Chrysler 300 - Second Generation (2011-present)

Second Generation (2011-present)

A redesigned 300 was introduced in 2011. Only the sedan body-style is available; the station wagon version of the 300 has been discontinued. Exterior changes include an all new body, bi-xenon HID projector headlights, LED daytime running strips within the headlights, new tail lights with LEDs and a horizontally slotted front grille as standard. The car also features an updated version of the Chrysler brand's winged emblem, which dropped the blue ribbon center dating back to 1930s. Thinner roof pillars and a more raked windshield contribute to improved visibility. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof will offer twice the outward visibility of an average sunroof. The new 300 has optional 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels. The all new interior upgrades include a new instrument panel with "soft-touch" materials throughout, 8.4 inch Uconnect Touch, new steering wheel and center console. Both seat-mounted and curtain side airbags were made standard.

The predecessors' 2.7- and 3.5-liter engines were replaced with Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine remained available with 363 horsepower. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided by Fiat will also be available in Europe, and Australia.

The 2011 model is offered in Touring, Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD configurations. Touring and Limited trims will come with the Pentastar V6 while the 300C line will offer the 5.7. A 300S trim was introduced in 2011 New York International Auto Show, which featured a blacked-out grille and headlamps, as well as 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, and a 300C Executive series. The 300S also includes a 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system, and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.