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Chrysler 300c

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.

[] 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.^[2]

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.^[3]

[] 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). Additional features include 18 inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.[4]

[] 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 15 mpg–U.S. (15.68 L/100 km / 18 mpg–imp) city, 23 mpg–U.S. (10.23 L/100 km / 27.6 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 and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and "Backseat Television". 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 engines induction area. ^[5]

[] Heritage ion

The Heritage ion of the 300C features the 5.7 L engine along with many of the SRT-8's exterior modification, added chrome accents, and special tires on 18 inch wheels. It is the first Chrysler vehicle with SmartBeam headlights. The Heritage ion debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.

[] 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 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%.[1]

[] Other Variants

[] Station Wagon

European Chrysler 300C 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 300 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 is fully backed by Chrysler and sold through Chrysler dealerships.^[2]

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

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.^[3]