Chrysler 300

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Template:Short description

Template:Hatnote Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox automobile

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> produced by Chrysler under Stellantis North America and its predecessors. The first generation (model years 2005–2010) was availabe 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Clear

Template:AnchorFirst generation (2005)

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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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 (W211),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a double-wishbone front suspension design with short-and-long arm front suspension geometry derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220).Template:Citation needed 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.Template:Citation needed 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 Template:Convert EER V6 rated at Template:Convert. In Canada, it came standard with the Touring model's [[Chrysler 3.3 engine#3.5|Template:Convert 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.<ref name="2006specs">Template:Cite web</ref>

Touring

The Touring model uses a [[Chrysler 3.3 engine#3.5|Template:Convert V6]], producing Template:Cvt and Template:Cvt 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.<ref name="2006specs"/>

Limited

The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating Template:Convert and Template:Convert 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

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The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.<ref name="2006specs"/> 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: Template:Convert city, and Template:Convert highway. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can produce Template:Convert and Template:Convert 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 Template:Convert.

SRT-8

File:Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.1.jpg
Chrysler 300C SRT-8

The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1 L Hemi engine producing Template:Convert at 6,200 rpm and Template:Convert of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

SRT Design

In 2008, Chrysler began producing the SRT Design, which combined the 300C CRD engine with all the refinements and sports setup of the SRT 8. This model was predominantly used in the European market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other variants

Station wagon

File:2010 Chrysler 300C CRD Automatic 3.0 Estate Rear.jpg
2010 Chrysler 300C Touring

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.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 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 Template:Convert at 3800 rpm and Template:Convert of torque at 1600 rpm. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at Template:Convert city, Template:Convert highway, and Template:Convert 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 (Template:Convert).

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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 Template:Convert for this edition.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="T8">Template:Cite web</ref> The only changes to the interior were a revised steering wheel with an updated logo.<ref name="T8"/> 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"<ref name="Edmunds: Pontiac G8 GT vs. Dodge Ch">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="Edmunds: Pontiac G8 GT vs. Dodge Ch"/> 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."<ref name="BBC Top Gear">Template:Cite web</ref>

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. <ref name="BBC Top Gear"/> The first generation model was popular with British buyers who regarded it as the "poor man's Bentley".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In the US, the 300C enjoyed a wave of popularity in the mid-2000s, aided by celebrity owners (including US President Barack Obama,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>) 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards

The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for both 2005 and 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Automobile Magazine named it Automobile of the Year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

It also won the North American Car of the Year award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was voted Canadian Car of the Year by automobile journalists as the Best New Luxury Car.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Receiving numerous other recognitions during its debut year, it was promoted as being one of the most awarded new cars ever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:AnchorSecond generation (LD; 2011)

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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.<ref name=production-end>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Exterior design

File:12 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD (6863423774) (cropped).jpg
Chrysler 300 Limited (US; pre-facelift)

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. Template:Clear left

Variants

File:Lancia Thema Bologna cut.jpg
Lancia Thema

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

SRT

File:2013 Chrysler 300 (LX MY13) SRT-8 sedan (2015-08-07) 01.jpg
Chrysler 300 SRT-8 (Australia)

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 Template:Convert, the new 300 SRT can go from 0 to Template:Convert in the low 4-second range.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> After a decade of falling sales in Australia, production of right-hand-drive versions ended in 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Powertrain

The predecessors' 2.7 and 3.5 L engines were replaced with Chrysler's new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine producing Template:Convert and Template:Convert of torque. The 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine remained available with Template:Convert. A 3.0 L VM Motori V6 turbodiesel is also available in Europe, and Australia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Beginning with the 2012 model year, all V6 models were equipped with the 8-speed 845RE Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission, licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>

Chrysler
Model Engine Displacement Power at rpm Torque at rpm Years
Touring 3.6 V6 Pentastar Template:Convert Template:Convert at 6,350 rpm Template:Convert at 4,800 rpm 2011–2023
Limited
300S<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 3.6 V6 Pentastar Template:Convert Template:Convert Template:Convert at 4,800 rpm 2011–2023
300C and 300S (2012) 5.7 V8 Hemi Template:Convert Template:Convert at 5,150 rpm Template:Convert at 4,250 rpm 2011–2023
300 SRT-8 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 engine Template:Convert Template:Convert at 6,000 rpm Template:Convert at 4,300 rpm 2012–2014
300C (2023) 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 engine 6,430 cc (392 cu in) 492 PS (362 kW; 485 hp) at 6,100 rpm Template:Convert 2023
(Limited 2,200 Units)
Lancia/Chrysler UK
Gasoline 3.6 V6 Pentastar Template:Convert Template:Convert at 6,350 rpm Template:Convert at 4,650 rpm 2011–2014
Diesel 3.0 V6 VM Motori A630 Template:Convert Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm Template:Convert at 1,600–2,800 rpm 2011–2014
Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm Template:Convert at 1,800–2,800 rpm

Interior changes

File:Chrysler 300C Luxury interior.jpg
Interior (pre-facelift)

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

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

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

300S Turbine

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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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Production ended December 8, 2023, with the final vehicle being a Velvet Red 300C.<ref name=production-end/>

Safety

Euro NCAP

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

Template:Euro NCAP

IIHS

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

IIHS 2022 Chrysler 300 scores:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Small overlap front (Driver): Marginal
Moderate overlap front Good
Side (original test) Good
Roof strength Good
Head restraints & seats Good
Headlights Poor
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Superior optional
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Acceptable

Sales

Calendar year United States Canada EuropeTemplate:Efn-lr<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mexico Australia Europe as Lancia ThemaTemplate:Efn-lr<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2004<ref name="prnewswire.com-2008">Template:Cite press release</ref> 112,930 10,048 2,460
2005<ref name="prnewswire.com-2008"/> 144,068 14,654 5,520 1,001<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 363
2006<ref name="CheersandGears.com">Template:Cite web</ref> 143,647 13,316 14,186 1,024 1,864
2007<ref name="CheersandGears.com"/> 120,636 10,021 13,463 660 1,645
2008<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 62,352 7,443 7,244 412 1,087
2009<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 38,606 5,234 3,428 200 822
2010<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 37,116 4,180 3,507 218 874
2011<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 36,285 3,045 504 308 360<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 699
2012 70,747<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 5,760 292 293 1,206 1,729
2013 57,724<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 5,375 221 157 2,508 2,236
2014 53,382<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 4,117 88 116 1,580 392
2015 53,109<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 4,443 10 139 880 28
2016 53,241<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 3,662 6 87 460 19
2017 51,237<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 4,332 8 77 257
2018 46,593<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 3,512<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 6 39 250
2019 29,213<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 1,949<ref name="canada2020" /> 5 292
2020 16,653<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 447<ref name="canada2020">Template:Cite press release</ref> 5 218
2021 16,662<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 795<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 14,087<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 2,306<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
2023 13,169<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 1,522<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024 5,295<ref name="sales2024us">Template:Cite press release</ref> 265<ref name="sales2024canada">Template:Cite press release</ref>

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See also

Notes

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References

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