Chrysler News: Chrysler Shows A Plusher Side Of The 300

[Intrepidation]

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Chrysler is moving on up with their new 300 by offering a new Luxury Series trim level that brings forth more plushness and luxury.

The outside of the 300 Luxury Series differs from other 300s with a unique platinum-chrome finish applied to the mesh grille in addition to the door handles, mirror caps and other various trim pieces. Nineteen or twenty-inch wheels complete the look.

Inside, the seats, dashboard, door panels and center console are wrapped in Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather upholstery. The steering wheel is also wrapped in the same upholstery and is featured with metal paddle shifters and a unique chrome accent ring. The floor is lined with 18-ounce Berber mats. Topping it all off is matte natural pore mocha wood trim.

Pricing for the 300 Luxury Series begins at $40,970 for the Pentastar V6 and $43,720 for the HEMI V8. Want AWD? That raises prices to $43,320 for the V6 and $46,070 the V8. (All prices include an $825 destination charge.)

Press Release is on Page 2

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All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever

• All-new 300 Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency
  
• Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement – all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever
  
• Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission
  
• Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar^® V-6 engine
  
• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models start at $40,145 and arrive in the first-quarter of 2012
  

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Dec 27, 2011 - Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with Pentastar^® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.

"The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It's fitted with a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars – all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber’ best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg.”

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series expands the Chrysler flagship sedan lineup further with a fuel-efficient V-6 engine option, in addition to the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with its powerful 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology.

World-class luxury with expressive styling details

The all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series are the most highly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau^® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel — with all-new die-cast paddle shifters — features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face (rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, 19-inch with all-wheel drive (AWD) and painted pocket aluminum wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance.

Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect^® Touch 8.4N with Garmin^® navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink universal transceiver and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Available in RWD or with the segment’s most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the first-quarter of 2012. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of these Chrysler 300 models is:

• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
  
• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
  
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
  
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245
  

Democratization of technology: segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission

Once available only on premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and delivers class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to:

• Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg)
  
• Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 city and 27 highway mpg)
  
• Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 with RWD, 21 with AWD)
  
• Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD)
  
• Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class (19 city and 31 highway mpg with RWD)
  

The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Delivering up to a 17 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series AWD combines the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the segment’s most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency.

Chrysler 300’s AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.

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[fullmoon97]

i love the subtle details like the grill, the mirros. but i am in LOVE with the interior. the two toned leather, the contrasting stitching, but the real wood trim takes the cake. it dont get any better then this boys! the attention to detail is amazing

[FAPTurbo]

They should lop off 'Luxury Edition' and put Imperial in its place. This car is totally deserving of being called a 300 Imperial. It'd also build some real cachet for the Imperial brand and potentially lead to a completely new luxury sedan called the Imperial in the future.

[Robert Hall]

Love the look of the house in the background also. Is this the same as the 'Executive' series that was previously announced, or above that?

[ocnblu]

Nice car!

[Robert Hall]

They should lop off 'Luxury Edition' and put Imperial in its place. This car is totally deserving of being called a 300 Imperial. It'd also build some real cachet for the Imperial brand and potentially lead to a completely new luxury sedan called the Imperial in the future.

They should do a LWB version w/ some different lighting and grille as an Imperial. The previous generation had a commerical-use LWB version.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Absolutely love this trim level. I especially like the matte wood.

[Drew Dowdell]

They should lop off 'Luxury Edition' and put Imperial in its place. This car is totally deserving of being called a 300 Imperial. It'd also build some real cachet for the Imperial brand and potentially lead to a completely new luxury sedan called the Imperial in the future.

Absolutely!

[Drew Dowdell]

This is totally the car I would get if I were back in the market again for a lux sedan. Unfortunatly (sorta) the next vehicle will either have to be a truck or small CUV for Albert and I get the CR-V for a work vehicle.

[Intrepidation]

I really like this new trim level. It looks extremely luxurious. Love the interior, from the color scheme to the hand sanded wood to the high grade leather. It looks like a modern take on old world luxury.

I also really like the dark brown, combined with the grill, satin mirrors and the very nice wheels it looks properly luxurious.

[balthazar]

I've been bitching about the 'buried in plastic' wood in modern cars for a decade now- so nice to see actual texture making it's way back!

I like a number of the details here, but I would vote for more separation of features/details before using the nameplate Imperial again.

[daves87rs]

Wow! Nice.....

[ocnblu]

Puts Cadillac to shame when versed against the Xtra Too Skinny. Plusher than a Lincoln My Kar Sux. Conclusion: this is the nicest American luxury sedan on the market.

[ZL-1]

Nice! Love the interior.

What's the difference between the funky gearshift and the gated one, btw?

[Drew Dowdell]

I've been bitching about the 'buried in plastic' wood in modern cars for a decade now- so nice to see actual texture making it's way back!

I like a number of the details here, but I would vote for more separation of features/details before using the nameplate Imperial again.

When did the wood in cars last have texture? (outside of Rolls and Jaguar)

[fullmoon97]

Nice! Love the interior.

What's the difference between the funky gearshift and the gated one, btw?

one is for the 6 speed auto the other is for the 8 speed i believe. i dont know how each one FUNCTIONS differently tho.

[the_yellow_dart]

Can't believe they still make this hideous thing. Time to euthanize!

[fullmoon97]

Can't believe they still make this hideous thing. Time to euthanize!

im sorry but are you blind? what would you consider an elegant car?

[Drew Dowdell]

The high end ones really turn my eye.

[balthazar]

When did the wood in cars last have texture? (outside of Rolls and Jaguar)

Well, you know me & my preferred frame of reference...

My '64 GP has a real nice, natural texture on it's American Walnut trim. Dash, steering wheel, shift gate. Nice.

To answer your question; from the cars & pics I've seen... the '60s is the last time there was a tactile feel to automotive wood.

'66 Eldorado had it, but I believe Cadillac went to plood by '67. Pontiac did too, I believe.

Most today are as plastically-smooth as glass- defeats half of the purpose of wood in a car, which is look & feel.

There's more attention to the feel of plastic in an interior today than of wood. Ass-backwards.

[Robert Hall]

It's hard on many cars today to distinguish the plood from the real wood because of the super shiny smooth finish..the low gloss, textured wood trim is a nice change. I really like what I've seen of the new 300...had a base rental trim one a couple months ago, and w/ the V6 it was quiet and smooth, plenty enough power for a daily driver IMO. Even w/ the base cloth interior it was very nice place to spend time...I definitely want to check out the Luxury Series when it arrives..

[Drew Dowdell]

When I sat in the 300 Executive last year, the thing that really jumped out at me in that car was that the wood had a texture. That, along with the color of the leather seats made the car feel like a classy old country club lounge somewhere.

[fullmoon97]

When I sat in the 300 Executive last year, the thing that really jumped out at me in that car was that the wood had a texture. That, along with the color of the leather seats made the car feel like a classy old country club lounge somewhere.

the interior is very classy and retro. i truly believe Chrysler has upped its game. i mean with this, and the dart. not to mention the Pentastar is one of the top 10 highest rated engines this year according to Wards. chrysler is a force to be reckoned with. and i say that proudly as a Mopar enthusiast Edited December 28, 2011 by fullmoon97

[Drew Dowdell]

Now.. about that 200......

[the_yellow_dart]

Can't believe they still make this hideous thing. Time to euthanize!

im sorry but are you blind? what would you consider an elegant car?

Just about anything that doesn't look like it was designed by West Coast Customs. This thing is too over the top for me, like almost every Mopar product of the last 3-4 years. I will give them credit for the 200 design, too bad about the underpinnings though.

[fullmoon97]

wow you got a pretty backwards way of thinking. the 200 design was a nice update from the sebring but it is in no way better then the 300. you do realize this is a luxury car and there for uses things people deem luxurious. that does include looks. such as the projectors, the LEDs, the chrome, the wheels, the color, the leather, the sound, the everything that makes a luxury car a luxury car.

[Intrepidation]

Nice! Love the interior.

What's the difference between the funky gearshift and the gated one, btw?

The funky one (which I really like the design of) is for the 845RFE 8-speed transmission, the gated shifter is for the WA580 5-speed transmission.

[fullmoon97]

Personal threats are not cool.

wasn't a threat. maybe could have worded better. just implying the 300 is faster then the cruze. sry if that was taken the wrong way.

Edit* not to mention better looking

Edited December 29, 2011 by fullmoon97

[the_yellow_dart]

I stopped caring about whether my car was 'faster' than others at about 17.

I'm not saying the 200 is 'better' than the 300 - far from it. If someone asked me for car buying advice, I'd steer them away from the 200 but not the 300. Styling wise, however, I like the look of the 200 better - that was the point I was trying to make.

[the_yellow_dart]

ps. Just so you know the source of some of my beef with Mopar...

If you had to drive that as a teenager, you'd hate ChryCo too.

[Robert Hall]

ps. Just so you know the source of some of my beef with Mopar...

If you had to drive that as a teenager, you'd hate ChryCo too.

Nothing bad about a convertible..had a few of those as rentals back in the day...those were pleasant enough. But when they are old and worn out, probably wouldn't be much fun..

[fullmoon97]

no matter if its faster. i know the 300 is going to be more reliable, and just a better car. i have loved mopar since i was in the 3rd grade. yea sure they have had their ups and downs. but, with every one of their cars it has always been that is the mopars were taken care of in the LEAST, the car would last. that sebring you posted is a good car. it just needs to be taken care of the right way. i drive this

and its the reason i LOVE mopar and dont plan on drifting to far away from it.

Edited December 29, 2011 by fullmoon97

[the_yellow_dart]

Sorry, can't see the pic you posted (must be blocked by my network).

Please be aware that I'm just sharing my opinion, and I fully understand that there will always be "to each his own" when it comes to cars. Nothing from the brand appeals to me, but that doesn't mean there aren't some quality Chrysler vehicles out there.

I disagree about the Sebring though. I'm not the only one either; my friends would mock the car whenever I was stuck with it. I would drive my father's Suburban instead when that was available. I don't think maintenance really came into play, as I drove the Sebring from when it was only two years old. It was always maintained at the dealership and only driven about 10,000 km/year. The engine was ridiculously anemic for a v6 (Mitsu 2.5L 6G73). The worst part, however, was the transmission (4-spd auto 41TE). Shifts took almost a full second, and gears engaged with a force I've only experienced from a manual transmission operated by someone who doesn't know how to properly use a clutch. Driving that car quickly was a jarring experience - it needed lots of gas to accelerate reasonably, then the transmission punished you for giving it so much gas. I adjusted to driving that car by letting off on the gas when it was about to shift, like you would in a manual.

[Hudson]

Please be aware that I'm just sharing my opinion, and I fully understand that there will always be "to each his own" when it comes to cars. Nothing from the brand appeals to me, but that doesn't mean there aren't some quality Chrysler vehicles out there.

The 2.5L V6 and Ultradrive transmission problems aside, the Sebring convertible was a good car. I drove a base model Dodge Aries two-door years ago...and LOVED IT. With its 84hp and four-speed manual, vinyl bench seats, and NO accessories, that car still turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. Had the pleasure to drive a few Sebring convertibles, liked them very much.

As for the styling of the 300, the new one looks far less "West Coast Customs" than the (also good looking) first-generation LX. The new one, though, looks modern and practical. I just got out of one that I had for a week and hated to give it up (aside from the 19 mpg from its 6.4L engine). Styling is definitely a personal thing, but the new 300 is elegant to more people than appalling.