New 300C on the menu

[Pebb]

Source: Auto Express

We caught this facelifted Chrysler 300C at a drive-through fast food outlet. But while the meals were supersized, changes to the big saloon aren't exactly whoppers.

The tail of the big four-door sal*oon was under wraps on this test mule, yet it is clear that the new rear end features a repositioned third brake lamp - you can see the new lens in the middle of the bootlid. The car is also likely to have revised rear light clusters underneath the black cladding.

Up front, changes will be more minor, as Chrysler has opted to leave the car's distinctive nose relatively untouched. However, there will be some cabin upgrades, and tweaks could also be made to the trim levels as part of the revamp.

The updated US saloon should arrive in showrooms here next year, starting from around £26,000.

 

[Jim Prower]

well, interior changes are welcome, nothing wrong with the mechanicals.

 

[Pebb]

well, interior changes are welcome, nothing wrong with the mechanicals.

Did you forget the 300C handled really bad.

 

[YSSMAN]

Bad by comparison to what, a Toyota Camry? Come-on folks, you've got to realize that this isn't a sports car, and is only a sports saloon when you've got it optioned right. I'd say its a damn-good performer for the price, and any upgrades at all are completely welcome in my book. They've got to ready themselves for the onslaught by GM in the form of the G8, and at least with lower-spec 300s (Limited, Touring), they've got to fight-off the revamped Taurus with the all-new 3.5L V6 as well.

Considering who buys these cars and what they choose to do with them, handling is largely the least of their concerns. As long as it cruises with a great sense of stability down the highway, and takes the 90* turns though neighborhoods with ease, they won't have a problem selling them... Not like they are anyway...

 

[Dave A]

Bad by comparison to all the other saloons in it's class available over here that it was compared to. It's not really got any huge downsides, it is spacious and the V6 deisel is pretty economical for a car of that size too. But for £25,000 for the base model ($50,000), I'll take an A6 or a 5 series instead thank you. Better built, not quite as powerful on a price for price basis, but better specced inside and much nicer cars overall imo.

 

[JCE]

Did you forget the 300C handled really bad.

+1 It was actually appaulingly bad.

Bad by comparison to what, a Toyota Camry? Come-on folks, you've got to realize that this isn't a sports car, and is only a sports saloon when you've got it optioned right. I'd say its a damn-good performer for the price, and any upgrades at all are completely welcome in my book. They've got to ready themselves for the onslaught by GM in the form of the G8, and at least with lower-spec 300s (Limited, Touring), they've got to fight-off the revamped Taurus with the all-new 3.5L V6 as well.

Considering who buys these cars and what they choose to do with them, handling is largely the least of their concerns. As long as it cruises with a great sense of stability down the highway, and takes the 90* turns though neighborhoods with ease, they won't have a problem selling them... Not like they are anyway...

Compared to just about any $35k+ saloon car. It wouldn't be that difficult to say--put the suspension from the old E-class which its platform is from. Once that is done the problem will be solved, for the most part. They just need to fix the front of the car...it looks like ass. But that is my opinion.

I think the better car is the Charger. Leave the 300 the more civilized version of the two and put a true sport suspension in the Charger and I'll be happy. Yes the Challenger will no doubt have a sport tuned suspension but I think the Charger R/T and Charger SRT-8 look better than the Challenger. Again, my opinion. And I even prefer the Magnum over the 300.

Now, on the topic of the new 300. If they improve the interior that's great, just add a better suspension for the 300C and SRT-8 trims and it will be a much better car.

 

[Joey D]

I hate everything about the 300, I would rather have a Passat, Audi A4 or some kind of Volvo. I've driven them, ridden in them, sat in them, and been in the trunk of one and I must say I hated every minute of it. Not to mention it tried to look like a Bentley and failed.

 

[Tornado]

Now, on the topic of the new 300. If they improve the interior that's great, just add a better suspension for the 300C and SRT-8 trims and it will be a much better car.

From what I've read, while the normal 300C was rather disappointing the SRT-8 is an incredibly good handling car, better even than the Cadillac CTS-v in both ride quality and reflexes.

 

[YSSMAN]

From what I've read, while the normal 300C was rather disappointing the SRT-8 is an incredibly good handling car, better even than the Cadillac CTS-v in both ride quality and reflexes.

Its for the most part what I've read, however the standard 300 has been praised as a pretty darn-good car for most people. As a matter of fact, it has sat on Car and Driver's 10-Best list since their debut, and it has been a favorite among other magazines as well.

I haven't driven one, but I've been around them and in them quite often, and I like them. My Grandfather was going to buy a 300C not too long ago (he had a '58 300D Convertible), but didn't because of quality-issues. I'm in the same boat, as I would likely buy one, but the Chrysler build quality is disappointing, and it is part of the reason why I've also told my Aunt to stay away from one (she just bought a Grand Prix today).

So, yes, it depends on what you're looking for. My reasoning for liking the 300C is that for $30,000 you aren't likely to find a nicely done RWD sedan with a V8 and that level of performance anywhere else. Granted, I would say that the Charger is the better option between the two, and that the G8 will blow both cars out of the water at the end of the year, but the 300C is darn-good either way.

 

[Tornado]

Granted, I would say that the Charger is the better option between the two, and that the G8 will blow both cars out of the water at the end of the year, but the 300C is darn-good either way.

Assuming GM can pull their head out of the usual place and not throw everything away.

 

[Bram Turismo]

I haven't got anything against this car, there is somebody in our little, almost dead town who drives a station wagen version of the 300C. I've got to admit, the car looks really sweet when standing near it. It's like a huge block and the detail quality is pretty much amazing, from the outside that is. I've seen the inside and it looked quite nice 👍 And then there's the point of handling about this car. I actually don't care, what's the point of having a 2-3 ton car which has to handle great? Get a sportscar!

Pretty much the same opinion as on the LS 460 recently, with so much weight in these luxury cars (I regard the 300C as luxury compared to most of the cars out there), I think there's no point of discussing how good or bad these cars handle or should handle. You want a good handling car? Get yourself an '86 MR2 👍

 

[GT Pro]

I have always had an interest in this car, the poor man's Bentley, so does my dad (It's all in the truly American grille), but it has so many bad points when it comes to Australian roads that it is rather a compromise. Heck, I'd have an SRT-8 on American roads but having one over here is like driving a bus with no shocks/coilovers whilst trying to dodge potholes, or so I've heard. And I doubt these upgrades will change much of that.

 

[Flerbizky]

I like the 300 - Actually, I absolutely love. Everything about it just screams

I ROCK AND I DO NOT CARE WHAT YOU THINK ! **​

In my book, it has so much personality compared to eg. an A6 - or most other German can for that matter.

Me likey - Especially the Waggon, in black, with tinted windows and black chrome rims..

** I think the sentence is actually finished with "SO STFU AND **** OFF !"

 

[G.T]

Bad by comparison to all the other saloons in it's class available over here that it was compared to. It's not really got any huge downsides, it is spacious and the V6 deisel is pretty economical for a car of that size too. But for £25,000 for the base model ($50,000), I'll take an A6 or a 5 series instead thank you. Better built, not quite as powerful on a price for price basis, but better specced inside and much nicer cars overall imo.

You do know the 300C is very well specced for the price, right? You'd have to pay another £5k or so to get all the goodies in the Chrysler in its German rivals (Xenon headlamps, automatic wipers, etc...). I remember this clearly when the parents were looking at buying one a year ago. But yes, the quality was a disappointment for a £25k car... But the refinement and comfort (very cushioned rear seats!) were superb.

 

[JCE]

I hate everything about the 300, I would rather have a Passat, Audi A4 or some kind of Volvo. I've driven them, ridden in them, sat in them, and been in the trunk of one and I must say I hated every minute of it. Not to mention it tried to look like a Bentley and failed.

But, you have to at least give positive credit when credit is due. Chrysler did after all release a RWD V8 saloon car in America instead of revamping the Intrepid platform. I at least applaud them for that if anything else. Having a choice between a Volvo S40R or an SRT-8 300 I'd take the Volvo hands down. Nothing like build quality and interior design+comfort to win the arguement at the end of the day eh?

From what I've read, while the normal 300C was rather disappointing the SRT-8 is an incredibly good handling car, better even than the Cadillac CTS-v in both ride quality and reflexes.

The CTS-V is actually pretty good I thought. If there is a better suspension in the SRT-8 300 I couldn't tell the difference.

Its for the most part what I've read, however the standard 300 has been praised as a pretty darn-good car for most people. As a matter of fact, it has sat on Car and Driver's 10-Best list since their debut, and it has been a favorite among other magazines as well.

I haven't driven one, but I've been around them and in them quite often, and I like them. My Grandfather was going to buy a 300C not too long ago (he had a '58 300D Convertible), but didn't because of quality-issues. I'm in the same boat, as I would likely buy one, but the Chrysler build quality is disappointing, and it is part of the reason why I've also told my Aunt to stay away from one (she just bought a Grand Prix today).

So, yes, it depends on what you're looking for. My reasoning for liking the 300C is that for $30,000 you aren't likely to find a nicely done RWD sedan with a V8 and that level of performance anywhere else. Granted, I would say that the Charger is the better option between the two, and that the G8 will blow both cars out of the water at the end of the year, but the 300C is darn-good either way.

G8 > anything from Chrysler...ever...in history...of the world.

Assuming GM can pull their head out of the usual place and not throw everything away.

Agreed. The G8 needs to just be awsome like the Aussie Commodore version. Have I mentioned that I love Aussies and their cars?

I haven't got anything against this car, there is somebody in our little, almost dead town who drives a station wagen version of the 300C. I've got to admit, the car looks really sweet when standing near it. It's like a huge block and the detail quality is pretty much amazing, from the outside that is.

Was it one of these?

The SRT-8 Magnums are one sexy beast. That is by far my favorite between the Charger, Magnum, and 300. I want the Charger front nose on the Magnum for perfection. Nothing like an estate musclecar!

 

[YSSMAN]

You mean the 300C Wagon?

I have to admit I like that better than the Magnum...

 

[Bram Turismo]

You mean the 300C Wagon?

I have to admit I like that better than the Magnum...

It was this one, but in dark blue 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

I believe it was Car and Driver who tested the 300C wagon not too long ago and they managed to get it stuck a time or two in the small cities of England. Funny really, as in America, it is by far not the largest car on-sale on the road today.

Still, its a good car that probably should be sold here, but Chrysler won't do it. Its a shame really, as it would be a good excuse to get rid of the horrible Aspen SUV...

 

[JCE]

I believe it was Car and Driver who tested the 300C wagon not too long ago and they managed to get it stuck a time or two in the small cities of England. Funny really, as in America, it is by far not the largest car on-sale on the road today.

Still, its a good car that probably should be sold here, but Chrysler won't do it. Its a shame really, as it would be a good excuse to get rid of the horrible Aspen SUV...

You do know that the 300 estate is just a Magnum with a 300 front fascia on it right?

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes. Nothing special. But the upgraded interior and the slightly altered suspension setting would be a good change for Chrysler. Quite frankly, the 300C wagon would be a better choice than the Aspen and the Pacifica, IMO...

 

[JCE]

I saw someone over here in America with a 300C front w/Bentley grille on a Magnum SRT-8. It looked out of place. I think the Charger R/T or SRT-8 front would look pimp on the Magnum.

*cough*someone with photoshop skills is needed for my dream of a Magnum Charger*cough*

*edit*
I just realized how awsome "Magnum Charger" sounds.