What New in Chrysler 300C (2008)

Chrysler's standout 300 sedan gets a moderate revamp for the 2008 model year, starting with the exterior, where new front and rear fascias, a new grille and taillamps have been applied to its retro-influenced style.

Inside, the 300 gets a new set of instruments and a revised dash, along with new door trim panels and a reorganized center console. New soft-touch materials, new upholstery, and a relocated cruise control stalk also make the cut for 2008.

The standard engine on the rear-drive 300 is a 2.7-liter V-6 engine providing 178 hp. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. A 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission comes with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive Touring models and the Limited package. The 300C comes with the 5.7-liter, 340-horsepower HEMI V-8, five-speed automatic and either rear- or all-wheel drive.

The high-performance SRT8 version of the 300C continues for '07, offering a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, sport suspension, 20-inch rims, and other upgrades.

Traction control, side and curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes are optional. So are a Bluetooth connection that features iPod connectivity for 2008; a six-disc changer; a MyGIG audio entertainment system; a Boston Acoustics speaker package; Sirius BackseatTV; remote start; and adaptive cruise control.

Chrysler 300C surprises United Kingdom value experts

Almost two years to the day from the original launch of the Chrysler 300C saloon in the UK, residual value experts have confirmed that the 300C has been a massive residual value success story.

Martin Ward, Manufacturer Relationship Manager for CAP, said: “A two year old diesel Chrysler 300C with 30,000 Miles on the clock is today worth an impressive 67 per cent of the £25,750 it cost when new. In contrast, a BMW 525D of a similar age that cost £31,115 in 2005 is currently worth £19,300 – that’s 62 per cent retained value.

“When you bear in mind that the initial cost of the Chrysler is much less, and it has better standard specification, the 300C represents excellent value for money as a new and used car.”

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: “We always knew that the 300C would be a big sales success and we have far exceeded our targets in the UK. With nearly 6000 sold in the UK, the saloon and Touring versions are in danger of becoming a common sight on our roads!”

“When we first launched the saloon in October 2005, closely followed by the Touring version in early 2006, we met with universal praise from customers and press. We did recognise however that the big test was always going to be the retained value of the cars after two or three years. Consistently strong results at auction and continuing high demand for new and used cars have all helped to make the 300C a long-term success story in the UK.”

Martin Ward added: “It has been a big surprise to the industry just how well the 300C has sold in the UK, and more importantly how well it has held on to its value. All previous large American designed and built cars have not performed anywhere near as well. The 300C styling has hit the spot with both new and used customers and even two years after its launch it is still attracting attention. The bold design is set to appeal to used car buyers for some years to come.”

2007 CHRYSLER 300C SRT8

AS-TESTED PRICE: $46,040
DRIVETRAIN: 6.1-liter V8; rwd, five-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4160 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 16/15.4 mpg
OPTIONS: SRT option group II, including DVD-based GPS navigation system, six-CD changer, UConnect hands-free communication ($1,770); power sunroof ($950)

OUR TAKE: For the top SRT model selling in the mid-$40,000s range, there are still some “mass market” elements left over here. The trunk interior is pretty sparse and looks just like that in a V6-powered rental-car 300, and while the seats are upgraded and there’s a nav system and all, the dashboard materials and switchgear are still those of a car more than $20,000 cheaper. Inevitable? Perhaps, but Cadillac, for one, does a better job of upgrading the rest of the car when you opt for a V-Series on any chassis. Of course, a $40,000 Cadillac V-Series would be a bargain.

What everyone wants to know about is the performance, of course. Ride quality is very good, considering the 20-inch wheels with short-sidewall, high-performance rubber. But this car’s mostly about power.

It has 425 hp in a 4160-pound car, which makes for 10 lb/hp and a screamer. With all that power, though, the SRT8 is really well mannered, even with all the electronic assists switched off. You’d probably want to leave all those assists on in winter, however; the traction and stability control systems work so well that the worries a lot of people still have about driving high-powered rear-drive cars in the bad-weather states are made instantly irrelevant.

To get this big a car from Ford or General Motors (excluding Cadillacs, which generally cost more), you’re still looking at front-drive or fwd-derived all-wheel-drive models—at least until GM brings the new Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac G8 to market.

So, on style, performance and value, the 300C SRT8 is still tops in its class. Maybe now that Chrysler doesn’t have to worry about treading on Mercedes’ turf, the next version can move upscale and really match up to Cadillac, the way 300s of the 1950s did.

SUPERSTARS and ZAKSPEED signing co-operation

SUPERSTARS, the new race series based on an Italian Championship and on an international calendar approved by FIA, and ZAKSPEED, one of the most successful german raceteams – the only private one taking an active part in FORMULA 1 1985-1990 – have signed an allembracing co-operation agreement to develop and to built SUPERSTARS racecars (see picture attached).


ZAKSPEED’s first racecar to be developed and to be built for SUPERSTARS will be based on a CHRYSLER 300C SRT 8.

Due to the technical regulations, which are managed by ORAL ENGINEERING, ZAKSPEED will process existing technology and will set up a brand new racecar for international markets and customers.

The preproduction model already will be shown by the end of the year at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW in Germany.

“First tests are set up for early January 2008” Peter Zakowski, owner of ZAKSPEED, says. “The “ZAKSPEED 300C SRT 08” will be developed for international markets and customers. ZAKSPEED will not only provide the car, but as well a relevant as a desired service at the track, depending on the customers necessities.” Also ZAKSPEED will provide any technical and logistic infrastructure for the races itself.

The synergy between SUPERSTARS and ZAKSPEED is eminent due to the professionalism of both parties.

“We are well aware of the knowledge of ZAKSPEED in developing racecars. They have been developing-partner and manufacturer team for e.g. FORD, MERCEDES, OPEL, PORSCHE etc. Also ZAKSPEED was mainly involved in creating and setting up the race series V8 S.T.A.R. as well as developing and producing these outstanding racecars” Vincenzo Lamaro, Managing Director of FGSPORT, says. “And with more than 400 races won and lots of national and international titels ZAKSPEED has testified that their evolutions are successful”.

ZAKSPEED’s history is long, thrilling and challenging:

With more than 400 races won and lots of national and international titles ZAKSPEED is one of the most successful german raceteams.

ZAKSPEED has become a constant in the touring car scene and significantly contributed to forming it.

Beyond this ZAKSPEED obtained high acceptance and made its mark in motorsports by the inimitable dedication to the Formula 1 from 1985 to 1990.

As manufacturer-team ZAKSPEED has been successful for years for e.g. Ford, Mercedes, Opel etc. .

In 1990 ZAKSPEED founded the 1st permanent race-driving school, located at Nürburgring.

Since 1999 ZAKSPEED runs the especially modified Dodge Viper GTS-R in longdistance-races. The “ZAKSPEED Dodge Viper GTS-R Special” achieved a lot of victories.
The 3 times overall-winner of the int. 24h-race at the Nürburgring-Northerloop makes DODGE the leader of the field of international manufacturers.

2000 until 2003 ZAKSPEED has been involved radically in the V8 S.T.A.R. race series, not only winning races and titels as well as the drivers-mastership, but also in developing the racecars and servicing the series.
ZAKSPEED by today operates the V8 RACING SCHOOL, offering anybody interested to drive an original racecar (the ZAKSPEED V8)on a race track

It started as a backroom project but now Chrysler's limited-edition E490 is coming late 2007

Now an appropriately styled limited-edition version of the Chrysler 300C 'E490' show car will be in showrooms by the end of the year.

Chrysler Group Australia-Pacific, managing director Gerry Jenkins, expects a more modest version of the E490 concept to slip into the range below the 6.1-litre SRT8.

The car will be built in-house at the same factory that builds the 300C in Graz, Austria.

CARSguide understands one of the biggest stumbling blocks to its development has been the car's rorty exhaust note, which does not meet drive-by noise regulations.

However, Jenkins reckons noise is not the issue, saying the company was trying to figure out the car's marketing and positioning in the line-up.

Despite this, DaimlerChrysler is pushing ahead with plans for the E490, as well as increasing the accessories available through Chrysler's Mopar performance division.

"Certainly there is customer interest in the 6.1-litre HEMI SRT8," Jenkins says.

But Jenkins reckons all 300C owners should have the option of personalising their cars.

"At the bottom end there is a customer who wants the utility and functionality of the 300C, and somewhere in-between there is a customer who wants the base vehicle but wants to dress it up and personalise it," he says.

Jenkins says that personalised 300C sedans and wagons could eventually account for 15 per cent of overall sales of the car.

Buyers of the 300C spend about $12,000 dressing up their cars. "A lot of our buyers are already taking their cars to the local car shop and dressing them up," he says.

Now Jenkins wants a slice of the action — and the 300C is not the only car in his sights.

He says there is huge scope for customised Jeeps and Dodges.

He is looking at German company Startech, which sells a range of high-end cosmetic enhancements for the three brands.

"They do a little bit of tuning but we're more interested in the cosmetics," Jenkins says.

The E490 got its name because of its power rating — 490 horsepower — in pre-metric terms, which equates to 365kW, 48kW more than the standard SRT8.

After the jet-black car appeared at the Melbourne Motor Show in March, Chrysler dealers were inundated by interested buyers.

The company took a $74,990 SRT8 Touring and added a huge cold-air intake system and modified exhaust.

A $6380 Alpine audio system was added, along with XPH 20-inch Cruise alloys, dark window tinting and E490 badging.

Parker’s Car Price Guide: July trends, best buys and great deals

One of the success stories the last 18 months or so - but selling too few to appear in the top 10 - has been the Chrysler 300C. This big American saloon (and estate) has bold styling, it’s roomy and represents good value. Nothing else on the road looks like it. For a while, used values had been very close to new prices. A limited supply into the UK combined with list prices that were just about right for six-cylinder models meant those people who wanted one had to form an orderly queue. This month, our used prices for the 300C have taken a significant dip (more than £1000) after falling more steadily since the start of this year. Could it be that the few thousand people in the UK prepared to pay upwards of £20,000 for one of these cars now have one, and demand has been satisfied? We will continue to monitor the situation but it could be that after a period of unlikely stability for a large non-premium car, prices will continue to fall until they make the car accessible for a slightly less affluent audience.


SMALL CARS:
New: Bargain time as Ford Ka begins run out
It isn’t often you see new cars advertised at less than £5000, but the Ford Ka seems to be in plentiful supply at around the £5k mark or less. The Ka, which is due for replacement late this year, has been popular with customers since its launch in 1996. The cheapest ones we’ve seen (including one with an asking price of £4000) are Studio specification, which has a list price of £7122, but isn’t terribly well equipped. The Studio models come with a driver’s airbag, a radio/cassette player, anti-lock brakes, power steering and a split/folding rear seat as standard. But expect similar discounts off higher specification cars.

Used: Up-market car with 60mpg fuel economy
Audi’s A2 was the most advanced small car when it was launched in 2000. Built from aluminium, the light-weight A2 has plenty of room for four adults and has an up-market feel. Many of them will have nice options fitted, but seek out the ones with air conditioning and a CD player. Although the 1.4-litre petrol engine is more than adequate for nipping around town and is quite fuel-efficient, the 1.4 TDI diesel promises more than 60mpg in mixed driving and had more satisfying mid-range performance.

FAMILY CARS:
New: Large Fiat good news for bargain hunters
Fiat never really expected to sell many examples of its new Croma in the UK, but it has sold even fewer than its relatively modest estimates. The Croma is a practical and comfortable large estate car, and it is now possible to buy a 55-plate diesel model for less than half its list price, caused by a lack of demand. The 1.9-litre diesel engine produces 120bhp, and is capable of close to 50mpg. The Dynamic models we found have front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, alloy wheels, CD/radio and an alarm.

Used: Pre-registered Peugeot with £3000 off
Peugeot’s 307 has only a few months left on the market before it is replaced by the new 308, so dealers are beginning to offer attractive discounts on new and pre-registered models. The cheapest 1.4-litre car we found was priced at £8695, but there were a few to choose from around the country at around £9000. These cars were already registered to dealers but were effectively new cars, having covered only delivery mileage. It represents a saving of more than £3000 off the price of a new 307 and the cars come with air conditioning and electric front windows as standard.

4X4S AND PEOPLE CARRIERS:
New: More than £4000 off pre-registered Zafira
The latest Vauxhall Zafira has been on sale for two years, and despite strong sales there are plenty of examples around already redistered to dealers but with delivery miles on the clock. We found a handful of 1.6 Life models with air conditioning fitted at less than £11,000, when list price for these seven-seat vehicles is more than £15,000. The Zafira Life has driver and passenger airbags, CD/radio, electric front windows and door mirrors and remote central locking with ‘deadlocking’. The Zafira is a good car to drive despite its ability to carry seven, and the third-row seat flexibility is among the best.

Used: Lexus 4x4 ready to find a new audience
Lexus builds some of the most reliable cars on the road, and owners who use the main dealers for servicing are among the happiest with their treatment. The company’s first 4x4 was the RX300, introduced in October 2000, and it is possible to find cars from late 2001, with 80,000 miles on the clock and full service histories, for under £8000. Not a proper off-roader, but the RX comes loaded with luxuries, particularly the SE.

SPECIALIST CARS:

New: Supercharged Crossfire with £15k off
You don’t get the chance to buy a new 330bhp coupé for less than £20,000 very often. The Chrysler Crossfire has its detractors, but we found a couple high-performance SRT-6 coupes showing delivery mileage advertised at £19,995. List price is £34,487 - a 42% discount.

Chrysler 300 Review

There's currently no category within the Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards for "best returning-to-glory car." But if there were, the Chrysler 300 would certainly be a strong candidate to win. A proud and prestigious vehicle during the 1950s, the 300 fell into anonymity during the '60s and then pretty much disappeared from the automotive landscape for more than 30 years. Only with the current model has Chrysler revived the accolades and respect that once surrounded this proud nameplate.

Thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior and powerful performance capabilities, the latest Chrysler 300 has become a popular choice in the large sedan segment. The 300C trim level, in particular, is an impressive vehicle thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. It's bracketed by two affordable V6-equipped models on one end and the high-performance 300C SRT8 on the other. According to our editors, nearly all 300 models should serve consumers well.

The current Chrysler 300 debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year. As a large five-passenger sedan with rear-wheel drive, it's been designed to appeal to consumers desiring something with a bit more personality than a regular family sedan or an alternative to popular Japanese or European entry-luxury sedans. Some of the 300's underlying mechanicals are derived from Mercedes-Benz technology (an obvious benefit of the DaimlerChrysler merger), and it's a platform sibling to the Dodge Magnum and Charger.

The 300's styling is unmistakably American. The large chrome grille, double-lens headlights, high beltline, bulging fenders and large wheels give it a strong presence on the road. A long 120-inch wheelbase shortens up the front and rear overhangs and opens up plenty of occupant space on the inside. Cabin dimensions are generous in all directions, and the 300 offers more legroom than most of its competitors. Its overall interior design has been described as simple but elegant. The dash area effectively combines sporty, semi-retro and luxury motifs.

There are currently five styles of the Chrysler 300 to choose from: base, Touring, Limited, "C" (labeled the 300C) and the 300C SRT8. Though budget-oriented consumers might be attracted to the base model's low price, we suggest stepping up to either the Touring or the Limited, as these trim levels come with the type of standard features expected for this class of car. The 300C and SRT8 versions are the performance-oriented models. The main difference between the two is that the SRT8 version has been tuned and equipped for maximum performance.

For power, the base 300 relies on a 200-horsepower V6 connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Limited have a larger 250-hp V6 and a five-speed automatic. The top-shelf 300C and 300C SRT8 feature a V8 engine. The 300C's makes 340 hp and the SRT8 boasts 425 hp. The SRT8 also features a stiffer suspension setup, more powerful brakes and a larger wheel and tire package. Most 300s are rear-drive, but Chrysler does offer all-wheel-drive versions of the Limited and 300C.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the Chrysler 300, the car has fared quite well. Our editors have commented favorably on its masculine good looks, powerful V8 engines, long list of safety features and value for the dollar. Negatives are few but focus on the meager output of the base model's V6 and the car's poor outward visibility. In a full-size sedan comparison test, a 300 Limited came in 2nd place out of four vehicles. Those desiring maximum fun will no doubt be pleased with the 300C SRT8; it can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds.

Like fossil records, the Chrysler 300 has a long but patchy history. It came into being in the mid-1950s as a way to showcase Chrysler's new "Hemi" V8 engine. The first 300 was introduced for 1955 and was based on the New Yorker two-door hardtop. Its 5.4-liter V8 developed 300 hp. After that, Chrysler began affixing sequential letters at the end of "300" for each year as well as offering different body styles, including a convertible. The 1957 300-C is typically considered the most beautiful and desirable of these early cars. The Hemi engines were discontinued in the 300 after 1958, but Chrysler continued to use the letter designations up until the '65 300-L. After that it was the plain 300. In total, there were seven generations of this car before it was dropped after the 1971 model year.

The 300 name was briefly resurrected in 1979 for a special version of the rather awful Cordoba. It would then take another 20 years before Chrysler decided to roll out the 300 moniker again. This was the 1999 300M. Unlike previous 300s, this was a front-drive sedan only. Based on the second generation of Chrysler's "cab forward" LH platform, the 300M used a 3.5-liter V6, making 253 hp (that's net horsepower, a far more conservative standard than the "gross" rating used prior to 1972) and mounted longitudinally in the engine bay. It was built through the 2004 model year.