2011 Chrysler 300C cars

Updated Sept 6 2010

The Chrysler 300C launch is currently scheduled for November 30, 2010. Two sources have now said that the images of the upcoming 300 are not what the car looks like, though they came from the five year plan presentation and images shown behind a Lancia Delta at the Detroit auto show.)

Comparing spy shots of a partly camouflaged mule with the existing 300, the major noticeable differences are the handles being moved down and a more aerodynamic front clip. Chrysler appears to be switching from the blocky side profile of the first generation to a “Euroluxury” curved sideline look. It reinforces the possibility that the following photo is accurate.

New and exclusive. oh2o wrote that “You have seen in some of the spy photos of the new Charger and new 300, a large screen in the center dash. Chrysler is going to launch a new series of large-screen radios in several 2011 models, which will feature an 8.4" touch screen, with and without navigation. The new radios will be offered in the 2011 Dodge Charger, 2011 Chrysler 300, and 2011 Dodge Journey. The new screens can be seen in recent interior spy shots of the vehicles, which has brought up the question of what will be put in the large space for vehicles that would come with standard radios; no basic radios will be offered. The 8.4" non-nav touch-screen radios will be standard and the 740N navigation version will be an option on some models and standard on others.”

Pricing data from a yet-unconfirmed source suggests that the 300 will start at around $33,000, in Touring form; the Limited adds nearly $7,000, and the 300C checks in at a starting price of around $42,000. AWD, available only on 300C, adds around $2,200.

How close is the photo above? A source said, “The lines have been refined. They focused on the weaknesses. The grille was addressed. The interior is different from the spy shots now, the steering wheel is a little different, and the speedometer is more refined. The gauge cluster looks like a contemporary Swiss watch.”

On the inside, we were told not surprisingly to expect much better materials, fit, and finish. The flat instrument cluster and straight, square dashboard have been replaced, with the new one having more contours and curves, with contrasting materials in both color and texture. Blind-spot detection is also in the works for all upper level Chrysler cars and multipurpose vehicles, along with other new-to-Chrysler safety features.

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” (as a late introduction. This would be a joint venture automatic shared with other automakers.)
• Europeans will, according to “mrmopar,” get a 3.0 V6 VM Motori diesel instead of the Mercedes V6 diesel, but it will still use the W5A580 transmission.

New versions of the 2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, 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
  • Pentastar V6 engine — the 3.6 liter provides 290 hp with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter — more quietly than the Toyota V6. The 300 might have higher horsepower than the Grand Cherokee.
  • More gears in the transmission (an eight-speed was being studied but is unlikely). A six-speed automatic might be used — or all models might use the Mercedes-designed WA580 until the supply contract expires. (See below for a later rumor.)
• 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 will eventually use a production version of the 392 (6.4) Hemi with about 450 hp and MDS for better gas mileage. This might be used at launch.
• 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 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; a year or so later, he was vindicated by the presence of these engines in the Five Year Plan:
• 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 290 hp
• 5.7 liter Hemi MDS/VCT — we’d guess around 360 hp
• 6.4 liter Hemi (SRT) — we’d guess around 440-470 hp
• Transmissions are unknown and may not have been decided on. The W5A580 5-speed automatic will be the only transmission offered when the 2011 Chrysler 300C is launched. Two rumors are currently floating — one that a ZF-designed, joint-venture-built eight-speed automatic will eventually join the fleet, and one that Chrysler is working on or licensing a seven-speed variant of the W5A580. The latter would presumably be less disruptive and require fewer tooling changes and less training of dealer mechanics, and would presumably share many parts and require less of the electronics people.

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