2011 Chrysler 300C |
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| 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 | Executive car |
| Body style | 4-door convertible 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia and Latin America) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler LX platform |
| Related | Lancia Thema |
| Designer | Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas |
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size upscale car first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car. Sales in the U.S. began in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model year car. Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a high-end sedan while the SRT-8 model was designed to be the high-performance version. The Chrysler 300 is also marketed in Australia, as the first full-size Chrysler vehicle sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981. The car will be sold in Europe as the Lancia Thema beginning in October 2011. However, it will remain branded as the Chrysler 300 in the UK and Ireland only. [2]
Contents |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2005–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2005–2010 |
| Assembly | Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1] Graz, Austria Beijing, China |
| Body style | 4-door convertible (ASC Helios) 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon (Europe, Australia) |
| Platform | Chrysler LX platform |
| Engine | 2.7 L EER V6 3.5 L EGG V6 5.7 L EZB HEMI V8 6.1 L ESF HEMI V8 3.0 L OM642 turbodiesel V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed W5A580 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 120.0 in (3,048 mm)[3] |
| Length | 197.8 in (5,024 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 S-Class |
| Designer | Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas |
The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Shared components include the rear suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic transmission's design, and a derivative of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The Chrysler 300 also features a double wishbone front suspension that is derived from the W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The basic 300 (or 300C in some countries) comes with standard 17-inch wheels, 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 (140 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6 engine. The vehicle comes with standard rear wheel drive and available all wheel drive. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008 and remains as the code-name for the platform.[4]
The Touring model uses a 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6, producing 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 ft·lb (340 N·m) of torque. It also has a 5-speed automatic transmission, and 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. This model was renamed Touring Plus for the 2009 and 2010 model years.[4]
The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating 250 hp (190 kW) and 250 ft·lb (340 N·m) mated to a high-performance five-speed Mercedes W5A580 automatic transmission with Autostick. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.
The top-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.[4] Using the Multidisplacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed in order to reduce total 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 eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp (250 kW) and 390 ft·lbf (530 N·m) torque. It uses a five-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 HEMI engine includes a pushrod induction tube, located on the side of the engine-block. This tube makes the 300C more fuel efficient and quicker, because of the air being "pulled and pushed" into the engine's induction area. The engine uses the HEMI, or double rocker configuration, with a cam-in-block, overhead valve (OHV) pushrod design. There are two spark plugs per cylinder to assure complete fuel/air mixture burn and decrease emissions.
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 20 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.
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 the 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 the Charger R/T's Road and Track Performance Group). Other options were included but are year dependent.
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 high 4-second range and quarter-mile time in the low 13-second range. 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 a rear lip spoiler.
The 300S is a limited edition of which 1,242 have been built. It includes all options of the SRT8 version but it is offered in 3.5L or 5.7L.300S
The 300C is sold in Europe and Australia as both a sedan and a station wagon. The station wagon is sold as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American sedan's "Touring" trim level) which shares much of its sheet metal aft of the c-pillar with the Dodge Magnum. The base Chrysler 300 is not sold in Europe, instead all cars come with the 300C bodystyle/interior and a choice of either V6, diesel or V8 gasoline powerplants. All 300C Touring models, along with European 300C sedans and right-hand drive models are built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
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 (163 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m) of torque and will soon be available with NOx BlueTec clean-diesel technology. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpg-US (8.98 L/100 km; 31.5 mpg-imp) City, 42.8 mpg-US (5.50 L/100 km; 51.4 mpg-imp) Highway and 34.9 mpg-US (6.74 L/100 km; 41.9 mpg-imp) on the combined cycle. Acceleration from 0-60 mph happens in 7.9 seconds while the top speed remains the same as the petrol V6 (140 mph (230 km/h)).
ASC created a convertible version of the Chrysler 300C, dubbed the ASC Helios 300, and unveiled it at the North American International Auto Show in early 2005. Despite rumors, Chrysler has confirmed that the vehicle will not be produced.
The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300 was a extended wheelbase version shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It added six inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment. Accubuilt.[5]
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. During its debut year, it was promoted as being one of the most awarded new cars ever.
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Group LLC |
|---|---|
| Also called | Lancia Thema |
| Production | 2011– |
| Assembly | Brampton, Ontario, Canada[1] |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | Chrysler LX platform |
| Engine | 3.6 L Pentastar V6 5.7 L HEMI V8 6.4L HEMI V8 3.0 L turbodiesel V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 8-speed 845RE automatic V6 [6] |
| Wheelbase | 120.0 in (3,048 mm) |
| Length | 198.6 in (5,044 mm) |
| Width | 74.1 in (1,882 mm) |
| Height | 58.4 in (1,483 mm) |
| Related | Dodge Charger Dodge Challenger |
A redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011. Exterior changes include a revised body, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, modified tail lights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grille. The car also features an updated version of the Chrysler brand's winged emblem, which dropped the blue ribbon center dating back to 1930s. Thinner roof pillars and a more raked windshield will contribute to improved visibility. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof will offer twice the outward visibility of an average sunroof. The new 300 has optional 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels. Interior upgrades included a new instrument panel with "soft-touch" materials throughout, 8.4 inch Uconnect Touch, new steering wheel and center console. Both seat-mounted and curtain side airbags were made standard.
The predecessors' 2.7- and 3.5-liter engines were replaced with Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine remained available with 363 horsepower. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 will also be available in Europe.[7]
The 2011 model is offered in Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD configurations. Touring and Limited trims will come with the Pentastar V6 while the 300C line will offer the 5.7. [8] A 300S trim was introduced in 2011 New York International Auto Show, which featured a blacked-out grille and headlamps, as well as 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, and a 300C Executive series. The 300S also includes a 10 speaker Beats Audio audio system.
The 300C will be marketed as Lancia Thema in all European markets except the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it will retain the Chrysler marque.[9]
An SRT8 version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, powered by a 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 engine. The 6.4 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles. With 465 hp (347 kW), the new 300 SRT8 can go from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the high 4 seconds range. [10]
In addition to the increase in power, the SRT8 will receive some exterior restyling to include a lower front fascia, large exhaust tips, removal of chrome trim (replaced with body color trim,) and large 20-inch aluminum wheels. The car is also lowered by a half-inch and rides on a new, sportier suspension. Lastly, the car gets a large Brembo brake package.[11]
| Chrysler | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power @ rpm | Torque @ rpm | Years |
| Touring | 3.6 V6 Pentastar | 3,604 cc (219.9 cu in) | 292 PS (215 kW; 288 hp) @ 6350 rpm | 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 4800 rpm | 2011- |
| Limited | |||||
| 300C | 5.7 V8 HEMI | 5,654 cc (345.0 cu in) | 363 PS (267 kW; 358 hp) @ 5150 rpm | 527 N·m (389 lb·ft) @ 4250 rpm | 2011- |
| 300 SRT-8 | 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 engine | 6,430 cc (392 cu in) | 471 PS (346 kW; 465 hp) | 630 N·m (460 lb·ft) | 2012- |
| "turbodiesel" | 3.0 V6 VM Motori | ||||
| Lancia | |||||
| Petrol | 3.6 V6 Pentastar | 3,604 cc (219.9 cu in) | 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) @ 6350 rpm | 340 N·m (250 lb·ft) @ 4650 rpm | 2011- |
| Diesel | 3.0 V6 VM Motori | 2,987 cc (182.3 cu in) | 190 PS (140 kW; 190 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 440 N·m (320 lb·ft) @ 1600-2800 rpm | 2011- |
| 239 PS (176 kW; 236 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 550 N·m (410 lb·ft) @ 1800-2800 rpm | ||||
The Lancia version was safety tested by Euro NCAP in autumn 2011 and got the following results:
| Euro NCAP test results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lancia Thema (2011)[13] | ||
| Test | Points | % |
| Overall: | ||
| Adult occupant: | 30 | 83% |
| Child occupant: | 38 | 77% |
| Pedestrian: | 21 | 59% |
| Safety assist: | 5 | 71% |
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2006[16] | 143,647 |
| 2007[16] | 120,636 |
| 2008[17] | 62,352 |
| 2009[18] | 38,606 |
| 2010[19] | 37,116 |
| 2011[20] | 36,285 |
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| Compact | LeBaron | PT Cruiser | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Town & Country | Town & Country | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | LeBaron (2-dr) | Sebring (2-dr) | Sebring (2-dr) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LeBaron conv. | Sebring conv. | Sebring conv. | Sebring conv. | 200 conv. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| E-Class | LeBaron GTS | LeBaron (4-dr) | Cirrus | Sebring (4-dr) | Sebring (4-dr) | 200 (4-dr) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LeBaron | Fifth Avenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full-size | Newport | Newport | Fifth Avenue | Concorde | Concorde | 300 | 300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Yorker | New Yorker | New Yorker | New Yorker | New Yorker | 300M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Town & Country | Imperial | LHS | LHS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Laser | Conquest | Prowler | Crossfire | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | Pacifica | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | Aspen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | TEVan | Voyager | Voyager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Town & Country | Town & Country | Town & Country | Town & Country | Town & Country | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousine | Executive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal luxury | Cordoba | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Imperial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GT | TC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| See also: List of Chrysler vehicles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Small family car | Delta I | Delta II | Delta III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | Beta | Prisma | Dedra | Lybra | Flavia II | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beta Trevi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | Gamma | Thema I | Kappa | Thesis | Thema II | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mini MPV | Musa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large MPV | Zeta | Phedra | Voyager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Racing car |
037 | Delta S4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beta Montecarlo Turbo | LC1 | LC2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
