The Chrysler 300 is a rear-wheel-drive, front-engine, full-sized luxury^[3][4] car manufactured and marketed by FCA US (and its predecessor companies) as a four-door sedan and station wagon in its first generation (model years 2005–2010) and solely as a four-door sedan in its second and current generation (model years 2011–present). The second generation 300 was marketed as the Chrysler 300C in the United Kingdom and Ireland and as the Lancia Thema in the remainder of Europe.^[5]

The 300 debuted as a concept at the 2003 New York International Auto Show with styling by Burke Brown and production starting in January 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Chrysler 300 was designed as a modern interpretation of the Chrysler C-300 (and the letter series Chryslers that followed), featuring a large grille, long hood and low roofline that was prominent on those vehicles. The styling retained many elements of the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car, such as chrome interior accents and tortoiseshell finishings on the steering wheel and shifter knob.^[12]

The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform with components derived from the Chrysler LH architecture. ^[13]

The basic 300 (or 300C in some countries) comes with standard 17-inch wheels, wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, single disc MP3 player, auxiliary input jack, power driver seat and a four-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in) EER V6 making 190 hp (142 kW). In Canada, it comes standard with the Touring model's 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6 engine. The vehicle comes with standard rear wheel drive and available all wheel drive. The basic 300 model was renamed to LX for 2008 and remains as the code-name for the platform.^[14]

The Touring model uses a 3,518 cc (3.5 L; 214.7 cu in) V6, producing 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) of torque, either a 4 or 5spd transmission depending on the year and drive configuration, and comes with 17-inch aluminium wheels, AM/FM radio with CD player and auxiliary audio jack, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), remote keyless entry, leather trimmed seats, and SIRIUS satellite radio. This model was renamed Touring Plus for the 2009 and 2010 model years.^[14]

The Limited model included the Touring model's 3.5 L V6 engine, generating 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) and either a 4 or 5 speed transmission depending on the year and drive configuration. Additional features included 18-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels, anti-roll bars.

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.^[14] Using the Multidisplacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed in order to reduce total fuel consumption. The USEPA-rated fuel consumption of the 300C is: 15 miles per US gallon (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp) city, and 23 miles per US gallon (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) highway. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can produce 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) of torque. It uses a five-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System in 2008 and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Backseat Television in 2008. The HEMI cylinder heads necessitate the use of a double rocker arm shaft configuration, with a cam-in-block, overhead valve (OHV) pushrod design. There are two spark plugs per cylinder to promote efficient fuel/air mixture burn and thereby reduce emissions. In 2009–2010 power output was increased to 360 hp (268 kW; 365 PS).

The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi engine producing 425 hp (317 kW; 431 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.^[15]

The 300C was sold in Europe, Australia, and Japan as both a four-door notchback sedan and a five-door station wagon. The five-door station wagon was sold as the 300C Touring (not to be confused with the North American notchback sedan's "Touring" trim level), which shared much of its sheet metal aft of the C-pillar and wheel designs with the Dodge Magnum. The base Chrysler 300 was not sold in Europe, instead all cars came with the 300C body style/interior and a choice of either V6 diesel or V8 gasoline powerplants. The economical Mercedes-based V6 diesel was popular in Europe, where gasoline prices are high. All 300C Touring models, along with European 300C sedans and right-hand drive models were assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria beginning in June 2005.^[16] Steyr insisted on upgrading suspension components to suit European tastes. Dodge Charger/Magnum wheels with Chrysler center caps were used instead of the distinct wheels used on Canada-assembled models. The five-door station wagon bodystyle was discontinued after the first generation.

In Europe and Australia, the 300C was available with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0 L diesel V6 engine (internal code OM642) rated 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) at 3800 rpm and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque at 1600 rpm. Fuel economy for the 300C diesel is rated at 26.2 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31.5 mpg‑imp) City, 42.8 mpg‑US (5.50 L/100 km; 51.4 mpg‑imp) Highway and 34.9 mpg‑US (6.74 L/100 km; 41.9 mpg‑imp) on the combined cycle. It can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds while the top speed remains the same as the gasoline V6 (140 mph (225 km/h)).

The 2008 UK models included the 300C SRT-Design model in sedan or Touring body, which included SRT 20-inch alloy wheels and wheel arch spats, chrome mesh grille, MyGIG satellite navigation, SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fiber interior details.^[17]

ASC created a convertible version of the Chrysler 300C, dubbed the ASC Helios 300, and unveiled it at the North American International Auto Show in early 2005. Despite rumours, Chrysler confirmed that the vehicle would not be produced.^[18][19]

The Walter P. Chrysler Executive Series 300 was an extended wheelbase version shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. It added 6 inches (152 mm) to the rear passenger compartment. Total wheelbase length was 126" for this edition.^[20]

Heritage Edition 300C The Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition debuted in 2006 and was a performance oriented trim that used the 5.7 Hemi and had styling cues from the Chrysler 300 "letter series" of the 1950s and the 1960s.^[21]

In the USA, the 300C enjoyed a wave of popularity in the mid-2000s, aided by celebrity owners (including US President Barack Obama,^[22]) and appearances in music videos. In 2004, rapper Snoop Dogg famously called then-Chrysler CEO, Dieter Zetsche, asking for his own 300C; he later appeared in a commercial for the car alongside Lee Iacocca.^[23] The 300C was ranked #12 in a Complex.com article, "The 25 Most Iconic Hip-Hop Cars" due to its popularity in many hip-hop music videos following its introduction.^[24] Chrysler 300 designer Ralph Gilles reflected on the vehicle's success in 2008, saying that the "300 turned out to be a bit of an icon for Chrysler".^[25]

In the UK, the BBC's Top Gear team described the 300C as "something different with a bit of kitsch gangster cool". They praised the spacious and well-equipped interior and the low price while criticizing the quality of materials, ride, steering and low engine torque.^[26] The first generation model was popular with British buyers who regarded it as the "poor man's Bentley".^[27]

On Hip-hop artist Drake's album Views, the song "Keep The Family Close" references the Chrysler 300 with the lyrics: "Always saw you for what you could've been / Ever since you met me / Like when Chrysler made that one car that looked just like the Bentley".^[28]

The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year.^[29] It was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for both 2005 and 2006.^[30][31] Automobile Magazine named it its Automobile of the Year.^[32]

It also won the North American Car of the Year award.^[33] It was voted Canadian Car of the Year by automobile journalists as the Best New Luxury Car.^[34]

Receiving numerous other recognitions during its debut year, it was promoted as being one of the most awarded new cars ever.^[35] The 300C was also included in the finalists for 2005 World Car of the Year, but final points total put it in fifth place equal to the BMW 1-series.^[36]

A significantly redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011 as a four-door sedan.

Exterior changes included revised sheet metal, thinner roof pillars, a more raked windshield, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, new taillights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grille with an updated version of the Chrysler winged brand emblem. Options included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and 20-inch polished-aluminium wheels.

The 2011 model was offered in Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD trim levels. Touring and Limited trims included the Pentastar V6, while the 300C line offered a standard 5.7 HEMI.^[38]

A new 300C Executive Series luxury trim level was introduced alongside a new 300S trim at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The sport themed 300S featured black treatment for grille and headlamps, 20-inch polished-face aluminium wheels with black painted pockets, 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system,^[39] and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.^[40] The Executive/Luxury Series was also sold in Europe, rebranded as the Lancia Thema from 2011–2014.

An SRT version was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, powered by a 6.4-litre 392 HEMI V8 engine. The 6.4 392 Hemi engine is also used in other Chrysler Group SRT vehicles. With 470 hp (350 kW), the new 300 SRT can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the low 4 second range.^[41]

In addition to the increase in power, the SRT receives specific exterior trim including a lower front fascia, large exhaust tips, body color instead of chrome trim and large 20-inch aluminium wheels. The car also gets a lowered, sportier suspension setup and a large Brembo brake package.^[42]

The 300 SRT (or SRT8) was discontinued for the 2015 model year in the United States, but is still sold as a police model (Chrysler Enforcer) in Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Contrary to past statements by Chrysler, the 300 SRT is still sold in left and right-hand drive abroad.^[43]

The predecessors' 2.7- and 3.5-litre engines were replaced with Chrysler's new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 hp (218 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine remained available with 363 hp (271 kW). A 3.0-litre VM Motori V6 turbodiesel is also available in Europe, and Australia.^[46] Beginning with model year 2012 all V6 models were equipped with the 8-speed 845RE Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission, licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen.^[47]

Interior changes included a revised instrument panel with localized "soft-touch" materials, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch, new steering wheel and center console, and standard leather seating on all trim levels. Both seat-mounted and curtain side airbags were standard.

In late 2014 a facelift version of the 300 was introduced. Changes include:

As part of the 2011 Chrysler 300 advertising campaign, three TV commercials were produced. "Homecoming" featured Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh driving through his rainy hometown of Portland, Oregon, in his new 2011 Chrysler 300, retracing his humble beginnings. "Attitude" featured John Varvatos seeking inspiration at a record store in Brooklyn and record under his arm and into his Chrysler 300. "Good Things" featured Dr. Dre driving through the streets of Los Angeles in a Beats by Dre equipped 2012 Chrysler 300.^[50]

The 'See It Through' TV commercial featured the Chrysler 300 and notable Detroit locals, including Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh and a poem written in 1917 by Edgar Guest titled "See It Through".^[51]

The Lancia version was safety tested by Euro NCAP in autumn 2011 and got the following results: