Chrysler 300 -

The 300 name made a brief reapparance in 1979, as a limited special ion Chrysler Cordoba. This 300 had non-functional fender vents, red, white, and blue pin stripes, and High Output 360 c.i. engine(the most powerful engine in the lineup in 1979, as the 400 V8 production ended with the 1978 model year). It was mated to a special 3-speed automatic transmission with heavy duty clutches, a higher stall converter, and a higher shift point due to the governor installed. A number of mechanical changes and upgrades were part of this package. They included the Police Package of performance options that included heavy duty suspension, a 9 1/4 rear axle(sometimes with a Sure-Grip limited-slip differential)with a 3.21 to 1 gear ratio, the E58 Engine(360 cubic inches, four barrel Carter Thermoquad carburetor producing 195 horsepower), and a splattering of 300 badges and decals everywhere one would look. Inside, the standard leather interior in red, a center console floor shift, and the unique turned metal dash effect, along with a factory tachometer in the dash next to the speedometer opening. The cars came with dual exhaust and alloy wheels unique to this model. Most of the cars were white; however, a handful of red cars were produced for Canadian sale. Surprisingly, the car was a fairly good performer in its time, as 1979 was not exactly a banner year for muscle cars, and the emissions equipment really strangled the engines of that time period. One test showed that it actually outperformed many of the real 300's of lore. These cars are highly underrated, and are collectable sleepers. Only 3811 were produced. They come up on eBay from time to time, and are still quite reasonably priced. Very few options were available on these cars; the most notable were the T-top roof and the moonroof.
1999 300M Main article: Chrysler 300M
2005 300/300C Vehicle Type Transmissions( depending on engine options) Fuel Economy Front engine, rear-or 4 wheel drive, 4 door, 5 passenger Sedan14-21 miles per gallon (mpg)
Chrysler 300 TouringThe european 300C station wagon.
The current 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. The current 300 was designed by Ralph Gilles.
The new 300 was built to bring a high performance, sporty sedan to compete with the likes of the Buick LaCrosse and the Mercury Montego (launched at the same time as the 300). Unlike the LaCrosse and Montego, the 300 is rear-wheel drive and offers comparable luxury at a lower price. 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 European 300C models are built in Graz, Austria, as are all station wagon and right hand drive models. The 300C is also sold in Australia, the first large Chrysler sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981.
The new 300 is offered in five versions: the basic entry-level 300, the Touring version, a more luxurious Limited model, the top-of the line 300C, and the performance-oriented SRT-8.
The basic 300 comes standard with 17 in (432&# mm) alloy wheels, 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, the basic 300 comes standard with the Touring model's 3.5&# L V6 engine.
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 foglamps, yaw control, and other luxury appointments.
The top-line 300C version uses a 5.7&# L Hemi V8. This engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed, reducing 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 (254&# kW) and 390&# ft·lbf (529&# N·m) torque.
The car has become a genuine hit for Chrysler. It is priced below similar rear wheel drive, high-performance V8 sedans from other marques, and shrewd product placement in several hip-hop videos have helped establish it as a cool and desirable vehicle. The car is sometimes referred to as the baby Bentley by those who feel it resembles current cars in the British luxury line and the styling represents a striking similarity to the Rover P5 also of Britain. Media reports have indicated sales approaching 10,000 per month and shortages developing[citation needed]. In fact, one account had rapper Snoop Dogg leaving a message for Chrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche saying, What I gotta do to get that brand-new C outta you?.
The 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum all share the Chrysler LX platform, which features components derived from the discontinued 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. Some European versions will get a four-wheel drive version; the UK will probably not.
Chrysler is reportedly planning to update the 300 for the 2009 model year.
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.The chrysler 300 won the award for the most practical bussiness car in 2005 and 2006 with its decent gas mileage and all around fun car to drive.
SRT-8Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Chrysler introduced a special 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) 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. BlueTec
In Europe, the 300 is available with a 3.0 L diesel V6 engine developed by DaimlerChrysler with BlueTec technology: 3.0&# L CRD turbodiesel V6, 160&# kW (218&# hp DIN) and 510&# N·m (376&# ft·lbf)
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.
Extended Wheelbase
The Extended Wheelbase version of the 300 was shown for the first time at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It has 6 inches of extra length, which has been added to the rear passenger compartment. The extended wheelbase model will be built by Accubilt, 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.[1]
The extended wheelbase 300 competes with the Lincoln Town Car for the demand of the American livery market.
Proposed coupe and convertible
Chrysler is reportedly considering creating hardtop coupe and convertible versions of the 300. The convertible will most likely have four doors, something that hasn't been done since the 1967 Lincoln Continental. The idea of the convertible is based on the ASC Helios 300, shown at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2005. As of August 1, 2006, it has been confirmed by Chrysler sources that the ASC Helios will not be produced. However, a convertible version of the 300 is available from Coach Builders Limited located in High Springs, Florida. [1]
Popular culture Driven by Harrison Ford in the movie Firewall, as the car of a head security executive for a global bank. Driven by Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland in the movie The Sentinel, as the car of senior special agents of the Secret Service. Comedian Katt Williams refers to the Chrysler 300, saying that people buy them because they look like a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Driven by a group of gangsters, led by a character played by Ed Harris, in the film A History of Violence