2011 Chrysler 300C
The Chrysler 300C launch is currently scheduled for early 2011. The preview is expected to take place in calendar-year 2010. CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly sent designers back to the drawing board when he saw the 2011 300C, demanding a more distinctive look; in any case, the company appears to be making last-minute changes to replace the Mercedes automatic transmission with something more desirable for those buying sedans.
Chrysler has had more latitude in building the second-generation LX than the first, which means:
- Far better interiors (journalists praised early drafts), matching the best sedans in the price range
- Lighter weights, but don’t bet on it
- Lower build costs
- Higher gas mileage; and rumors claim an eight-speed automatic is “possible” (but very unlikely)
New versions of the 2011 Chrysler 300 and 2011 Dodge Charger will be shown in calendar-year 2010, and will be made exclusively in Brampton, including models for sale in Europe. The revised Challenger may or may not lag the others. There has been no hint of a luxury version yet, but (speculation) it is possible that the 300 will be on a longer wheelbase than the Charger. (That would make room for the 200C).
Compared with the current LX series, the next generation — also termed LX (previously tagged LY) — will be:
- Aerodynamics. Less boxy. Not back to cab forward, but enough to improve noise, fuel economy, and make the cars more elegant. Charger will have more “retro cues” but will be recognizeably modern.
- More fuel efficient.
- Far better aerodynamics (Styling now reports to Engineering’s Frank Klegon)
- Modified axle ratios
- Phoenix engine — the 3.6 liter is supposed to provide 280 hp with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter — more quietly than the Toyota V6
- More gears in the transmission (an eight-speed was being studied but is unlikely).
- Better interiors. The next generation of full-sizers will set the standard for the rest of the brands in the divisions.
- Comfort features. New entertainment systems and driver comfort options.
- Improve on all-around performance.
General rumors
- SRT-8s were expected to eventually use a production version of the 392 (6.4) Hemi with about 450 hp and MDS for better gas mileage. This still appears to be in the works.
- The 300C was to be used as the basis for three Mercedes classes: E, CLS, and R (starting in 2010-2012). We don’t know that status of that deal and probably never will.
- The Challenger convertible is on indefinite hold. The Imperial seems to be dead for the moment along with the 200C four-door sedan.
- “Dodgeguy1961” reported the following engine list for the Chrysler 300 and 300C.
- 3.0 liter Phoenix V6 (possibly for export)
- 3.0 liter Mercedes turbodiesel V6 — same as the current version — possibly export-only
- 3.6 liter Phoenix V6 — we’d guess around 280 hp
- 5.7 liter Hemi MDS/VCT — we’d guess around 340-380 hp
- 6.4 liter Hemi (SRT) — we’d guess around 440-470 hp
- Transmissions are unknown and may not have been decided on. We expect the diesel to have a Mercedes five-speed automatic, as it will in the Grand Cherokee. Unless a surprise pops up, we’ve been told to expect the five-speed Mercedes automatic with the Hemi.