For the Chrysler 300 wagon sold in Australia and Europe, see Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300C
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2004–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–)
Production	2004–present
Model years	2005–present
Assembly	Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1] Graz, Austria Beijing, China
Predecessor	Chrysler 300M Chrysler Concorde
Class	Executive car
Body style	4-door convertible 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia and Latin America)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler LX platform
Related	Lancia Thema
Designer	Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan 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 high-end 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.

The car is sold in Europe as the Lancia Thema. However, it remains branded as the Chrysler 300 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.^[2]

First generation[link]

First generation

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2005–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–)
Production	2004–2010
Model years	2005–2010
Assembly	Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1] Graz, Austria Beijing, China
Body style	4-door convertible (ASC Helios) 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia)
Platform	Chrysler LX platform
Engine	2.7 L EER V6 3.5 L EGG V6 5.7 L EZB HEMI V8 6.1 L ESF HEMI V8 3.0 L OM642 turbodiesel V6
Transmission	4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed W5A580 automatic
Wheelbase	120.0 in (3,048 mm)[3]
Length	197.8 in (5,024 mm)
Width	74.1 in (1,882 mm)
Height	58.4 in (1,483 mm) SRT-8: 57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Related	Dodge Charger Dodge Challenger Dodge Magnum Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Designer	Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas

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.^[4] For years it was incorrectly believed that the LX platform shared components from the older Mercedes W210, but it has been recently revealed by an LX chassis engineer that it wasn't the case. "One thing that a lot of people said at the time and probably still think is that when we were doing that car, that we were just giving the old E-class stuff and that’s not true at all. They were doing the new E-class, which is called the 211, that was their code name for it. They launched that one year before we launched the LX."^[4] 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[link]

Base[link]

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.^[5]

Touring[link]

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. 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.^[5]

Limited[link]

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) mated to a high-performance five-speed Mercedes W5A580 automatic transmission with Autostick. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.

300C[link]

2005-2010 Chrysler 300C

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.^[5] 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 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 assure complete fuel/air mixture burn and decrease emissions.

Heritage Edition[link]

The 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 Group[link]

In 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-8[link]

2005-2010 Chrysler 300C SRT-8

Chrysler 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 high 4-second range and quarter-mile time in the low 13-second range. It went on sale in February 2005 and has a base sticker price of US$48,695 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.

S6/S8 (2010)[link]

The 300 S6 and 300 S8 included 3.5-liter V-6 (250hp) and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 (360hp) engines respectively, blacked-out grilles with chromed surround and body-color fascia accents, New darkened headlamp bezels, "shaved" doors with body-color mirrors and 20-inch polished face wheels with painted pockets, steering wheel with carbon weave accented with red stitching and brushed silver spokes, Dark Slate Gray leather front seats, perforated Dark Slate Gray suede front and rear seats, seatback and seat cushion with hints of red accent, brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel center stack, center console side trim and upper-door trim; carbon-weave door-pull handles with red accent stitching, 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, remote start, heated front seats, power driver and passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, HomeLink universal transceiver, Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM), performance-tuned suspension with performance shocks, steering, all-season performance Goodyear Eagle RSA tires and performance brake linings.

The vehicles were unveiled in 2010 North American International Auto Show.^[6]

Production models went on sale in 2010 spring.^[7][8]

Other variants[link]

300S[link]

The 300S is a limited edition of which 1,242 have been built. It includes all options of the SRT8 version but it is offered in 3.5L or 5.7L.300S

Station wagon[link]

2008 Chrysler 300C Touring

The 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.

Diesel (2008-)[link]

In Europe and Australia, the 300C is 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, which will soon be available with NO_x 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)).

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.^[9]

ASC Helios 300[link]

Chrysler 300 convertible

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 has confirmed that the vehicle will not be produced.

Executive Series 300[link]

The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300 was a extended wheelbase version shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It added six inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment. Accubuilt.^[10]

Awards[link]

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.

Second generation[link]

Second generation

Manufacturer	Chrysler Group LLC
Also called	Lancia Thema
Production	2011–
Assembly	Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1]
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Chrysler LX platform
Engine	3.6 L Pentastar V6 5.7 L HEMI V8 6.4L HEMI V8 3.0 L turbodiesel V6
Transmission	5-speed automatic 8-speed 8HP45 automatic [11]
Wheelbase	120.0 in (3,048 mm)
Length	198.6 in (5,044 mm)
Width	75.1 in (1,908 mm)
Height	58.4 in (1,483 mm)
Related	Dodge Charger Dodge Challenger

2011 Chrysler 300C AWD

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 grille. The car also features an updated version of the Chrysler brand's winged emblem, which dropped the blue ribbon center dating back to 1930s. 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.^[12]

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.^[13] A 300S trim was introduced in 2011 New York International Auto Show, 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. The 300S also includes a 10 speaker Beats Audio audio system.

A Chrysler 300S appeared in the music video of T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) by Will.I.Am, with its standard 10 Speaker Beats audio system prominent in the video, following the theme.

SRT8[link]

Chrysler 300 SRT8 6.4L in New York Auto Show

Lancia Thema at AutoRAI Amsterdam 2011.

An SRT8 version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, powered by a 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 engine. The 6.4 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles. With 465 hp (347 kW), the new 300 SRT8 can go from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the low 4 seconds range.^[14]

In addition to the increase in power, the SRT8 will receive some exterior restyling to include a lower front fascia, large exhaust tips, removal of chrome trim (replaced with body color trim,) and large 20-inch aluminum wheels. The car is also lowered by a half-inch and rides on a new, sportier suspension. Lastly, the car gets a large Brembo brake package.^[15]

Engines[link]

• Source for Lancia^[16]

Safety[link]

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

Euro NCAP test results
Lancia Thema (2011)[17]
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	30	83%
Child occupant:	38	77%
Pedestrian:	21	59%
Safety assist:	5	71%

Concepts[link]

• In 1999, Chrysler introduced the 300 HEMI C,^[18] 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,^[19] employing the Dodge Viper engine. It was inspired by the a 1970s Swiss-built sedan powered by Chrysler.

Total U.S. sales[link]

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chrysler 300 (2004)

External links[link]

• Chrysler 300 Official Website
• Lancia Thema Official Website