The Chrysler 300 caused quite a stir when it was reintroduced for the 2005 model year. Wearing jaw-dropping sheet metal, the 300 pretty much carried the Chrysler division on its shoulders as the most interesting product in their lineup.
Six model years without any significant changes is a long period for a car, so the 300’s new skin for 2011 is most welcome. However, this time around the car’s gangster styling has been toned down a little.
It now exhibits a softer, more elegant presence with its flush but detailed headlights, additional chrome trim and slightly slimmer tail lamps. The car’s exterior has been thoroughly redesigned, but it’s still unmistakably a 300. With its gained notoriety, Chrysler's 300 is no longer in need of a more aggressive look. And they’re right.
Yeah, it’s still got a HEMI
A 300C obviously couldn’t be a 300C without a V8 engine. The 5.7L HEMI is back, producing 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque while connected to a 5-speed automatic with manual mode. Our test car also features optional all-wheel drive, which adds $2,000 to the MSRP.
From a standstill, the 300C AWD rips to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds flat and covers the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 160 km/h; that’s quick for a 4,500 lb sedan. The tranny works very well, downshifting quickly and keeping the engine simmering when you want it to.
However, at a steady 100 clicks the HEMI spins at 1,900 rpm, which is a tad fast for a big V8 with lots of torque. On a round trip from Montreal to Monticello, New York, the 300C delivered a fuel economy average of 9.9L/100km. An 8-speed automatic will be added to the 300 for 2012, but for the time being it will only serve duty with the 3.6L V6. We assume it will eventually be bolted onto the V8, which should logically lower fuel consumption.
Handling-wise, the 300C is a bit of a head scratcher. Not that it can’t stay planted on the road, but when it enters a curve the big Chrysler seems reluctant to comply and understeers a little -- then it follows orders, cornering as you want it to. This all happens very quickly, and it’s not a big deal, really. We don’t expect the 300C to be a twisty country-road carver either.
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| The 2011 Chrysler 300 now flaunts a softer, more elegant look. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Six model years without any significant changes is a long period for a car, so the 300’s new skin for 2011 is most welcome. However, this time around the car’s gangster styling has been toned down a little.
It now exhibits a softer, more elegant presence with its flush but detailed headlights, additional chrome trim and slightly slimmer tail lamps. The car’s exterior has been thoroughly redesigned, but it’s still unmistakably a 300. With its gained notoriety, Chrysler's 300 is no longer in need of a more aggressive look. And they’re right.
Yeah, it’s still got a HEMI
A 300C obviously couldn’t be a 300C without a V8 engine. The 5.7L HEMI is back, producing 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque while connected to a 5-speed automatic with manual mode. Our test car also features optional all-wheel drive, which adds $2,000 to the MSRP.
From a standstill, the 300C AWD rips to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds flat and covers the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 160 km/h; that’s quick for a 4,500 lb sedan. The tranny works very well, downshifting quickly and keeping the engine simmering when you want it to.
However, at a steady 100 clicks the HEMI spins at 1,900 rpm, which is a tad fast for a big V8 with lots of torque. On a round trip from Montreal to Monticello, New York, the 300C delivered a fuel economy average of 9.9L/100km. An 8-speed automatic will be added to the 300 for 2012, but for the time being it will only serve duty with the 3.6L V6. We assume it will eventually be bolted onto the V8, which should logically lower fuel consumption.
Handling-wise, the 300C is a bit of a head scratcher. Not that it can’t stay planted on the road, but when it enters a curve the big Chrysler seems reluctant to comply and understeers a little -- then it follows orders, cornering as you want it to. This all happens very quickly, and it’s not a big deal, really. We don’t expect the 300C to be a twisty country-road carver either.
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| The 5.7L HEMI V8 is still offered, producing 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |