Chrysler 300

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For the Chrysler 300 wagon sold in Australia and Europe, see Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler 300

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2005–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–)
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1], Graz, Austria Beijing, China
Predecessor	Chrysler 300M Chrysler Concorde
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style(s)	4-door convertible (ASC Helios) 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler LX platform
Engine(s)	2.7 L EER V6 3.5 L EGG V6 5.7 L EZB HEMI V8 6.1L ESF HEMIV8 3.0L OM642 turbodiesel V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed W5A580 automatic
Wheelbase	120.0 in (3,048 mm)
Length	196.8 in (4,999 mm)
Width	74.1 in (1,882 mm)
Height	58.4 in (1,483 mm) SRT-8: 57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Related	Dodge Charger Dodge Challenger Dodge Magnum Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Designer	Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas

The Chrysler 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, becoming North America's first mainstream rear-wheel drive sedan with a V6 engine since the 1995 Mazda 929.

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.

[edit] Model range

[edit] Base

The basic 300 (or 300C in some countries) comes with standard 17-inch wheels with wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, single disc mp3 player, auxiliary input jack, power driver seat and a four-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in) EER V6 making 190 hp (142 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6 engine. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008.^[2][3]

[edit] Touring

The Touring model uses a 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 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.^[2][3]

[edit] 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 chrome-clad aluminum wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.^[4]

[edit] 300C

Chrysler 300C

The top-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.^[3] 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.^[5]

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 aluminium 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.

[edit] 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), Preliminary performance targets for the 300C SRT8 are 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range and quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range. However, it has been proven many times by owners that stock versions of the SRT8's have performance figures that are: 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds with a 1/4 mile time of under 13 seconds.^[6][7] It went on sale in February 2005 and has a sticker price of US$43,695 as of 2006 plus applicable taxes. Additional features include leather SRT-8 performance-embossed seats and 20-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and rear lip spoiler.

[edit] Improvements

The 2007–2008 SRT-8 models have a rear spoiler moulded into the body, which is also standard throughout the entire 300 line-up. The earlier models, 2005–2006, did not have the lower air dam like the 2007 models. This increases cooling to the engine by as much as 30%.^[8]

[edit] Other variants

[edit] Station wagon

2008 Chrysler 300 Touring

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 by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Executive Series 300

The idea to extend the 300 came from Bradley A. Blakeman to Chrysler executives attending JD Powers Automobile Roundtable in New Orleans, La. in 2004. 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.^[9]

The extended wheelbase 300 competes with the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS for the demand of the American livery market.

[edit] The 3000

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

[edit] 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.^[10]

[edit] 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 1998 Chrysler advertisement, the 300 is the most-awarded new car ever.

[edit] Concepts

• In 1999, Chrysler introduced the 300 HEMI C.^[11] It was a 2+2 convertible bearing the new 5.7 litre HEMI engine with 353 horsepower (263 kW) and 353 lb·ft (479 N·m) torque. It had rear wheel drive and a four speed automatic transmission. It was capable of 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds.
• In 1991, Chrysler introduced a concept 300.^[12] It used the engine of the Dodge Viper. It was inspired by the Monteverdi High Speed, a 1970s Swiss-built sedan powered by Chrysler.

[edit] Future

Chrysler plans to launch a redesigned version of the Chrysler 300 in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli stated: "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".^[13]

[edit] References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chrysler 300

[edit] External links

• Official site
• Accubilt Executive 300 page