GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Chrysler - 300C - sedan range

Chrysler 300C (LE 300C)

LE 300C

Make: Chrysler

Model: 300C

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Feb 2008

Chrysler logo1 Nov 2005

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

CHRYSLER hadn’t fielded an upmarket challenger to the Ford Fairmont/Fairlane and Holden Statesman since the demise of the CM Valiant Regal SE in 1981.

In the 300C there is plenty of quality Mercedes-Benz E-class engineering to keep it competitive – even if it dates back to the 1995-2002 W210 edition.

So we’re talking rear-wheel drive, recirculating ball steering and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. But Chrysler’s powerplants are its own.

The 183kW/340Nm 3.5-litre SOHC V6 is the entry-level version, claiming 11.0L/100km.

However, with 250kW available at 5000rpm and a stump-extracting 525Nm of torque on tap from 4000rpm, the HEMI V8 makes a far more compelling argument.

For starters, it delivers more power and torque, and uses Chrysler’s trick Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down up to four cylinders when not required. This helps the 5.7-litre HEMI to return 20 per cent lower, V6-like fuel consumption of just 12.1L/100km.

The only gearbox available is a five-speed automatic.

In April 2006 the high-performance SRT-8 model was released, chasing Ford’s FPV and Holden’s HSV models with a seriously powerful 6.1-litre V8 (without engine-displacement technology) boasting 317kW and 569Nm, and also using the five-speed automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile the diesel 300C CRD lobbed in from early July.

With 160kW at 3800rpm and 510Nm from 1600rpm, the CRD accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed, where permitted, of 230km/h. These are impressive figures given the vehicle tips the scales at a porky 1901kg.

Like all modern-day diesel engines, fuel economy is a strong point. The CRD has a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km but a constant highway cruising figure will lift economy further.

Wagon versions of each 300C model also arrived at the same time.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here