With 4 powertrain choices, Chrysler’s atmospheric 300 sedan rolls proudest in Hemi-powered form, though it rolls a longest in customary Touring form. Whatever your engine of choice, this full-size, rear- or all-wheel-drive flagship creates a outrageous character statement, seats 5 adults in comfort, as well as has proudly done a participation upon American highways.
Installed in 300C sedans, a Hemi has gained energy for 2009, whilst mending fuel economy. Generating 360 horsepower as well as 389 pound-feet of torque, a 5.7-liter Hemi functions with a five-speed involuntary transmission. Multi-displacement System (MSD) record turns off fuel expenditure in 4 cylinders when V-8 energy is not needed, boosting fuel manage to buy up to twenty percent. “Eco” is right away displayed when in four-cylinder mode. All-wheel-drive models right away have been versed with an Active Transfer Case as well as Front-axle Disconnect. AWD engages automatically, or can be manually selected. Activating windshield wipers for an lengthened duration additionally creates it happen.
Offered usually with rear-drive, a 2.7-liter Touring indication gets an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel-economy guess of eighteen mpg in city pushing as well as twenty-six mpg upon a highway. The 3.5-liter V-6 is rated 17/25 mpg with rear-drive, or 17/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. Estimates drop rsther than to 16/25 mpg for a Hemi V-8 (16/23 with all-wheel drive). Limited as well as 300C models right away have a comfort-tuned suspension, with 18-inch wheels. This year’s Heritage book gets a sport-tuned suspension, with a same opening steering, cessation as well as shocks as a Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.
Inside, “classic” styling cues from a Hemi 300C right away cover a complete lineup. Cargo nets as well as grocery bag hooks have been customary upon 2009 models. A brand brand new reversible case pad goes in to Limited as well as 300C models, that benefit customary “uconnect tunes” with a 6-CD/DVD/MP3 radio. Antennas have changed in to back windows. A brand brand new grille as well as 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels go upon a 300C Heritage. Available rear-seat DVD video party facilities a 7-inch screen, as well as Sirius Backseat TV is optional. Safety facilities embody Electronic Stability Program with Brake Assist, traction control, as well as antilock braking. Amazingly in this league, side-impact as well as screen airbags have been accessible usually in choice packages.
Particularly easy to drive, a 300 has copiousness of front-seat space. Rear occupants suffer excellent knee room; great (if rsther than narrow) toe space, as well as competent headroom. Rear side positions have been utterly comfortable, though a core passenger contingency hover a building hump. Long side windows palliate visibility, as well as a motorist faces a large instrument panel. Enthusiasts who demand upon something over a 300C again have an alternative: a super-performance 300C SRT8, with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 from Street as well as Racing Technology that generates 425 horsepower as well as 420 pound-feet of torque. In further to a five-speed involuntary with driver-selectable Auto Stick, this hottest-of-all sedan facilities SRT-tuned dampers, specifically tailored open rates as well as bushings, as well as thick anti-sway bars. Chrysler claims 0-60 mph increase in speed in a low 5-second range, though gas mileage sinks to a gloomy 13/19 mpg (city/highway). For 2009, a SRT8 gained a customary sunroof. Improved fuel manage to buy reduces a “gas guzzler” tax.
Acceleration intensity is a greatest reward for owning a Hemi-powered 300C, with or though all-wheel drive. Hemi increase in speed is though a disbelief muscular, though in a rsther than out-of-date manner. Automatic-transmission shifts have been rsther than brusque as well as lumpy, accompanied by substantial sound. That engine delivers a prolonged buzz when pushed hard. Though not troubling, it isn’t utterly a receptive to advice of strength. Many shoppers will be confident with a V-6 engine.
With a sport-tuned suspension, a Heritage book yields considerably improved highway feel than a softer-sprung mates. Lack of excellence is still clear upon bumps, since a cessation doesn’t redeem utterly as smartly as it should. Steering is light, though there’s no away feel. On well-spoken roads, during least, a Heritage delivers an interesting ride. Now a entry-level model, a 300 Touring sedan starts during $27,665 (including end charge) with a 2.7-liter engine. Picking a 3.5-liter V-6 raises a ante to $32,075. Stepping up to a Limited, that right away looks identical to a 300C, increases a cost to during slightest $36,285. A Hemi-powered 300C stickers for $37,885 ($39,925 with AWD). Extended-length Walter P. Chrysler Signature editions supplement 6 inches to a customary wheelbase.
