Chrysler is saluting the 300C’s near-70-year legacy with a limited-run sunset model that’s more powerful than any production vehicle to ever bear the nameplate. The car’s history dates back to 1955 and the Chrysler C-300, a 300-horsepower V8 coupe built on the then-flagship New Yorker Series. By the next year, Chrysler’s name-generators had moved on from the letter “C” and called the ’56 model the 300B, moving on down the alphabet – 300C in ’57, 300D in ’58 – until they reached the 300L in 1965.
Fast forward to the early 2000s and the Big Three automaker’s decision to resurrect the 300C, still with a powerful V8, but now with more doors, and styling by Ralph Gilles. It landed in driveways in 2005 and proved a popular item for its steady ride and street-ish good looks. The second-generation 300C debuted in 2011 and has enjoyed a lengthy run. Now it’s time to say goodbye.
The 2023 300C was introduced at the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, and will be limited to just 2,000 units in the U.S. and 200 in Canada.
Stellantis appropriately decided to stick with the car’s original power source for the send-off model, fitting the sedan with a 6.4L 392-cu.-in. Hemi engine making 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque and tying it to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) happens in 4.3 seconds, and the car’s top speed is 160 mph (257 km/h).
Chrysler also added more stopping power and performance upgrades with red four-piston Brembo brakes, a 3.09 limited-slip differential, active damping suspension, and black exhaust tips.
Available in Gloss Black, Velvet Red, and Bright White, the car rides on 20-by-9-inch forged wheels, shows black chrome accents on the grille and lower fascia that match the darkened headlight and taillight bezels, and now has a tri-colour badge on the grille and rear deck lid that has been modified slightly.
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
The 2023 Chrysler 300C arrives with 485-horsepower HEMI and US$55,000 price. Photo by Stellantis
Photo by Stellantis
Interior additions include a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, black bezels, a leather instrument panel with silver stitching, and black Laguna leather heated and ventilated front seats with embossed 300C logos and the same silver thread running through them.
“The Chrysler 300 changed the automotive world in so many ways, and we will carry that spirit of ingenuity forward as we transform Chrysler with a fully electrified future and breakthrough customer experiences,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer.
Reservations for the final 300C are now open at reservation.Chrysler.com.
Keyword: 2023 Chrysler 300C says farewell with 485-hp Hemi