Chrysler’s full-size sedan, the 300, started production back in 2005 after appearing as a concept at the 2003 New York Auto Show. Available in five different variants (LX, Touring, Limited, 300C, and SRT8), the Chrysler 300 can be a steady family car or a more powerful people pusher.
At the bottom of the engine lineup is the tamer 2.7L V6 engine with only 178hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, as well as the second V6 option with a larger 3.5L displacement that produces 250hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Picking up the pace is the 5.7L V8 engine that’s provides 360hp and 389+ lb-ft of torque, but the bad boy of the group – belonging to the SRT8 – is the 6.1L V8 pushing out 425hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to either a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission.
For 42 years, the Essen Motor Show has been regarded as one of the biggest – if not the biggest – car tuning show in Germany.
While the show has seen some of the most remarkable range of perfectly-tuned supercars, tuning cars, classics, F1 cars and so many more, there are those rare occasions when a car shows up and draws attention for the wrong reasons.
This year, a number of attention-grabbing rides were present, but none drew as many curious looks as this pink Chrysler 300C.
Sporting a Bizzaro Hello Kitty – appropriately dubbed ‘Hello Bitchy’, with matching eye patch to boot – on the front doors, the pink Chrysler 300C is definitely something that ought to have come straight from Paris Hilton’s garage. Making things a little more creepy…err…interesting, the car also comes with tinted windows, a large ‘69’ – what else could it be? – on the front hood, a police siren on top, and a list of names on the side panel of people that have ‘presumably’ taken a ride in the car.
We won’t spare any more details because we’re pretty sure your imaginations are doing it for you.
In an attempt at a bit of viral video marketing, Ford showed this video to a group of journalists at the recent launch of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. The drag pits Ford’s factory tuned flagship model against an upscale Audi A6 with Quattro all wheel drive and a Hemi powered Chrysler 300. Which do you think won?
What’s interesting is that Ford is playing up the four wheel drive and V8-like capabilities of the new for 2010 SHO, but what would have happened if Ford put their best four door sedan up against an Audi S6 or an SRT-8. Either way, the blue oval group proved that a boosted V6 can outrun a V8, and use less gas while doing it.
Last week the American automotive giant, Chrysler, launched a new global Corporate Advertising Campaign promoting their future line up of vehicles. Models highlighted in the campaign are the Chrysler Voyager minivan, 300C sedan, Dodge Journey crossover and the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Judging by the photo we can see the design team Is hard at work restyling the rear end of the 300C for 2011, and it clearly looks like an improvement over the current offering. But in order to get a better idea of where Chrysler is going with their design language, check out the Dodge 200C EV Concept that was unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show.
The 2009 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Avenger come with new entry-level models, improved fuel economy and better equipment.
The Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan features standard leather interior, heated seats, power front driver seat and tortoiseshell accents, as well as chrome and brushed trim accents and is priced $23,380 with the fuel-efficient 30 mpg, 2.4-liter I-4 engine.
For the Chrysler 300 the new entry model is the Touring Edition with a base price of $27,41. The WPC Touring Signature Edition is priced at $31,825 and comes with 18" chrome clad wheels, touring ride control, 60/40 rear folding seat, power adjustable pedals, Unlimited Powertrain Warranty. The 300 Limited has a MSRP of $36,035. The 300C, powered by the 5.7-liter V-8, has a MSRP of $37,585.
The Avenger lineup now includes only three models: R/T powered by a 30 mpg 2.4-liter I-4 engine and priced at $22,790. The R/T version powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engineis priced $1,160 less than the previous R/T 3.5-liter model. The Avenger SXT is the new entry-level model with a base MSRP of $21,255.
Chrysler models are no longer a hit among customers and that’s not a secret anymore: sales are down 25 percent this year. To further complicate the situation, although all modes will be priced about $500 higher next year, there are few new products besides the Ram truck scheduled for 2009. So, there next opportunity for true rebound is 2010.
In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed that Chrysler’s full renaissance is two years away. "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances," Nardelli said. "I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong."
The company is also working on a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Nissan-made small car in 2010. The automaker also has announced plans to begin selling a hybrid version of its Dodge Ram in 2010. Last week, Chrysler unveiled three electric-drive vehicles, one of which will be ready for market by the end of 2010.
