Chrysler 300

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The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car. 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-cubic-inch (5.9 L) engine (the most powerful engine in the lineup in 1979, as 400-cubic-inch (6.6 L) 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 was not 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.[citation needed] 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

Main article: Chrysler 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 10 inches (250 mm) 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

Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300 Limited
ManufacturerChrysler LLC (2008-present)
Magna Steyr
DaimlerChrysler (2005-07)
Production2005–present
AssemblyBrampton, Ontario, Canada
Graz, Austria
Beijing, China
PredecessorChrysler 300M
Chrysler Concorde
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style(s)4-door convertible (ASC Helios)
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia)
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler LX platform
Engine(s)2.7 L (EER V6
3.5 L EGG V6
5.7 L EZB HEMI V8
6.1L ESF HEMI V8
3.0L OM642 turbodiesel V6
Transmission(s)4-speed 42RLE automatic
5-speed W5A580 automatic
Wheelbase120.0 in (3050 mm)
Length196.8 in (5015 mm)
Width74.1 in (1880 mm)
Height58.4 in (1475 mm)
SRT-8: 57.9 in (1463 mm)
RelatedDodge Charger
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Magnum
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
DesignerRalph Gilles
Freeman Thomas
ManualsService Manual

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.

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 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Model range

Base

The basic 300 (or 300C in some countries) 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 (2736 cc, 167 cu in) EER V6 making 190 hp (142 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3.5 L (3518 cc, 214.7 cu in) V6 engine. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008.[1][2]

Touring

2008 Chrysler 300 Touring

The Touring model uses a 3.5 L (3518 cc, 214.7 cu in) V6, producing 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (339 N·m) of torque. It also has 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.[1][2]

Limited

The Limited model uses the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, which generates 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (340 N·m)mated to a high performance 5-speed Mercedes W5A580 automatic transmission,with Autostick. Additional features include 18 inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.[3]

300C

Chrysler 300C

The top-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.[2] This engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed to reduce 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 8 cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp (250 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (530 N·m) 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. [4]

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 package 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 5.7 L HEMI, raising horsepower to 350 HP, 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 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), this produces 0-60 mph (1-97 km/h) times in the low 5-second range.[5][6] It went on sale in February 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%.[7]

Other variants

Station wagon

European Chrysler 300C station wagon

The 300 is also sold in Europe and Australia 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 sheet metal 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 NOx 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 is fully backed by Chrysler and sold through Chrysler dealerships.[8]

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 limousine variant of the 300. It is available in various lengths and internal styles.

ASC Helios 300

Chrysler 300 convertible

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 will not be produced. However, a convertible version of the 300 is available from Coach Builders Limited located in High Springs, Florida.[9]

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.

2010 model

The Auburn Hills automaker's plan to launch a redesigned version of Chrysler 300 in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli state: "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances"

Launching in 2010, the new 300 and Charger will probably be sold under the model year 2011. [10]

References

External links