2010 Chrysler 300

Chrysler plans to launch a redesigned version of the Chrysler 300 in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli stated: "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances"
2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300


2010 Chrysler 300

2010 Chrysler 300

2010 Chrysler 300

Seen on page 133 and 137 of Chrysler’s Restructuring Plan for Long-Term Viability Plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury earlier today, are sketches of the next-generation Chrysler 300 and Jeep Gran Cherokee.

2010 Chrysler 300 front

2010 Chrysler 300 front

2010 Chrysler 300 Preview

Chrysler’s big rear-drive sedan will be re-invented sometime during the 2010 calendar year, by the fine engineering people in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and some of its design and engineering aspects might even be leveraged by the parent company, Fiat, for its big Lancia and Alfa Romeo products.


In the meantime, there are a few new items of note for model-year 2010…

300 Touring and 300 Limited are equipped with the 250-hp 3.5-litre V6, while 300C gets its motivation from the 360-hp 5.7-litre HEMI V8, and 300C SRT goes one better, with the 425-hp 6.1-litre HEMI V8.

Standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic. But optional on V6 models and standard on AWD and V8 models is the 5-speed automatic with Auto-Stick. Models equipped with this 5-speed debuted Chrysler’s fuel shut off technology (iDFSO), as a running change in model-year 2009.

Another recent Chrysler advance that debuted on the 300, is adaptive speed control, which uses radar to maintain a specific distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it.

This year 300 also gets a Fuel Saver Indicator (FSI), and Passive Entry. The latter is an enhancement to the remote keyless entry system, which allows you to lock and unlock the doors without having to press the transmitter lock or unlock the buttons.

Available on all Chrysler models for 2010 is the new uconnect Hands-Free Communication System, which allows you to place and receive calls over the stereo system (with your Bluetooth phone), and connect your i-Pod to the stereo via a factory-installed cable.

Pricing starts at $32,995.

2010 Chrysler 300 and 300C

A few details and a look at the next-generation Chrysler 300 full-size sedan—as well as the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee—have seeped out via Chrysler’s viability plan recently submitted to the U.S. government.

Slick Styling

As did Audi when redesigning the TT, Chrysler faced the difficult challenge of reinventing an icon when it went to the drawing board for the next 300. The new 300 possesses a shape similar to that of its predecessor, but looks more elegant. Up front, Chrysler moves to a new corporate grille, first previewed on the Imperial concept and most recently, the 200C EV concept shown at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The thin horizontal chrome bars are sleeker than the eggcrate worn by the current car, and they give the new 300 less of a boxy, road-barge look. Headlight clusters are squared and smoothed, while the front bumper is much more integrated, tightening up the chin.

The 300 will again feature fender flares, but the lower part of the arch is much less prominent. The upper body crease creates a gently arching shoulder in place of the straight and sharp line of the current model, and the new 300 also loses the side molding, giving the upper crease more definition. Expect visibility to be improved though slimmer A-pillars, more glass, and a much smaller C-pillar created through the use of a small A-frame window at the rear.

Although there is no view of the rear, expect to see a significant change from the current car. We anticipate the rear will mimic the clean front styling of the car, better integrating the exhaust tips in the lower valance. LED taillights are nearly a certainty.

Improved Interior

With the latest Dodge Ram demonstrating Chrysler’s renewed interest in interior quality, we expect the new 300 to use similarly improved materials. Sticking with the clean theme of the exterior, the new cabin appears simple and refined. The instrument panel houses two large circular gauges—similar to those in the Ram—while a large display operating Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system tops the center console. The climate controls reside below the screen.

Powertrains and Other Features

Hemi fans can relax, as the V-8 featuring cylinder deactivation will carry over from the existing model, and it should boast increases in both power and fuel economy. Chrysler says that the new 300 will also be available with an all-new “fuel-efficient” six-cylinder engine—likely the Phoenix line the company has been promising—which we think will produce at least 260 hp. New safety features will include rear cross-path and blind-spot monitoring systems. Most, if not all, of these features will likely carry over to a similarly redesigned 2010 Dodge Charger.

No word yet on when the new 300 will be officially revealed, but you can expect to see it and the next Dodge Charger on dealer lots in 2010.

2010 Chrysler 300

The 2010 Chrysler 300 should see no major changes. This large car shares its basic design with Dodge's Charger sedan. Available trim levels should continue to include Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8. All should continue to have standard rear-wheel drive. Touring Signature, Limited, and 300C will likely remain available with all-wheel drive. Touring versions should have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Touring Signature and Limited will likely still use a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. The 300C should continue to have a 5.7-liter version of Chrysler's "Hemi" V8 with 359 hp. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 will likely continue to use a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 hp. The 300 Touring and rear-drive Touring Signature and Limited should still have a 4-speed automatic transmission. All others should use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Likely not returning to the 300 lineup is the Executive Series package that increases the vehicle's overall length by 6 inches. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Chrysler 300.