It's been endlessly teased and occasionally spied, and now it's official: the 2011 Chrysler 300 has arrived ahead of its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.As we've seen before, the exterior of the 300 is even more audacious than its predecessor, thanks to the liberal application of chrome below the headlamps, on the grille, coating the side mirrors and partially framing the tail lights and trunk. New LEDs are fitted up front, and while Chrysler hasn't released interior shots just yet, judging by what we've already spied and recently sampled in the automaker's latest offerings, the insides should be significantly improved.
Power will come from the same engines we've been familiarizing ourselves with over the last year, specifically Chrysler's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter V8, with power sent to either the rear wheels or all four depending on spec. Sales should begin in the first quarter of 2011, and expect pricing to hit closer to the 300's debut in Detroit.
The Chrysler 300 debuted in 2004 to much acclaim. Designed to present a robust luxurious package, the 300 is outfitted with rear-wheel drive and a V6 engine, making it more powerful and versatile than most of its American luxury contemporaries. Different series of the 300 include the Touring, Heritage Edition, Limited, SRT, SRT-8, and of course, the 300C. Chrysler’s goal with the 300 is to offer various demographics different options to choose from in order to cover a wider range of the driving population than its current competition. This is a mission in which Chrysler has undoubtedly succeeded.
Where the Chrysler 300 stands out from most luxury models is in its base package. The 300 includes 17 inch wheels, four wheel disc brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a EER V6 that dishes out 180 HP. The Touring and Heritage models both use a 3.5L V8 that demonstrates up to 250 horsepower. The 300C is where Chrysler really turns up the heat. The 300C employs a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 which can punch out up to 340 HP on a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 300C can also run on just four cylinders in order to conserve power and increase fuel efficiency, displaying just the kind of sporty versatility Chrysler had in mind from the beginning. The SRT-8 pushes the envelope even further, showcasing a 6.1 liter V8 HEMI responsible for 450 HP. The added input of the HEMI is perhaps what has set the bar so high for the 300 series. With air being regulated more easily through the HEMI induction tube, not only do drivers of the 300 get more fuel economy but they can also do so without sacrificing power, something American audiences always find appealing.
The look of the Chrysler 300 is equally as important as its performance. The 300C sports 18 inch chrome alloy wheels while the Heritage and SRT take it up a notch with other trim options. Both the SRT and SRT-8 feature 20 inch aluminum forged wheels, badges, and signature seats and headrests. The SRT-8 takes a step up thanks to a rear lip spoiler. The Chrysler 300 Heritage Edition includes chrome accents, badges, 18 inch wheels, modified headrests with the model name stitched in, and SmartBeam headlights. It is because of these exterior and interior elements why the 300 is viewed as one of the most fashionably packaged luxury cars on the market, as motorists of all backgrounds can choose a trim level that best suits their respective tastes.
The Chrysler 300 has enjoyed steady sales number since its inception, primarily because of its otherwise modest price tag. Although branded as a luxury vehicle, the 300 is consistently priced significantly lower than most other entrants in this segment due to its domestic manufacturing. This gives the model a clear advantage over many upscale imports when it comes to marketing, as Chrysler has managed to accentuate the luxurious and comforting features of the 300 in its ads while simultaneously heralding its affordability. And the Chrysler 300 is not without its awards. It was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year and has been named numerous times one of Car & Driver’s Ten Best List. Even with all the accolades, this car is not stuck in the past. With Chrysler planning to refocus attention to the model in the coming year along with its already high demand for aftermarket parts, drivers of the 300 have a lot to look forward to.
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