According to Bob Lee, vice president of the Powertrain Product Team, “The MDS was part of the engine’s original design. This resulted in a cylinder-deactivation system that is simple and completely integrated into the engine design. The benefits are fewer parts, maximum reliability, and lower cost.”
The first-generation 5.7-liter Hemi could transition from running on eight cylinders to running on four cylinders in 0.04 seconds. This was done by keeping the valves in four opposing cylinders closed.
Although some energy is lost through the compression created, none of it is lost by pumping air through the valves. The system was able to increase fuel economy by roughly 10 percent. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The new 2005 300C was an instant success. In the January 2005 issue of Motor Trend, the 300C was awarded Car of the Year honors, and editors heralded the car as “the rejuvenation of the great American full-size sedan.” The Chrysler 300, they said, “evokes the vibrant American sedans of yesteryear, and steals the show in a highly competitive Car of the Year field.” (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
2008
For 2008, the 300 was available in five trim levels: 300 LX, 300 Touring, 300 Limited, 300C, and SRT8. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine generating 340 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque powered the 300C. The 300C was also available in all-wheel drive. The high-performance 300C SRT8 model was equipped relatively the same as the standard 300C, but came with the even more powerful 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that cranked out 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque. That helped this luxury cruiser boast 0-60-mph runs in the low-5-second range. The SRT8 also came with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, special stability control calibration, and a rear spoiler.
As successful as the Chrysler 300 was after it debuted in 2004, the company was backed into a corner. How could they improve the car? Trying to redesign a car, especially while working through a bankruptcy issue, was a daunting task. For that reason, the 300 received only a cosmetic upgrade, rather than a complete redesign.
The sheet metal wrapping the 2011 300 features a beltline body line that is more pronounced, and is above the door handles rather than through them. The 300’s new corporate grille and badge were designed to appear smaller to make the car look more streamlined. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
If you opted for all-wheel drive or selected either of the 300C models, you received a 5-speed automatic transmission.
2009
The 2009 Chrysler 300 was available in LX, Touring, Limited, 300C, and SRT8 trim levels. All but the LX and SRT8 were available in an all-wheel-drive version.
The 300C had the new-and-improved 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 359 hp and 389 ft-lbs of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi now featured variable valve timing that increased horsepower and torque for better performance. All-wheel-drive models received a new active transfer case that disconnected the front axle for better fuel efficiency and performance under normal driving conditions.
A comfort-tuned suspension debuted for those seeking a softer ride. Driving enthusiasts surely appreciated the new Chrysler 300C Heritage that featured the same sport-tuned steering and suspension as the Charger R/T Daytona.
The 300 SRT8’s 6.1-liter V-8 cranked out 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission was standard.
2010
The 2010 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that was available in Touring, Touring Plus, Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series, Limited, 300C, 300S, and SRT8 trim levels. Gone was the base LX.
The reshaped lighting included LED running lamps and optional Xenon bulbs. These upgraded features brought the 300C up to date with current lighting trends. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Going with the 300C gave you the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine with 359 hp and 389 ft-lbs of torque. It was also available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. A 5-speed automatic transmission was standard. The 300S added 20-inch wheels, and performance suspension, tires, and steering.
The 300 SRT8 started with the same equipment as the 300C, but added the even more powerful 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 with 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission. It also wore 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, special stability control calibration, a performance-oriented rear differential, and a rear spoiler.
2011
The Chrysler 300 had received an overhaul by the time the 2011 models hit the showrooms. Although the structure and exterior appearance remained relatively the same, almost every component had been revised or redesigned.
The 2011 Chrysler 300 was available in base, Limited, 300C, and SRT trim levels.
The 300C came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that was good for 363 hp and 394 ft-lbs of torque. It came in either rear-wheel drive with the 5-speed automatic transmission standard or all-wheel-drive. Although an SRT8 version powered by a 6.4-liter 392 Hemi V-8 with 470 hp was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, it was not available this year.
The redesign gave the rear of the car some attention that resulted in a much cleaner appearance, with exhaust finishers integrated into the valance and a chrome bar connecting the taillights. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The year 2011 saw changes to the 300’s styling and structure. Styling changes were slight and the 300 retained a familiar look. But changes to the structure added strength, and a recalibrated suspension delivered an even better ride quality and handling. The 300C was powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that was good for 363 hp and 394 ft-lbs of torque. Although rear-wheel drive and the 5-speed automatic transmission were standard, it could also be had with all-wheel drive. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
2012
Despite a complete overhaul the previous year, the Chrysler 300 for 2012 received more changes and enhancements. Now, the new 8-speed automatic transmission was available with the V-6 engine, which could be paired with all-wheel drive. The three new/returning models for 2012 included the uniquely styled 300S, the high-luxury 300 Luxury Series, and the high-performance SRT8.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 was available in seven trim levels: base, Limited, 300S V-6, 300C, 300S V-8, 300C Luxury Series, and SRT8.
The 300C added the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Since its inception in 2003, the Hemi’s power has continually increased. This year, it was good for 363 hp and 394 ft-lbs of torque. The 300C and 300S V-8 not only received the 5.7-liter Hemi, but a 5-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard; all-wheel drive was optional.
Returning after a one-year hiatus, the SRT8 with the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 was good for 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic transmission were standard.
2013
For 2013, the 300’s lineup was revised. All but the SRT8 versions came with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 as the standard engine. However, the