In 2004, the Chrysler 300 was unveiled as the company’s flagship model. It shared the same platform as the Dodge Magnum, Challenger, and Charger.
Enthusiasts had been introduced to the 300 and Magnum SRT-8 concept cars, and their production had been anticipated from the outset. The production 300 remained virtually unchanged from the prototypes.
Chrysler 300 overview
The Chrysler 300 lineup included the 300, 300 Touring, 300 Limited, and 300C. The 300 was equipped with a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 190 hp, while the 300 Touring and 300 Limited featured a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine rated at 250 hp. The 300C, on the other hand, boasted a 5.7-liter OHV Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation.
This engine’s combination of power and fuel efficiency, thanks to the cylinder deactivation system, was particularly impressive. All models except the 300C were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 300C received a 5-speed unit.
Design and Engineering
The Chrysler 300 had a distinctive appearance, with its imposing dimensions of 4,999 mm in length and 1,822 mm in width. The grille was often compared to a skull. Notably, the Chrysler 300 shared components with E-Class models from Daimler-Benz, another company within the DaimlerChrysler group. This engineering synergy contributed to the car’s excellent handling and reliability, characteristics typically associated with European vehicles. Later, an SRT8 variant with a 6.1-liter V8 engine was added to the lineup.
The Chrysler 300 was incredibly well-received and was named the North American Car of the Year in 2005.
