Chrysler is hoping a re-engineered and expanded lineup will restore the 300's excitement and sales success.
The automaker is doubling the line for 2012 to six models -- keying on what Chrysler says is buyer lifestyles.
The 300 was re-engineered and restyled for the 2011 model year, and sales just began early this year. With the abbreviated model year, the line was limited to three trim levels: 300, 300 Limited and 300C.
The expanded line for the 2012 model year is an effort to generate buzz and attract younger buyers. The S version is designed to reach younger buyers who do not respond to the chrome and wood trim for which Chrysler is known.
Struggling sales
The 300's sales have struggled.
The car was introduced as a 2005 model and was largely unchanged though 2010. The top sales year was calendar 2005 when 144,068 units were sold. Last year 37,116 cars were sold, a 4 percent drop from the previous year. Sales plummeted 39 percent in the first quarter this year from a year earlier.
The three new trim levels for the 2012 model year:
* The 300S aims at younger, urban-centric enthusiasts wanting a mixture of sophistication and street machine.
* The 300C Executive Series is what Chrysler calls the most luxurious sedan ever offered by the brand. The car has leather seating surfaces and trim associated with Italian luxury cars, Chrysler says.
* The 300 SRT8 returns, aimed at enthusiasts wanting a high-performance sedan.
Sales of all 2012 300s begin this fall.
Chrysler 300 SRT-8
The 300 SRT8 was created by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology engineering team. Chrysler touts the 300 SRT8 as the brand's most powerful and best handling car ever produced.
For enthusiasts, the 300 SRT8 is about performance and talking points. A top speed of 175 mph is promised. Chrysler also promises zero-to-60 mph acceleration in less than five seconds, and the quarter mile in less than 13 seconds. Zero-to-100-mph-to-zero is expected in less than 16 seconds.
Chrysler says the car will stop from 60 mph in 120 feet. The car has 14.2-inch (front) and 13.8-inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers, painted silver.
Under the hood is the automaker's new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, producing an estimated 465 hp and 465 pounds-feet of torque. The engine has 40 more hp and 45 more pounds-feet of torque than the 6.1-liter V-8 that powered the previous generation 300 SRT8. The transmission is a five-speed automatic.
Despite the power boost, Chrysler says the car's highway fuel economy is 25 percent better than the previous generation 300 SRT8. Estimated miles per gallon will be released closer to the sales date, sometime this fall.
The 2012 300 SRT8 also gets an adaptive damping suspension system. The system uses inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical accelerations to automatically adjust the suspension. The driver can choose between Auto and Sport settings that adjust shock damping for a performance or boulevard ride.
Buyers of SRT models receive a one-day driver instruction course from the Richard Petty Racing School.
Chrysler 300S
The 300S touts "Radar Red" leather.
Chrysler says the 300S provides a youthful and aggressive appearance with athletic style and sophistication.
"No chrome. No wood. Matte carbon fiber finishes, unique black or Radar Red leather, our biggest wheels, and world's first integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology," Olivier Francois, Chrysler brand CEO, said in the introductory press release. "It has an attitude that comes through loud and clear."
The 300S has 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, wider all-season performance tires and touring-tuned suspension.
The exterior has body-color fascia accents and mirrors, and black-accented headlamp bezels with matching sculpted horizontal grille blades in black chrome.
An 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen display incorporates infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features.
The 300S is available with two engines. The V-6 model has Chrysler's new 292-hp 3.6-liter engine, combined with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The V-8 version uses Chrysler's 363-hp 5.7-liter Hemi linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The V-8-equipped car adds a 160-mph LED-illuminated instrument cluster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear back-up camera and other equipment.
300C Executive Series
The interior of the 300C Executive Series contains real wood accents and a hand-stitched Italian leather dashboard.
The 300C Executive Series is designed to be Chrysler's most luxurious sedan ever, the automaker says.
"With hand-sanded real wood accents, hand-stitched Italian leather dash, two-tone ultra-soft nappa leather seats, uniquely polished 20-inch wheels and state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch, our flagship provides passengers with the sense of pure old-school craftsmanship combined with innovative technology," Francois said.
On the exterior, the chromed fascia, mirror and door handle accents are replaced with a platinum chrome finish. The car's front end has a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome sculpted grille blades.
The 300C Executive Series has a 363-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. All-wheel-drive is optional.
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