in 1925, the Chrysler Six was entered as a roadster in the 1925 24 Hours of Le Mans where it finished the race. In 1926, the Chrysler Imperial started the luxury and performance products tradition.[5] Starting in 1955, the Imperial became a separate luxury brand and offered the Imperial Newport along with the Imperial Crown. The original Chrysler FirePower Hemi engine powered the Cunningham C-5R, a special racecar, and finished the 1952 Le Mans, 1953 Le Mans, and 1954 Le Mans endurance races, as well as the 1953 12 Hours of Sebring.[6]

First generation (2005)

The 300 debuted as a concept at the 2003 New York International Auto Show with styling by Ralph Gilles, and production started in January 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Chrysler 300 was designed as a modern interpretation of the 1955 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 finishing on the steering wheel and shifter knob. It was the last Chrysler vehicle designed under Tom Gale upon his retirement from DaimlerChrysler in December 2000.[13][14] It shares a nameplate with the 1957 300C letter series two-door hardtop and convertible.

The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform with Chrysler executives confirming that Chrysler engineers were sent to Germany to study the upcoming E-Class and as such, structural elements of the car's foundation such as the toe board, safety cage architecture, as well as the load-path philosophy ending up being derived from the design(s) utilized by then-partner, Mercedes-Benz[15] Shared and or derived components from Mercedes-Benz included: the 3.0L OM642 turbo-diesel V6 used in overseas markets, the rear suspension cradle and 5-link independent rear suspension design derived from the E-Class (W210),[16] a double-wishbone front suspension design with short-and-long arm front suspension geometry derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220). The five-speed NAG1 W5A580 transmission, rear differential, driveshaft, ESP & ABS systems, steering system, the CAN Bus electrical architecture, and cabin electronics, including other electronic and engine modules, were derived from Mercedes-Benz components. Further, switchgear such as the cruise control and turn signal combination stalk, seat controls, seat frames, HVAC system(s), and the wiring harness were utilized from Mercedes-Benz components. Later model years also feature a Mercedes-Benz-derived laser key ignition system instead of the traditional metal key. The AWD models also benefited from using Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system, including transfer case components.

Model range

Base

The basic 300 includes 17-inch wheels, wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, a single disc CD player, an auxiliary input jack, a power driver seat, and a four-speed (42RLE) automatic transmission. It uses a 2736 cc EER V6 rated at 190 hp. In Canada, it came standard with the Touring model's 3518 cc 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 the code name for the platform.[17]

Touring

The Touring model uses a 3518 cc V6, producing 250 hp and 250 lbft of torque, either a four- or five-speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration, 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.[17]

Limited

The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating 250 hp and 250 lb·ft and either a four- or five-speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum road wheels and anti-roll bars.

300C

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.[17] Using the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed to reduce total fuel consumption. The USEPA-rated fuel consumption of the 300C is: 15 mpgus city, and 23 mpgus highway. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can produce 340 hp and 390 lb·ft of 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, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio and Backseat Television in 2008.

The Hemi cylinder heads necessitate a double rocker arm shaft 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 reduce emissions. For 2009 and 2010, power output was increased to 360 hp.

SRT-8

The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1 L Hemi engine producing 425 hp at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb·ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.[18]

SRT Design

In 2006, Chrysler began producing a package group for the 300C model called "SRT Design”, which combined the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine with all the refinements and sports setup of the SRT 8.[19] However, outside of North America, the SRT Design was only offered with the 3.0L V6 CRD engine. In North America the last models of these to release were in 2009, production kept going globally until the face-lift in 2011. This model was predominantly used in the European market.[20]

Base

The basic 300 includes 17-inch wheels, wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, a single disc CD player, an auxiliary input jack, a power driver seat, and a four-speed (42RLE) automatic transmission. It uses a 2736 cc EER V6 rated at 190 hp. In Canada, it came standard with the Touring model's 3518 cc 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 the code name for the platform.[17]

Touring

The Touring model uses a 3518 cc V6, producing 250 hp and 250 lbft of torque, either a four- or five-speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration, 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.[17]

Limited

The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating 250 hp and 250 lb·ft and either a four- or five-speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum road wheels and anti-roll bars.

300C

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.[17] Using the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed to reduce total fuel consumption. The USEPA-rated fuel consumption of the 300C is: 15 mpgus city, and 23 mpgus highway. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can produce 340 hp and 390 lb·ft of 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, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio and Backseat Television in 2008.

The Hemi cylinder heads necessitate a double rocker arm shaft 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 reduce emissions. For 2009 and 2010, power output was increased to 360 hp.

SRT-8

The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1 L Hemi engine producing 425 hp at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb·ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.[18]

SRT Design

In 2006, Chrysler began producing a package group for the 300C model called "SRT Design”, which combined the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine with all the refinements and sports setup of the SRT 8.[19] However, outside of North America, the SRT Design was only offered with the 3.0L V6 CRD engine. In North America the last models of these to release were in 2009, production kept going globally until the face-lift in 2011. This model was predominantly used in the European market.[20]

Other variants

Station wagon

Chrysler marketed the 300C in Europe, Australia, South America, the Middle East, and Japan as both a four-door notchback sedan and a five-door station wagon. The five-door station wagon was marketed as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American notchback sedan's "Touring" trim level), which shared its sheet metal aft of the C-pillar and wheel designs with the Dodge Magnum.

The base Chrysler 300 was not marketed in Europe. All cars came with the 300C body style/interior and either V6 diesel or V8 gasoline engines. The economical V6 diesel, sourced from Mercedes-Benz, was optional in Europe. 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.[21] Steyr insisted on upgrading suspension components to suit European tastes. Dodge Charger/Magnum wheels with Chrysler center caps were used instead of the distinct wheels used on Canada-assembled models. The five-door station wagon body style 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 at 3800 rpm and 376 lbft of torque at 1600 rpm. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpgus city, 42.8 mpgus highway, and 34.9 mpgus on the combined cycle. It can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds while the top speed remains the same as the gasoline V6 (140 mph).

The 2008 UK models included the 300C SRT-Design model in sedan 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 fiber interior details.[22]

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 rumors, Chrysler confirmed that the vehicle would not be produced.[23][24]

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 6 inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment. The wheelbase was 126 in for this edition.[25]

Signature Executive Series 300

The Walter P. Chrysler Signature Executive Series 300 was a package offered from the factory for the touring V6 model after 2008. It shared many features with the executive series, omitting the extra 6 inches and the rear DVD player in the passenger compartment. The Signature Touring included special badging, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, 6.5-inch MyGIG REN 430(N) touchscreen DVD player with optional uConnect+navigation, Boston Acoustic six-speaker sound system, heated leather-trimmed seats, heated and powered mirrors, eight-way power seats, power-adjustable pedals, and sunroof. It was offered for an additional CA$ 2,240 in Canada.[26]

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 cues from the Chrysler 300 "letter series" of the 1950s and the 1960s.[27]

Beijing Auto T8

The Beijing Auto T8 was a Chinese limousine version of the Chrysler 300. Beijing Auto produced two prototypes. The T8 got a new Cadillac-style nose and a new rear end; however, the rest of the design remained unchanged from the standard Chrysler 300.[28] The only changes to the interior were a revised steering wheel with an updated logo.[28] Beijing Auto did not have the right to continue to use the platform(s) or engine(s) necessary to produce the vehicle. Therefore, the continuation of the T8's development and production prospects ended in 2009.

Station wagon

Chrysler marketed the 300C in Europe, Australia, South America, the Middle East, and Japan as both a four-door notchback sedan and a five-door station wagon. The five-door station wagon was marketed as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American notchback sedan's "Touring" trim level), which shared its sheet metal aft of the C-pillar and wheel designs with the Dodge Magnum.

The base Chrysler 300 was not marketed in Europe. All cars came with the 300C body style/interior and either V6 diesel or V8 gasoline engines. The economical V6 diesel, sourced from Mercedes-Benz, was optional in Europe. 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.[21] Steyr insisted on upgrading suspension components to suit European tastes. Dodge Charger/Magnum wheels with Chrysler center caps were used instead of the distinct wheels used on Canada-assembled models. The five-door station wagon body style 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 at 3800 rpm and 376 lbft of torque at 1600 rpm. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpgus city, 42.8 mpgus highway, and 34.9 mpgus on the combined cycle. It can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds while the top speed remains the same as the gasoline V6 (140 mph).

The 2008 UK models included the 300C SRT-Design model in sedan 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 fiber interior details.[22]

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 rumors, Chrysler confirmed that the vehicle would not be produced.[23][24]

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 6 inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment. The wheelbase was 126 in for this edition.[25]

Signature Executive Series 300

The Walter P. Chrysler Signature Executive Series 300 was a package offered from the factory for the touring V6 model after 2008. It shared many features with the executive series, omitting the extra 6 inches and the rear DVD player in the passenger compartment. The Signature Touring included special badging, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, 6.5-inch MyGIG REN 430(N) touchscreen DVD player with optional uConnect+navigation, Boston Acoustic six-speaker sound system, heated leather-trimmed seats, heated and powered mirrors, eight-way power seats, power-adjustable pedals, and sunroof. It was offered for an additional CA$ 2,240 in Canada.[26]

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 cues from the Chrysler 300 "letter series" of the 1950s and the 1960s.[27]

Beijing Auto T8

The Beijing Auto T8 was a Chinese limousine version of the Chrysler 300. Beijing Auto produced two prototypes. The T8 got a new Cadillac-style nose and a new rear end; however, the rest of the design remained unchanged from the standard Chrysler 300.[28] The only changes to the interior were a revised steering wheel with an updated logo.[28] Beijing Auto did not have the right to continue to use the platform(s) or engine(s) necessary to produce the vehicle. Therefore, the continuation of the T8's development and production prospects ended in 2009.

Reception and legacy

The Chrysler 300's driving characteristics were generally well-received. The ride of the car was described as "steady, comfortable, and a study in control"[29] Reviewers said the car drove "a lot like a Benz" due to the heavy use of German engineering and involvement of Mercedes-Benz in the development process during Chrysler and Daimler's partnership.[29] The car was also described as "impressively stable at high speed" by journalists at speeds even in excess of 150+ MPH on German autobahns, on par with other German sedans of the era. Again, such attributes could be attributed to the car's German underpinnings. However, a real weakness in the car's driving experience was "numb steering," which many journalists claimed made the car feel "capable, but disconnected."[30]

In the UK, the BBC's Top Gear team described the 300C as "something different with a bit of kitsch gangster cool". They praised the spacious and well-equipped interior, even calling it a "re-shelled German car with an American body," and the low price while criticizing the quality of certain materials, numb steering, and low engine torque of the V6 models. [30] The first generation model was popular with British buyers who regarded it as the "poor man's Bentley".[31]

In the US, the 300C enjoyed a wave of popularity in the mid-2000s, aided by celebrity owners (including US President Barack Obama,[32]) 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.[33] The 300C was ranked No. 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.[34] 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".[35]

Awards

The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year.[36] It was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for both 2005 and 2006.[37][38] Automobile Magazine named it Automobile of the Year.[39]

It also won the North American Car of the Year award.[40] It was voted Canadian Car of the Year by automobile journalists as the Best New Luxury Car.[41]

Receiving numerous other recognitions during its debut year, it was promoted as being one of the most awarded new cars ever.[42] The 300C was also included in the finalists for 2005 World Car of the Year, but final points total put it in fifth place equal to the BMW 1-series.[43]

Second generation (LD; 2011)

A redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011 as a four-door sedan. However, the core platform of the car, now called the 'LD' while updated, was still closely related to the original 'LX' platform. While the suspension was revised, the front suspension is still derived from the design of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the 5-link rear design from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211). Production ended on December 8, 2023.[46]

Exterior design

Exterior changes included revised sheet metal, thinner roof pillars, a more raked windshield, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, new taillights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grille with an updated version of the Chrysler winged brand emblem. Options included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

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 L Hemi.[47]

A new 300C Executive Series luxury trim level was introduced alongside a new 300S trim at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The sport-themed 300S featured black treatment for the grille and headlamps, 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system,[48] and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.[49] The Executive/Luxury Series was also sold in Europe, rebranded as the Lancia Thema from 2011 until 2014.

For the 2021 model year, the 300C and Limited trim levels were dropped, leaving the Touring, Touring L, and 300S, which included the previous year's Red S Appearance Package as standard.[50]

SRT

An SRT version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, featuring the 6.4 L 392 Hemi V8 engine.

The 6.4 L 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Challenger. With 470 hp, the new 300 SRT can go from 0 to 60 mi/h in the low 4-second range.[51]

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 20-inch (508 mm) aluminum wheels. The car also gets a lowered, sportier suspension setup and a large Brembo brake package.[52]

The 300 SRT (or SRT8) was discontinued for the 2015 model year in the United States, but continued to be sold in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. In Australia, the 300 SRT Core (a base level trim offered in the Australian and New Zealand markets) was utilised by the New South Wales Police Force as a significant part of their Traffic and Highway Patrol fleet. These have since been withdrawn from service. The 300 SRT was sold in left and right-hand drive abroad.[53] After a decade of falling sales in Australia, production of right-hand-drive versions ended in 2021.[54]

SRT

An SRT version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, featuring the 6.4 L 392 Hemi V8 engine.

The 6.4 L 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Challenger. With 470 hp, the new 300 SRT can go from 0 to 60 mi/h in the low 4-second range.[51]

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 20-inch (508 mm) aluminum wheels. The car also gets a lowered, sportier suspension setup and a large Brembo brake package.[52]

The 300 SRT (or SRT8) was discontinued for the 2015 model year in the United States, but continued to be sold in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. In Australia, the 300 SRT Core (a base level trim offered in the Australian and New Zealand markets) was utilised by the New South Wales Police Force as a significant part of their Traffic and Highway Patrol fleet. These have since been withdrawn from service. The 300 SRT was sold in left and right-hand drive abroad.[53] After a decade of falling sales in Australia, production of right-hand-drive versions ended in 2021.[54]

Powertrain

The predecessors' 2.7 and 3.5 L engines were replaced with Chrysler's new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 hp and 260 lbft of torque. The 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine remained available with 363 hp. A 3.0 L VM Motori V6 turbodiesel is also available in Europe, and Australia.[55]

Beginning with the 2012 model year, all V6 models were equipped with the 8-speed 845RE Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission, licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen.[56]

  • Source for Lancia[58]

Interior changes

Interior changes included a revised instrument panel with localized "soft-touch" materials, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch, a new steering wheel and center console, and standard leather seating on all trim levels. Both seat-mounted and curtain-side airbags were standard.

2015 facelift

In late 2014, a facelift version of the 300 was introduced. This introduced new features such as:

  • Full speed range Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
  • Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Active Braking
  • Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
  • Updated Uconnect Systems with Bluetooth and Voice Command
  • 7-inch electronic instrument cluster
  • TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Restyled front and rear fascias
  • New 3-spoke steering wheel design
  • New black and silver mesh chrome grille

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 taking a 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.[59]

The "See It Through"' TV commercial featured the Chrysler 300 and notable Detroit locals, including former Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh and a poem written in 1917 by Edgar Guest titled "See It Through".[60]

300S Turbine

At the Detroit Motor Show in 2013, Chrysler presented a 300S paying homage to the 1964 Chrysler Turbine. It was finished in two-tone bronze and black, with an over-chrome grille and a 22-inch wheel design reminiscent of the turbine motif.[61]

Recall

In March 2024, Stellantis issued a voluntary recall on Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 cars, between model years 2018 to 2021, the recall affected more than 284,000 cars. The recall relates to the side curtain airbag inflators, that some of the modules could rupture and send Shrapnel pieces into the vehicle, injuring the occupants.[62]

Discontinuation

In 2022, Stellantis confirmed that the Chrysler 300 sedan would be discontinued after the 2023 model year due to poor sales and due to the company's plans to focus its future on electric vehicles rather than fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Stellantis would replace the Chrysler 300 with a Chrysler-badged all-electric vehicle previewed by the Chrysler Airflow EV concept.[63]

Production ended December 8, 2023, with the final vehicle being a Velvet Red 300C.[46]

Safety

Euro NCAP

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

IIHS

The 2022 Chrysler 300 was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

Euro NCAP

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

IIHS

The 2022 Chrysler 300 was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

Sales

See also

References

  1. Chrysler Group Begins Production of 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum automotive-fleet.com, February 17, 2004, retrieved November 15, 2019^
  2. Marcus De Guzman. Car Classes Simplified: The Euro-standard Car Segments – Feature Stories AutoIndustriya.com, March 9, 2016, retrieved November 9, 2018^
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