Chrysler 300 (2005-Present)

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car designed by Ralph Gilles and produced by Chrysler LLC. There have been many vehicles that have used this name, beginning in 1955 and continuing to this day. The current 300, full-size sport/luxury sedan was first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car then was introduced in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model. The new 300 was built to bring a high performance, sporty sedan to compete with other cars such as the Buick LaCrosse and the Mercury Montego. Unlike its competitors, the 300 is rear-wheel drive and offers comparable luxury at a lower price.

The 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum all share the 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 4-Matic all-wheel drive system. 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. Other honors include 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.

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 2.7L V6 making 190 hp. 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.

Touring

The Touring model uses a 3.5L V6, producing 250 hp and 250 ft·lbf 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.

Limited

The Limited model uses the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, which generates 250 hp and 250 ft·lbf. Additional features include 18 inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels and Chrysler's Dual-Zone Climate Control.

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 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. When all 8 cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp and 390 ft·lbf 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".

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 and Brembo brakes. It went on sale in February of 2005 and has a sticker price of US$42,695 as of 2006 plus the gas guzzler tax. Additional features include leather SRT-8 performance-embossed seats and 20-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels.

Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 2005-Present
Passengers: 5
Fuel Mileage: 14-28 MPG
Horsepower: 190-425 BHP
Torque: 190-420 LB-FT

List of some of the standard features:
A/C, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Cruise Control, AM/FM Audio, Tilt Wheel, Single CD, Power Seat, & Dual Front Airbags