About The Chrysler 300
The current Chrysler 300 was first seen in 2003 at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car and first entered production in the Spring of 2004 as a 2005 year model. The design was inspired by the 1957 Chrysler 300C with the grill and headlights being the two major design cues taken from the 1957 model. The new 300, designed by Ralph Gilles, was built as a high performance sport luxury sedan. The Chrysler 300 is based off of the RWD Chrysler LX platform. Other cars based off of this platform are the 2005 and newer Dodge Chargers and Dodge Magnums. These cars are commonly referred to as LX cars. The Chrysler LX platform incorporates components taken from the W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996-2002. Some of these components are the suspension, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, transmission, and, in the AWD touring models, the 4-Matic all wheel drive system.
Available Chrysler 300 Models
- Base - The base 300 model comes with 17 inch wheels with wheel covers, disc brakes, traction control, and a four speed automatic transmission. It is powered by a 2.7L EER V6. This model was renamed LX for the 2008 production year.
MPG: 18/26 - Horsepower: 190, Torque: 190 ft/lbs
- Touring - The 300 Touring comes with 17 inch aluminum wheels, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), leather trimmed seats, and Sirius satellite radio. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine. The touring is also available as an all wheel drive model.
MPG: 17/24 - Horsepower: 250, Torque: 250 ft/lbs - 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds, 1/4 Mile: 15.8 seconds
- Limited - The 300 Limited comes with the same 3.5L V6 that is used in the Touring model. However, the Limited model adds 18 inch chrome rims and Chrysler's dual-zone climate control.
MPG: 17/24 - Horsepower: 250, Torque: 250 ft/lbs - 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds, 1/4 Mile: 15.8 seconds
- 300C - The top of the line C model comes equipped with a 5.7L Hemi V8 which features an option called MDS which allows the engine to run on 4 cylinders under light load which in turn reduces fuel consumption. It uses a five speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature. 18 inch chrome rims come standard on this model. This model features many luxury features such as in-dash navigation, power sunroof, and rear seat DVD entertainment system. The C model also features added chrome trim which is not available on the lesser models. The C model is unique because of the HEMI engine. This is the only HEMI that had a pushrod induction tube, which is locate don the side of the engine. This tube makes the 300C more fuel efficient and quicker, because the air is being "pulled and pushed" into the engine's induction area.
MPG: 15/22 - Horsepower: 340, Torque: 390 ft/lbs - 0-60: 5.6 seconds, 1/4 Mile: 14.1 seconds
- Heritage Edition - The 300C heritage edition features the same 5.7L engine as the C model along with some of the exterior styling of the SRT8 model. The heritage edition is the first Chrysler vehicle with SmartBeam headlights. It also includes SRT8 front seats with the Heritage symbol stitched into the headrest. This model debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.
MPG: 15/22 - Horsepower: 340, Torque: 390 ft/lbs - 0-60: 5.6 seconds, 1/4 mile: 14.1 seconds
- SRT Design Group - In 2007, an options package was introduced for NON-SRT 300Cs which added badging, performance suspension, SRT 20 inch rims, SRT front seats, SRT body modifications, and a high speed engine controller, high flow air cleaner, and performance exhaust which raised horsepower.
MPG: 15/22 - Horsepower: 350, Torque: 390 ft/lbs - 0-60: 5.6 seconds, 1/4 mile: 14.1 seconds
- SRT-8 - The SRT-8 version was introduced by Chrysler in 2004 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It features a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine which does not include the MDS fuel saving feature of the C model. It went on sale February of 2005 with a sticker price of $43,695 plus the gas guzzler tax. Additional feature included SRT-8 performance embossed seats, 20 inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and rear lip spoiler.
MPG: 13/18 - Horsepower: 425, Torque:420 ft/lbs - 0-60: 4.8 seconds, 1/4 Mile: 13.2 seconds
Chrysler also offers a limousine version of the 300, called the Chrysler 3000. It is available in various lengths and internal styles.