Chrysler 300 Totally Explained

Everything about Chrysler 300 totally explained

ť This page is about the modern Chrysler 300. For the letter series of cars from the 1950s and early 1960s, see Chrysler 300 letter series. For the non-letter series from the 1960s and 1970s, see Chrysler 300 non-letter series.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car designed by Ralph Gilles. There have been many vehicles using the name, starting in 1955 and continuing to this day.

1979

The 300 name made a brief reappearance in 1979, as a limited special edition Chrysler Cordoba. This "300" had non-functional fender vents, red, white, and blue pin stripes, and a High Output 360 in³ engine (the most powerful engine in the lineup in 1979, as 400 in³ V8 production ended with the 1978 model year) mated to a special 3-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, the car was a fairly good performer in its time, as 1979 wasn't exactly a banner year for muscle cars, and the emissions equipment really strangled the engines of that time period. One test showed that it actually outperformed many of the "real" 300s of lore. Only 3,811 were produced. They come up on eBay from time to time, and are still quite reasonably priced. Very few options were available on these cars; the most notable were the T-top roof and moon roof.

1999 300M

For the 1999 model year, DaimlerChrysler revived the 300 name with the 300M. This time it was a front-wheel drive, V6-engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. While not technically part of the famous "letter series" of the 1950s and 1960s, Chrysler did have a sense of continuity, using the next letter, M, after the last 300L. It was shorter than the Concorde, and was priced above the Concorde. The 300M was a full sized luxury car slated above the Concorde, and, along with the LHS, was portrayed as Chrysler's "flagship" vehicle. The 300M was in production until 2004, when the Chrysler 300 replaced it.

2005

The current 300 is a full-size sport/luxury sedan which was first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car and first introduced in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model.
   Its design was clearly inspired by the 1957 Chrysler 300C, the headlights and grill being the most obvious design cues taken from its ancestor.
   Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a high performance, sporty sedan. The 300C is also sold in Australia, the first large Chrysler sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981.
   The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the discontinued W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Such components include the suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic's design, and a derivative of the 4-Matic all-wheel drive system. Some European versions will get a four-wheel drive version; the UK will probably not.

Model Range

Base

The basic 300 comes with standard 17-inch wheels with wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and a four-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 2.7 L EER V6 making 190 hp (142 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008.^{(External Link)}

Touring

The Touring model uses a 3.5 L V6, producing 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (339 N·m) of torque. It also uses a 4-speed automatic transmission, but 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.^{(External Link)}

Limited

The Limited model uses the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, which generates and . Additional features include 18 inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.^{(External Link)}

300C

The top-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L Hemi V8. This engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed to reduce fuel consumption. The EPA has rated the 300C as getting city, highway. When all 8 cylinders are needed, the 300C can make and torque. It uses a 5-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 Chrysler 300C is unique because of the HEMI engine. This is the only HEMI that has a pushrod induction tube, located on the side of the engine. This tube is a way to make the 300C more fuel efficient and quicker, because of the air being "pulled and pushed" into the engine's induction area. ^{(External Link)}

Heritage Edition

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 18 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

In 2007 a special options packge for non-SRT 300C's became available. The SRT Design group included badging, performance suspension, SRT 20-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels, SRT front seats, SRT body modifications (minus front lip spoiler)high speed engine controller with revised tuning for 5.7L HEMI, raising horsepower to 350HP, high flow air cleaner system and performance exhaust. (Similar to Charger R/T's Road and Track Performance Group) Other options were included but are year dependent.

SRT-8

Chrysler introduced the SRT-8 version of the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004. It includes a new 6.1 L Hemi V8 which produces 425 hp (317 kW), this produces 1-100Km p/hr times of sub 4.8 seconds. It went on sale in February of 2005 and has a sticker price of US$43,695 as of 2006 plus the gas guzzler tax. Additional features include leather SRT-8 performance-embossed seats and 20-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and rear lip spoiler.

Improvements

The 2007-2008 SRT-8 models have a rear spoiler molded into the body, which is also standard throughout the entire 300 line-up. The earlier models, 2005-2006, didn't have the lower air dam like the 2007 models. This increases cooling to the engine by as much as 30%.

Other Variants

Station Wagon

The 300 is also sold in Europe as both a sedan and a station wagon. The station wagon, sold in Europe as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American sedan's "Touring" trim level), shares much of its sheetmetal with the Dodge Magnum. The 300 Touring differs from the Magnum in that its exterior styling and interior are that of the 300 instead of the less-luxurious Magnum. All 300 Touring models, along with European 300C models and right-hand drive models, are built in Graz, Austria.

Diesel

In 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 (160 kW) and 376 ft·lbf (510 N·m) of torque and will be soon available with NO_x BlueTec technology.

Executive Series 300

The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300, is an extended wheelbase version of the 300 that was shown for the first time at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It has six inches (152 mm) of extra length, which has been added to the rear passenger compartment. The extended wheelbase model will be built by Accubuilt

, an outside specialty vehicle modifier normally known for building limousines and hearses. Although built by this outside company, it's fully backed by Chrysler and sold through Chrysler dealerships.
The extended wheelbase 300 competes with the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS for the demand of the American livery market.

The 3000

The Chrysler 3000тм is an aftermarket limosine variant of the 300. It is available in various lengths and internal styles.

ASC Helios 300

ASC created a convertible version of the Chrysler 300C, dubbed the ASC Helios 300, and showed it at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2005. Despite rumors, Chrysler has confirmed that the vehicle won't be produced. However, a convertible version of the 300 is available from Coach Builders Limited located in High Springs, Florida.

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. According to a 2005 Chrysler advertisement, the 300 is the most-awarded new car ever.

Further Information

Get more info on 'Chrysler 300'.

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