CHRYSLER 300
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
The full-size Chrysler 300C has received a major change in 2014 and even if the overall look is about the same, underneath the surface there were a lot of differences.
The Chrysler 300 has a long history in the American motor industry. For a long time, the name was burred until the DaimlerChrysler brought it back to life. And they took some parts from few Mercedes-Benz models and installed it into the “gangsta-style” Chrysler 300. The styling, with a high belt-line and a low roof, was kept after Fiat cut a deal and took-over the Chrysler Group forming FCA. But they added some improvements such as the LED daytime running lights (DRL), bigger brakes, new interior and lighter components for the old, but good, Mercedes-Benz suspension system.
Inside, there was a new instrument cluster, with a small color display between the tachometer and speedometer. On the central console, the new infotainment unit featured a standard 7” color display that featured the Uconnect system. The system can be upgraded to an 8.4” display and a better sound system.
Under the hood, there was a revolution. The FCA installed the best technology it could fit inside. The Chrysler 300 featured a V6 or a V8 engine. Both were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, compared to the 5-speed offered by Mercedes-Benz on the previous generation. Another interesting option is the gear-selector, which is a rotary knob. On top of that, the 2014 Chrysler 300 was available with an all-wheel-drive system.
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler introduced the 300C SRT8 under the Chrysler badge, and the result was awesome.
Five years later, the American carmaker came with a sequel.
There is an ounce of muscle-car nostalgia in any American car enthusiast. It has to be, or otherwise, DaimlerChrysler wouldn’t have introduced the 300C SRT8 in the first place back in 2006. Then, it was a marketing strategy to improve the brand’s image. In 2011 it was pure business. Chrysler was alone again and was hungry for a successful car, and the 300C SRT8 was an excellent idea.
From the outside, it looked almost just like a regular 300C, but the black mesh-grille at the front and the deeper bumper told a different story. From its sides, the car looked lower and rolled on 20” light-alloy-wheels. Its specific badges on the front fenders revealed the secret: 6.4-liter of angry Hemi engine that was ready to tear the tarmac. In the back, Chrysler installed a small wing-spoiler on the trunk.
Inside, the designers used started from the regular 300C and enhanced it. The car featured a standard leather interior with high-bolstered seats at the front. At the bottom of the SRT8 branded tachometer, the carmaker installed a coolant-temperature gauge. On the center stack, the 300C SRT8 featured an 8” infotainment unit that was connected to the car’s ECU and displayed specific data needed for hard driving such as oil temperature, transmission temperature, or oil pressure.
Under the hood, Chrysler dropped a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 engine. It was paired to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, and that was the only drawback for the SRT8. Thanks to its stiffer suspension, thicker stabilizer bars, and tuned dampers, it was a big luxury barge that could handle like a sports car.
I think it’s pretty hard not to remember the first generation of the Chrysler 300 that was launched in 2005.
The luxurious sedan turned everyone’s heads with its muscular body and the retro-inspired look.
The 2011 model retained some of the most loved exterior lines, however, the edges were smoothed out. And the windshield had a more rakish angle.
The exterior details were also refined with the aim of creating a more elegant appearance.
The Chrysler 300 kept the old’s model rear-wheel-drive system, however, it was thoroughly improved.
The materials used in the cabin were of a greater quality than the ones in the previous model and looked even more luxurious than before.
Two engine options were available for 2011: a 3.0-liter Pentastar V6 that developed 292 hp and a Semi V8 engine that put up 363 hp.
The new Chrysler 300 was available with four trim levels: base, Limited, 300C and 300C AWD.
The base model included 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlights, an 8-way power driver seat, a highly adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, a touchscreen display and a 6-speaker audio system.
The 300 Limited added bigger alloys (18-inch), exterior chrome accents, a rearview camera to ease parking, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a premium 6-speaker Alpine audio system.
An optional package was available for the 300 Limited trim with features meant to increase comfort.
The 300C included the optional package available for the 300 (Luxury Group) and added the Hemi V8 engine with bigger brakes, automatic high beams and wipers, and a navigation system that offered real-time traffic information.
The 300C AWD added, of course, an all-wheel-drive system and 19-inch alloys.