Chrysler 300 (modern) (United States of America, 2011-present)

In 2011, the second generation of the modern Chrysler 300 was launched and took the flagship position in Chrysler's model line-up.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 is produced at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada) and arrived to the market in the first quarter of 2011.

For 2012, the model got a number of updates, the most important being a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exteriror

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 received an all-new grille with seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge contrast against the bright-chromed grille surround. “Key slot” headlamps with a scalloped lower edge, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a “C” shape.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the proportions of its predecessor with added design elements. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the Chrysler luxury flagship’s windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility.

Impoving the all-new Chrysler 300 sedan’s rear-view presence is an integrated deck-lid lip spoiler with the new Chrysler wing badge centered below. Rear taillamps feature LED illumination, while “light pipes” illuminate the car at nighttime. Straddling the vertical lamps, Chrysler 300 sedan’s rear fascia integrates a chrome appliqué that connects the taillamp elements. Hinting at the flagship sedan’s performance are two fascia-mounted oval dual exhaust tips.

Interior

The 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s interior recived upgrades, such as soft touch materials, premium interior trim, available heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and real wood appliqués on the instrument panel, doors, center console and steering wheel.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan features cast-skin instrument and door panels with three-dimensional dual gloss graining. Bright chrome contrast with satin chrome accents, a new instrument cluster features two large gauge faces with Sapphire Blue illumination and chrome ring accents. An all-new Sapphire Blue LED illuminates the interior.

New seats were engineered and include a serpentine (S-shaped) spring suspension, new front-seat backs with four-way lumbar system that actuates up/down and fore/aft, and variable density foams applied in the lower seat, seat back, and bolsters.

2011 Trims

The 2011 Chrysler 300 series sedans are available in the United States in four models: Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD.

2011 Luxury and SafetyTec

In addition, the Luxury and SafetyTec Groups provide customers with high-value content and innovative technology.

The 2012 Chrysler 300S V-6 and V-8 models come with larger 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, all-season performance tires, touring-tuned (performance-tuned with HEMI® V-8 engine) second-generation E-segment chassis architecture with 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel than the entry-level 300 model.

Body-color fascia accents and mirrors, and black-accented headlamp with matching horizontal grille blades in black chrome replace bright chrome to give the 2012 Chrysler 300S.

The interior of Chrysler 300S models comes with 12-way power driver and passenger front seats with large-bolstered and heated monotone cloth sport seats surrounded by an interior environment in black. Piano Black on interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements provide a lacquered appearance. Completing the interior are matte carbon hydrographic finished accents, replacing traditional burl wood.

Chrysler 300S V-6
The 2012 Chrysler 300S V-6 model features the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar engine delivering 292  horsepower through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The driver can utilize all-new steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to manually select the desired gear.

Chrysler 300S V-8

The 2012 Chrysler 300S V-8 is packed with a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine including Fuel Saver Technology, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Auto Stick, performance-tuned suspension and larger performance disc brakes.

Chrysler 300S V-6 and V-8 AWD models

The Chrysler 300S V-6 and V-8 all-wheel-drive (AWD) models utilize 19-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, P235/55R19 All-season performance tires and the active transfer case and front-axle disconnect AWD system.

The 2012 Chrysler 300S letter-series models arrived at Chrysler dealerships in the fall of 2011.

300C Luxury Series (since MY 2012)

The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series includes an either Mochachino or Black Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Two-tone Mochachino or Black seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Specially selected Natural Pore Mocha or Natural Pore Gray real wood trim is finished in a low-gloss to enhance the beauty of the wood.

On the exterior, the Chrysler luxury flagship replaces chromed fascia, mirror and door handle accents with a platinum chrome finish.

Available in rear-wheel drive or with the segment’s most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series models arrived at Chrysler dealerships in the fall of 2011.

Pentastar V-6

Delivering 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous 2.7-liter entry-level engine, the new Pentastar V-6 engine also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent), and 10 lb.-ft. more torque compared to the previous 3.5-liter V-6.

Eight-speed automatic transmission (since MY 2012)

For the 2012 model year, the Chrysler 300 and 300S (V-6) and 300 Limited, received a new ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission. The new gearbox is combined with the 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.

The addition of three more gear ratios in the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.

5.7-liter HEMI® V-8

The 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 Engine with Fuel Saver Technology deliverd 363 horsepower, 0-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg. In addition, the engine’s Fuel Saver Technology allows for transition between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. When running in four-cylinder fuel saver mode, the engine delivers up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency.

All-wheel Drive (AWD) System

The 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD model features an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy. The Chrysler 300C AWD sedan’s AWD system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy.

AWD for Pentastar V-6 Chrysler 300 models (since MY 2012)

In 2008, the AWD was also introduced on the new Pentastar V-6 powered 2012 Chrysler 300 models.

The new 2011 Chrysler 300 features Chrysler Group’s new second generation E-segment architecture with redesigned front- and rear-suspension geometry and new suspension hardware.

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD delivers all-weather handling and a lowered ride height for a more tailored appearance. The 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD features a 0.5-inch (13 mm) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a 0.15-inch (4 mm) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with wider P235/55R19 all-season performance tires.

The second generation Chrsysler 300 is based on a new ultra-rigid structural design. Its unibody packages material and structural design improvements include two composite underbody panels that provide acoustic insulation, dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners, all helping to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin.

Best-in-class 292 Horsepower with All-new Aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine

Engineered to provide exceptional in-town and highway efficiency and performance, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models feature the newest powertrain from the automaker – the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. When compared to the previous V-6 engines, fuel economy is improved by up to 8 percent with EPA-ratings of 18 city /27 highway.

Uconnect® Touch

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s Uconnect® Touch integrates infotainment and convenience technologies, from touchscreen navigation to dual-zone climate controls, to the ability to check fuel prices and personalize convenience features.

Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models come standard with the Uconnect Touch 8.4 model. The premium Uconnect Touch 8.4N model is available on the Chrysler 300 Limited and standard on the Chrysler 300C and 300C AWD models and includes the Garmin® navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link with real-time fuel prices, movie listings, sports updates and weather.
 

Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ (since MY 2012)

Originally revealed on the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300S models, Beats by Dr. Dre technology is available on the 300 Limited, 300C and new 300C Luxury Series.

Standard on 2012 Chrysler 300S models, and available on 2012 Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C and 300C Luxury Series models, the Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology includes a 522-watt 12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, creating the high-definition sound required in professional recording studios. Three 3.5-inch speakers are located in the instrument panel and two 3.5-inch speakers are located in the rear doors. Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass, while two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio. An 8-inch Beats Audio trunk-mounted dual-voice coil subwoofer with sealed enclosure delivers powerful bass.

Top Safety Pick

The 2011 Chrysler 300 was named a Top Safety Pick by the North American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The new Chrysler flagship received ‘good’ ratings, in all four categories.

Safety Systems

The 2011 Chrysler 300 features more than 70 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support.

SafetyTec Group

Chrysler brand’s SafetyTec Group is available on the 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD models and packages features including adaptive-forward lighting (AFL), high-intensity discharge (HID) projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with adaptive-cruise control (ACC), Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense® front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp (300 Limited adds HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® headlamps to the package group).

Standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced protection in the event of a collision.

The 2011 Chrsysler 300 is produced at the Brampton plant.

In preparation for the launch of the Chrysler 300 series sedans, employees at Chrysler Group LLC’s Brampton Assembly Plant, located outside of Toronto, began transforming the facility as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM).

To improve the quality of theChrysler 300 sedans, a new Metrology Center was installed at Brampton. The Metrology Center employs more than 30 people, who are responsible for measurement and validation of the body geometry. The tools within the Metrology Center are used to verify the capability of the vehicle’s entire sheet metal structure. The aim is to identify possible deviations between the product and the process.