2012 Chrysler 300

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3999
City (MPG) 17
Hwy (MPG) 27
Horsepower 292@6350
Torque (lb-ft) 260@4800
Wheelbase 120.2
Length (in.) 198.6
Width (in.) 75.0
Height (in.) 58.4

Boasting a mix of high style, luxurious features and potent powertrains, the 300 is Chrysler 's flagship sedan. Offered with standard rear-wheel-drive or available rear-wheel-drive form, the full-size 300 can be had with a thrifty V6 that returns 31 mpg on the highway or a Hemi V8 with 363 horsepower. For the latest model year the 300 gains a Luxury Series trim level that brings a range of aesthetic touches in addition to a coddling, Italianate cabin.

Like its Dodge Charger platform mate, the latest 300 (which is also available in high-performance 300 SRT8 form) received a very thorough facelift that modernized the styling cues that gave the old car such a distinct street presence. With upgraded materials and a more cohesive dashboard design, the interior is also hugely improved, addressing what was often the biggest shortcoming of the previous model.

A sophisticated dashboard-mounted UConnect Touch infotainment system is set to take on Ford ’s MyTouch by offering numerous convenience and connectivity features. Chrysler says that the 8.4-inch screen - just over an inch smaller than an Apple iPad - is the largest standard screen in the segment.

Outside, the front end looks tones down the Bentley influences in favor of something a bit more chiseled and modern, and clearly has familial ties with its little brother Chrysler 200 sedan. The side sills were also reworked, and there are visible changes to the side window profile. The small triangle at the rear-side window is gone, resulting in an enlarged glass area, but a thin pillar appears to reduce the size of the roll-down portion of the side glass. The rear-end sports LED tail-lights, a reshaped trunk lid, and a reshaped rear bumper with integrated exhaust tips which are more a part of the rear styling.

Underpinning the latest 300 is Chrysler’s LY architecture — essentially a heavily reworked version of the outgoing LX chassis, though some components were carried over. In order to improve fuel economy, Chrysler employed a combination of improved aerodynamics, axle ratios and drivetrains for the latest 300. At the heart of the improvements is Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine.

Powertrain Lineup
Replacing both the mid-range 3.5 liter V6 and the boat-anchor entry-level 2.7-liter V6 of the old car is Chrysler’s 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, which serves up 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is teamed with a impressive eight-speed automatic supplied by ZF (and used in high-zoot luxury machines like the Audi A8 ) that facilitates good acceleration and noteworthy fuel economy: the benchmark zero-to-60 mph sprint is achieved in the mid-six second range and fuel economy is rated at 19/31 mpg. It should be noted that both figures reflect the standard rear-wheel drive car; the optional all-wheel-drive system slows the acceleration by a few ticks and decreases fuel economy to 18/27 mpg.

As with the outgoing car, the most powerful engine for the 300 (besides the 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT8) is the 5.7-liter Hemi in the 300C. This motor produces an ample 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, enough to push the big sedan from zero-to-60 mph in under six seconds. The motor is hooked up to a somewhat outdated (albeit Mercedes-Benz -designed) five-speed automatic, holding mileage to a still-decent 16/25 mpg. Adding all-wheel-drive reduces mileage to 15/23 mpg.

Trim Level Breakdown
The 300 is offered in no less than six different trim levels, ensuring that there will be a big Chrysler sedan for almost every purse and purpose.

The entry-level model, simply known as the 300, features the Pentastar/eight-speed auto powertrain combo and standard features including automatic dual-zone climate control, a keyless Enter’n Go system, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated fold-away mirrors, interior LED lights, a six-speaker CD/AM/FM sound system, the aforementioned Uconnect Touch media center, cloth seats with a power adjustable drivers seat and hills start assist.

The 300 Limited brings leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, voice activation for the Uconnect system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote start, fog lamps, six premium speakers with a 256-watt amp, chrome mirrors and a security system.

To those features, the 300 S V6 adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a 10 speaker sound system with a 526 watt amp, an 8.4-inch touch screen display, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, a touring suspension with performance tires, blacked headlamp bezels and a black-bar grille with a bright surround.

Stepping up the 300C brings the HEMI V8/five-speed gearbox combo in addition to perforated and leather seats that offer ventilation up front, heated second-row seats, genuine wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood trim, a back-up camera, heated and cooled cup holders, rain sensitive windshield wipers, SmartBeam intelligent headlights, power adjustable pedals and a power tilt/telescoping steering column.

The 300 S V8 brings the touring suspension, performance tires and steering-wheel-mounted shifter controls.

Highlights from the list of optional features include a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a blind-spot warning system.

Luxury Series
Distinguishing the exterior of the newly available top-spec Luxury Series from lesser 300s is a unique platinum-chrome finish applied to the mesh grille in addition to the door handles, mirror caps and other various trim pieces, while 19- or 20-inch polished wheels complete the look.

The real story, however, is the upgraded interior, which benefits from Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard, door panels and center console. 18-ounce Berber mats adorn the floor, while the seats are heated and cooled up front (rear passengers must make due with just the heating function). The steering wheel, which features metal paddle shifters, is trimmed in matching leather and features a unique chrome accent ring. Topping it all off is matte natural pore mocha wood trim.

The Luxury Series can be had with all of the powertrain configurations available on the normal 300.

Occupant Safety
The 300 is fitted as standard with dual front, front side and front and rear head airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, ABS and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
The Chrysler 300 faces competition from a range of full-size, semi-premium sedans including the Ford Taurus , the Hyundai Genesis , the Nissan Maxima , the Buick Lacrosse and the Toyota Avalon .

Similar Cars

left
right
    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Fullsize
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 3999 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 198.6 in.
    • Width: 75.0 in.
    • Height: 58.4 in.
    • Wheelbase: 120.2 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 4.7 in.
    • Front Track: 63.4 in.
    • Rear Track: 63.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 52/48
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 106.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 16.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): N/A
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 41.8 in.
    • Head Room: 38.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 59.5 in.
    • Hip Room: 56.2 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 40.1 in.
    • Head Room: 37.9 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 57.7 in.
    • Hip Room: 56.1 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 3.6L V6
    • Power: 292 hp @ 6350 rpm
    • Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
    • Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Wheels
    • Front: 17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: P215/65R17
    • Rear: 17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: P215/65R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: 1000 lbs
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      300

      • 3.6L Pentastar V6 24V VVT Engine+ 292 Horsepower and 27 hwy mpg+
      • 5-Speed AutoStick Transmission
      • Available All-Wheel Drive
      • 17-Inch Painted-Aluminum Wheels
      • Power Heated Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors
      • Halogen Projector Headlamps
      • Bright Exhaust Tips
      • 4.3-Inch Uconnect Touch Radio+
      • Premium Cloth Seats
      • Driver Seat w/ 8-Way Power Adjust

      Info
    • Close

      Limited

      • 3.6L Pentastar® V6 24V VVT Engine+ 292 Horsepower and 31 hwy mpg (RWD)
      • 8-spd Automatic Transmission
      • Available All-Wheel Drive
      • 18-Inch Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels
      • Fog Lamps
      • Bright Door Handles
      • Power Heated Chrome Exterior Mirrors
      • Uconnect Voice Command+ w/ Bluetooth Connectivity+
      • Six Premium Speakers with 256 Watt Amp
      • Luxury Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats

      Info
    • Close

      S V6

      • 3.6L Pentastar® V6 24V VVT Engine+ 8-spd Automatic Transmission
      • Available All-Wheel Drive
      • 20" Polished/Painted Alum Wheels - RWD
      • 245/45R20 BSW AS Performance Tires - RWD
      • 4 Whl Ind. Touring Suspension
      • Beatsâ?¢ Sound Group with 522 Watt
      • Amplifier and 10 Premium Speakers w/Subwoofer
      • 10 Premium Speakers w/Subwoofer
      • 8.4" Touch Screen Display
      • Black Headlamp Bezels
      • Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats

      Info
    • Close

      300C

      • 5.7L HEMI V8 MDS VVT Engine+ 363 Horsepower and 25 hwy mpg+
      • 5-Speed AutoStick Transmission
      • MDS fuel saving technology
      • Available All-Wheel Drive
      • Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
      • SmartBeam Intelligent Headlamps+
      • Uconnect Touch Media Center 8.4N/RB5+
      • Sirius Satellite Traffic and Travel Link+
      • Luxury Perforated Leather-Trimmed Seats
      • Ventilated Front Seats

      Info
    • Close

      S V8

      • 5.7L HEMI V8 MDS VVT Engine+ 5-Speed AutoStick Transmission
      • MDS fuel saving technology
      • Available All-Wheel Drive
      • 160 MPH Primary Speedometer
      • 20" Polished/Painted Alum Wheels - RWD
      • 19" Aluminum Polished Wheels
      • 245/45R20 BSW AS Performance Tires - RWD
      • 4 Whl Ind. Performance Suspension - RWD
      • Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
      • Power Multi-Function Fold-Away Mirror w/ Memory , Heating , Automatic Dimming, Automatic Adjust in Reverse

      Info

    Drivetrain

    Next
    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Powertrain

    • Close

      5-Speed Automatic Transmision

      • The high-performance W5A580 5-speed transmission provides an exceptionally smooth ride and shifting, while reducing fuel consumption.

      Info
    • Close

      8-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ E-Shifter

      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Engine Block Heater

      • 110V AC powered heater to warm the engine in cold temperatures, recommended for vehicles exposed to below zero temperatures.

      Info
    Next Back

    $0

    Interior

    • Close

      Uconnect Voice Command w/ Bluetooth

      • Communicate virtually hands-free with an in-vehicle, voice-activated system that allows you to talk using your Bluetooth-compatible phone.

      Info
    Next Back

  • Step 3 - Get a Local Quote

    Now that you have determined the standard retail price of your ideal Dodge Challenger R/T, use our Dealer Price Quote tool to see if you can get a better deal!

    • Zip Code
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Address
    • Phone
    • Email
    • Contact Me
    • Select

    This is a free service and you are under no obligation. Simply select your vehicle, provide basic contact information and you will receive your no hassle price quote from a trusted local dealer.

    Your information is not shared with third parties

    Back

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.