2008 Chrysler 300

The 300 began as Chrysler's return to the rear-wheel-drive sedan segment, but quickly became the automaker's most recognizable product, thanks to some daring styling courtesy Ralph Gilles and Freeman Thomas.

The 300 is built on Chrysler's LX platform, which also underpins the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Magnum. It was derived from the 1996 to 2002 Mercedes E-Class architecture -- a result of the now defunct DaimlerChrysler merger.

The rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 LX is equipped with a 2.7-liter V6 engine providing 178 hp at 5500 rpm and 190 pound-feet of torque at 4000.

A 3.5-liter High Output V6 engine featured on the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 Touring and Chrysler 300 Limited models provides 250 hp at 6400 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque at 3800 rpm.

The 300C rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models feature the modern 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine equipped with a Multi-displacement System (MDS). MDS seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders when V8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy as much as 20 percent.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine provides 340 hp at 5000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4000. The HEMI-powered 2008 Chrysler 300C can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The interior of the Chrysler 300 was updated for 2008 in response to some criticisms from consumers and the press. It now features a new instrument panel and center console design, highlighted with silver bezels. Soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels, and a newly designed and relocated cruise control stalk, have been added to improve comfort.

The 300 can be ordered with adaptive cruise control, Sirius Satellite Radio, a DVD-based Navigation System, a 20 gigabyte MyGIG hard drive for storing music, a rear-seat entertainment system, Sirius back-seat TV, and the UConnect hands-free cellphone system.