The modern-day Chrysler 300->ke937 was introduced in 2004, nearly four decades after the initial 300 "letter series" was discontinued. Bolted on the company's rear-wheel-drive LX platform with components from the W211-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class,->ke373 the 300 debuted with a host of V-6 and V-8 gasoline powerplants, plus a diesel unit for European markets. The full-size sedan->ke142 was redesigned for the 2011 model year, receiving many drivetrain and technology->ke1701 upgrades. The second-gen car received a facelift for 2015, which included a significantly modified front fascia among other features. As the refreshed sedan is being readied for U.S. dealerships, the first details of the third-generation model surfaced the Interwebz.

Set to arrive for the 2018 model year, the next Chrysler 300 will be conceived as a global vehicle, with the same bold exterior design that made it stand out in the full-size segment back in 2004, Chrysler head of design Ralph Gilles told Car Advice at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.->ke211 Read on for more details on the 2018 300.

Note: 2015 Chrysler 300 pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2018 Chrysler 300.

2018 Chrysler 300

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Chrysler 300
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

According to Gilles, the next-generation 300 will continue to have a unique presence. "In form or shape, the car’s always going to have its own aesthetic. Presence can come in many ways. The silhouette has to be unique. Whatever it is, wherever we end up, it has to be unique," he told Car Advice.

Although he declined to elaborate, Gilles did suggest the company is considering more than one design for the next-generation sedan. One thing is certain though, the redesigned 300 will retain some of the details that helped make the first-generation car an instant classic.

Interior

Gilles had nothing to say about the 300's new interior, but we expect a heavily redesigned cabin -- likely inspired from the 200's -- with added premium features, more soft-touch surfaces, and updated technology.

Drivetrain

The engine lineup is still a mystery, but V-6 and V-8 powerplants are likely on the table for 2018 as well. Whether Chrysler is developing brand-new engines or not, we expect the 300 to see improvements in both the output and fuel efficiency departments. The current 300 returns up to 31 mpg on the highway, placing it above both the Chevy Impala and the Ford Taurus.

Competition

Chevrolet Impala

Larger and more upscale than its predecessor, the 10th-generation Impala debuted for 2014 model year. The full-size sedan shares the same front-wheel-drive platform the Cadillac XTS and is available with a choice of three different powertrains.

The base model uses a 2.5-liter, inline-four engine that generates 195 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. The available 3.6-liter V-6 is rated at a more appealing 305 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The third powertrain option is a 2.4-liter with eAssist "hybrid" that cranks out 182 ponies and 172 pound-feet.

The Chevrolet Impala starts from $27,535, while the range-topping LTZ trim with the V-6 powerplant comes in at $36,580 before options.

Ford Taurus

Launched in 2010 and revised for the 2013 model year, the sixth-generation Ford Taurus won't be around to compete against the 2018 Chrysler 300. It's still unclear whether or not Ford plans to deliver a redesigned model or replace the nameplate altogether, but for 2015 the Taurus is available in three guises.

The entry-level sedan is powered by a naturally-aspirated, 3.5-liter V-6 that churns 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of twist. The available 2.0-liter, EcoBoost four-banger sends 240 ponies and 270 pound-feet to the wheels, while the twin-turbo, 3.5-liter, EcoBoost V-6, which is reserved for the range-topping SHO model, develops at 365 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Currently Ford’s largest sedan, the Taurus is priced from $26,780. The EcoBoost-powered, SHO version begins at $39,980.

Conclusion

It's way too early to draw a conclusion considering the lack of actual details, but it's great that Chrysler wants the same unique presence to highlight the next-gen model. The sedan made quite an impact with its classic look back in 2004; a trademark that's been making this nameplate stand out for more than a decade.