2012 Gray Chrysler 300S V6 8-Speed Automatic Photo and Info

It should come as no surprise that our power preference in the brawny Chrysler 300 sedan has been the equally brawny Hemi V-8. Sorting commuter traffic in a big sedan requires power, a commodity abundant in Chrysler’s Hemis and scarce in the first-gen 300’s V-6s.
But six-cylinder thrift became a lot more desirable with the model’s comprehensive 2011 overhaul, which included an upgrade to a more powerful, 3.6-liter engine. The 3.6 makes 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, 42 more ponies and 10 more lb-ft than were produced by the old car’s 3.5-liter V-6. (The first 300 was also offered with a woefully inadequate 178-horse 2.7-liter.) Now 2012 brings the addition of a new ZF eight-speed automatic in place of the previous five-speed for Limited and S V-6 models (the five-cogger carries over in base 300s for now).
Spreading the Load
Eight forward speeds keep the engine closer to its power-band sweet spot, improving both mph and mpg. Paddle shifters are the only way to actuate shifts manually. They add a sporty touch, although sporty is not a word that comes immediately to mind with this luxurious and massive sedan. In any case, although the transmission is eager to get into top gear, it’s sensitive to even subtle pressure on the throttle.
We can’t say we’re fans of the console-mounted shifter, which appears to have been swiped wholly intact from the Audi A8, which also uses the ZF eight-speed. It’s an electronic selector with lightly defined detents among its four options, and here, as in the Audi, gear selection requires more precision—especially when trying to find reverse—than in most other electronic shifters.
We didn’t test a 300 with the new engine and the old five-speed auto. But the new combination slices a hefty chunk off the time of the 3.5-liter, four-speed duo we clocked for a comparison test in 2005. The 2005 V-6 hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds; the 300S does it in 6.6. Making that sprint disparity more impressive is the fact that this 300S outweighs the earlier car by 391 pounds, coming in at 4162. That’s a lot of additional mass. We did test a 2011 Charger with the new V-6 and five-speed, and that 4113-pound car hit 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.
Even so, the 2012 model picks up 6 mpg in the EPA highway rating—31 versus 25—over the old 3.5-liter with rear-wheel drive. We recorded 20 mpg in this test, one more than the city rating and with a barely broken-in engine: This 300S showed just 218 miles on its odometer when it arrived. (Head here for a full rundown on S-model features. Pertinent impressions based on this experience: They make the car look sinister, and the Beats by Dr. Dre audio system sounded pretty damn good.)
Sweeter All Around
Other elements of the V-6 300 are as described in our other reviews of the new-gen car—a more sophisticated exterior, a more refined interior, quiet operation—only now augmented by the seamless eight-speed auto.
Bottom line: The 300 Limited V-6 starts at $32,995, the S, at $33,995. Hemi power starts with the $38,995 300C. So choosing the smaller engine has, yes, positive repercussions on your bank account, but the new transmission means even more positivity in the driving experience, too.View Photo Gallery

2012 White Chrysler 300C SRT8 Official Photos -Picture and Info

 
Although this cat already escaped the bag a few weeks ago when our spy photographers nabbed some clear pictures of an unmasked 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8, we still felt giddy as we sorted through the official details. Indeed, the particulars have us looking forward to overwriting fond memories of the last-gen car—an office favorite for its antics-inspiring 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8—with ones created behind the wheel of the even burlier new model.
The Muscle
We’ll cut right to the meat and potatoes. As expected, the new SRT8 is packing a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, producing an “estimated 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.” If those numbers hold up, they represent increases of 40 hp and 45 lb-ft over the outgoing model. The same five-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox, but as in the 2012 Charger STR8, paddle shifters will live behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The wheel, Chrysler says, manipulates a livelier rack than before. The company expects 60 mph to arrive in the high four-second range and the quarter-mile to take just under 13 seconds. Although the new version will be heavier, we don’t see those times being difficult to achieve, as the last car hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter in 13.2 in our testing. A screen in the IP includes a function to keep tabs on your personal 0-to-60-mph times, maximum lateral acceleration, and quarter-mile times, among other numerical bragging points.
Along with, highway fuel economy is also projected to increase—this by an estimated 25 percent. To that end, the 6.4-liter gets cylinder deactivation, and an active exhaust system allows it to work over a wider rpm range. The engine and exhaust also are said to have a throatier voice, which is most excellent: SRT had a virtuoso as a base point of comparison (listen to the old SRT8 here).
A bit stiff riding at times, the old model should be trumped by the 2012 and its Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS). Using variables that include vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, throttle position, and lateral force, the suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions and driving style. It offers a choice between Auto and Sport modes, with the latter giving the driver full control of shifting duties. The braking system carries over but cooling is likely to improve from a new belly pan with integrated brake ducting. New motor mounts will attempt to do away with the fun but admittedly un-luxurious muscle-car shake at idle.
The Luxury
Those seeking the luxury angle of the 300C SRT8 will find the updated interior from the regular 2011 300C a welcome change. Adding to the base car’s vastly improved materials, the SRT8 gets real carbon-fiber trim along with the aforementioned unique steering wheel. Like the normal 300, the center stack also features the 8.4-inch touch-screen display, but here it comes with standard navigation and can control an optional and monstrous 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo. Additional luxury can be had from the Premium Leather Interior package, which stretches so-called “Foligno” leather over the door uppers, the instrument panel, the cluster hood, and the sides of the center console. Nappa leather then takes over to finish the doors, armrest, and center armrests. It’s a far cry from the hard plastics of the recent past.
The Looks
Backing up the underhood muscle are the new front and rear fascias, side skirts, dual four-inch (!) softball-shooter exhaust tips, and unique 20-inch wheels. The kit adds definite visual spice to the already-zesty look of the 300, but you can go one step further: A new Black Chrome package swaps in upper and lower grille surrounds, a rear valance strip, and wheels rendered in the dark shiny stuff.
The SRT8 hits dealers in the third quarter of this year. We’ll take ours in all black with all the black chrome you’ve got.

2012 Chrysler Silver 300 S / 300C Executive Series

The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 has hardly cooled from the heat of the lights at this year’s Detroit show, but Chrysler is pushing onward, adding several new models to the 300 lineup at the New York affair. There, we’re being introduced to the fire-breathing 2012 300C SRT8, plus these new 300 S and 300C Executive Series offerings; they join the V-6 300 and the Hemi V-8–equipped 300C and 300C AWD. What it all means: Whether you’re looking for a 300 with big wheels and a bangin’ stereo, one fueled by righteous and furious anger, or one with fine leather and premium wood trim, Chrysler probably has a model for you.
300 S
While the slick design of the 300 should appeal to customers of all ages, we can see where some might view the sedan as being fit for, well, an older crowd. Chrysler has a solution to decisively broaden the appeal with the new 2012 300 S. The S models are stripped of bright chrome and wood, those elements being replaced with body-colored accents on the fascia and mirrors, a black-chrome grille, black headlight surrounds, and polished aluminum wheels with black accents. Inside, the interior can be finished in black or Radar Red leather, with piano black and matte carbon trim replacing the wood. The standard 8.4-inch infotainment display is the control center for a 10-speaker, 522-watt Beats Audio system supposedly developed by Dr. Dre in conjunction with Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records.
The 300 S will be offered in several varieties, and it marks the return of the V-6/AWD pairing to the 300, as S customers can opt to have all four wheels powered by either the 292-hp six or the 363-hp Hemi V-8. When ordered with AWD, the S comes with 19-inch wheels and 235/55-19 all-season rubber. Rear-drive S sedans also can be spec’d with either the V-6 or V-8, and either option gets 20-inch rollers. V-6 models will come with the new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a transmission we expect will be attached to all 2012 V-6 300s. V-8 buyers are stuck with the old five-speed auto for now, but do get the new paddle shifters. The S models will go on sale this fall.
300C Executive Series
Looking to inject some extra lavishness into the 300C, Chrysler has created the Executive Series. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the Hemi-only Executive aims to offer the exotic materials of Italian luxury cars, says Chrysler. Beginning with a 300C fitted with most of the trimmings, the car is then treated to either Mochachino or Black Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather on the instrument panel and cluster brow, center-console side panels, and upper door panels. The seats are stitched with Nappa leather in a two-tone color combo of your choice, and the upscale accouterments are finished off by hand-sanded brown or gray wood that displays its natural pores. On the outside, the chrome trim is replaced with clearly superior “platinum” chrome, and the car gets unique polished 20s. No word yet on pricing, but we expect the top-spec AWD Executive Series to hit at least $50K when it and its rear-drive sibling go on sale at the same time as the S models

2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Spy Photos

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 has now been caught completely free of camo, which makes a New York auto show debut in a couple of weeks likely. The theme here is menace, backed up by a blacked-out grille, blacked-out headlight surrounds, a black-chrome grille frame, black-chrome wheels (hiding Brembo-emblazoned brake calipers), and a black rear "diffuser." The exhaust tips are now fully round cannons instead of the regular 300C's oval exits, and there is less chrome slathered around the exterior; the front bumper adornments and taillights are among the de-zooted pieces. The interior has been shot, too, and the photo reveals the flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Charger SRT8, confirmation of wheel-mounted shift paddles, and trim that may or may not be actual carbon fiber. Read on for more of what we already know about the car; we'll bring you official photos and full info just as soon as they become available.
Original story: Chrysler’s second-generation 300 sedan is mostly a reskin of the original, rather than a completely new car. While an entirely new car is often the better solution, the latest 300 was changed where change was needed—the interior, specifically—while the competent chassis was largely left alone. But there’s another way to effect notable change: adding power. Enter the SRT8 version, caught here out for a drive wearing its winter coat.
We got a good preview of the mechanical bits destined for this car with the unveiling of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. The two cars have historically been nearly identical underneath, and that won’t change. That means the 2012 300C SRT8 will pack Chrysler’s new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, making around 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, the figures from the Charger. The last 300C SRT8 we tested, which had 425 horses from its 6.1-liter Hemi, hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, so figure a tenth or two off of that time for the 2012 model.
The five-speed automatic returns, and, like the Charger SRT8, should come with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles; later, an eight-speed auto will replace it throughout the 300 lineup. Where the SRT8 Charger and 300C have differed in the past is in their suspension tuning; the Charger was a bit stiffer and should continue to be. And since the new Charger SRT8 will offer a two-mode adaptive suspension, we predict a similar setup for the 300C.
As is the case with the current car, this SRT8 will not look markedly different from the regular-strength 300C. Although hidden behind the white mesh here, a different grille treatment is a given, as is a more aggressive lower front fascia. We’d be okay if the designers toned down some of the 300C’s chrome—the fact that this car wears body-colored door handles as opposed to the C’s shiny pieces has us hopeful. Updated 20-inch wheels are expected, and a diffuser-like insert in the rear provides plenty of space for some big chrome exhaust tips. Other than those small details, though, it should be 300C business as usual.
Did we know this car was coming? Sure we did. Does that make it any less cool? Not a bit. The 300C SRT8 should bow at a major American auto show later this year, i.e. in New York this spring or Los Angeles in the fall. It will hit dealers toward the end of the year, along with the Charger SRT8, as a 2012 model.View Photo Gallery

 

 by carmax.blogspot.com

Forget the Aftermarket: Mopar Introduces Eight Special Grilles, Six Styles of Wheels for the New Chrysler 300

Part of what made the first-gen Chrysler 300 such an irrefutable hit was its popularity with aftermarket parts suppliers and tuners; the car was a virtual blank canvas for customizers. Chrysler is courting those same people with its new 300—though this time, it won’t send them to the aftermarket without showing them the Mopar catalog first, wherein they will see no fewer than eight unique grille designs and six designs of custom wheels. The grilles include the standard seven-bar design with either bright or satin-finished chrome; another is a fine wire mesh insert in black or bright chrome; there’s a glitzy diamond-pattern lace insert in bright chrome; a ribbed, perforated black chrome grille á la the 2012 300C SRT-8; and our favorite, a 13-bar billet grille patterned after the grille of the original Chrysler 300. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, too, ranging from $310 to $750.
Wheel designs include three 20-inchers—a 10-spoke design in two finishes and one five-spoker in black chrome—a 19-inch “satin carbon” eight-spoke wheel intended for all-wheel-drive models, and two 18-inch five-spoke designs in two finishes. Prices for these start at $265 per rim and run up to $610 each.

Naturally, the tuning community will take the new 300 to the extreme, and will offer everything from grilles emblazoned with the Superman logo to scissor doors. But Mopar’s offerings are available right away, and bring that special manufacturer’s touch. With reasonable pricing, too, they should have no trouble finding buyers.
by blog.caranddriver.com

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Review & Test Drive

When it comes to searching for transportation that can seat 7 or more passengers,  the Chrysler Town & Country is one of those vehicles to fit that demographic in America. This has been and continues to be on the forefront in the minivan segment.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country now introduces newly styled exterior, a slightly enhanced interior, and the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine.


At the heart of America, the minivan somehow still manages to find its way into many homes along side of the gas-guzzling SUV alternatives. With gas prices steadily rising, the minivan has become an attractive choice with families needing the extra seating. The new Chrysler Town & Country beckons to fill that void.

Some will argue that there is no such thing as a luxury minivan and I would have to somewhat agree with that notion. However, after spending a week in the new Chrysler Town & Country Limited edition, I must admit that if there really is such a thing as a luxury minivan, then the Town & Country Limited would fit the bill. My 2011 Town & Country Limited minivan was loaded with several luxury amenities offering a cushy ride that could put you to sleep. Setting the Town & Country apart from the similar Dodge Caravan are a few extra “luxury” features such as a heated steering wheel, rear power liftgate, upgraded leather appointed seats, keyless entry-exit with push-button start, Xenon headlights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, blind-spot monitoring w/ cross-path detection, heated front and second row seats, 6.5-inch touch-screen Garmin-based navigation/satellite stereo system and rear-seat dual-screen DVD/satellite TV entertainment system. The list of options that can be had on a new Town & Country is rather long but delightfully appeases to the needs of owners and potential buyers.

Driving the new Chrysler Town & Country can at times put you in a state of serenity but I am not sure that is such a good thing when nothing excites you except the surround sound coming from the rear-seat entertainment system. The ride of the Town & Country is soft, the softest out of any minivan I have driven. Fortunately, the shock rebound keeps the Town & Country civilized on bumpy roads but mushy around corners this has improved to a great extent over previous years Chrysler Town & Country. In other words, the Town & Country feels heavy at times. The Pentastar V6 engine with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque does a decent job of toting around all 4652 pounds plus cargo. The Town & Country is noticeably slower than the comparable Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna V6 but still manages to provide a sufficient amount of passing power on the highway. The steering feel is a bit neutral, but the rack provides a great turning radius in tight spots for such a large vehicle.

Inside of the new Town & Country you will find ample seating for either 7 or 8 passengers depending on the configuration. My 7-passenger Town & Country surprisingly had comfortable 3^rd row power-folding seats. The 3^rd row is by far the easiest to fold out of the way via the power controls. The power folding 3^rd row (Stow n’ Go) offers the ability to fold them fully down or in a reclined configuration all with a push of a button. This is a major selling point for those looking for a minivan that offers easily obtainable flavors of rear seating and storage options. The three-zone climate controls add to the comfort for rear passengers with a full-set of controls to isolate them from the two front zones. Adjustable LED ambient lighting through the rear seating areas and roof put the icing on the cake for this ‘luxury’ minivan.

Overall the new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is an excellent contender in the minivan segment. Given that the Town & Country is more of a subdued and luxury-appointed minivan, it may appeal to a certain type of buyer more-so than say the sportier Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Gas mileage has also been improved getting a good 17mpg city and 25mpg highway. The 20-gallon tank allows a long cruise range of up to 500 miles on a single fill-up. That makes the new Town & Country perfectly fit for a town or country cruise, no pun intended. The Limited edition Town & Country starts at $38,660 while my test vehicle came in at $40,410 with the optional Stow n’ Go power-folding 3^rd row seats and second row luxury bucket seats.  The Touring edition Town & Country starts at just $30,106.
by automotiveaddicts.com

2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Official Photos and Info - Auto Shows

Although this cat already escaped the bag a few weeks ago when our spy photographers nabbed some clear pictures of an unmasked 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8, we still felt giddy as we sorted through the official details. Indeed, the particulars have us looking forward to overwriting fond memories of the last-gen car—an office favorite for its antics-inspiring 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8—with ones created behind the wheel of the even burlier new model.
The Muscle
We’ll cut right to the meat and potatoes. As expected, the new SRT8 is packing a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, producing an “estimated 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.” If those numbers hold up, they represent increases of 40 hp and 45 lb-ft over the outgoing model. The same five-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox, but as in the 2012 Charger STR8, paddle shifters will live behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The wheel, Chrysler says, manipulates a livelier rack than before. The company expects 60 mph to arrive in the high four-second range and the quarter-mile to take just under 13 seconds. Although the new version will be heavier, we don’t see those times being difficult to achieve, as the last car hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter in 13.2 in our testing. A screen in the IP includes a function to keep tabs on your personal 0-to-60-mph times, maximum lateral acceleration, and quarter-mile times, among other numerical bragging points.
Along with, highway fuel economy is also projected to increase—this by an estimated 25 percent. To that end, the 6.4-liter gets cylinder deactivation, and an active exhaust system allows it to work over a wider rpm range. The engine and exhaust also are said to have a throatier voice, which is most excellent: SRT had a virtuoso as a base point of comparison (listen to the old SRT8 here).
A bit stiff riding at times, the old model should be trumped by the 2012 and its Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS). Using variables that include vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, throttle position, and lateral force, the suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions and driving style. It offers a choice between Auto and Sport modes, with the latter giving the driver full control of shifting duties. The braking system carries over but cooling is likely to improve from a new belly pan with integrated brake ducting. New motor mounts will attempt to do away with the fun but admittedly un-luxurious muscle-car shake at idle.
The Luxury
Those seeking the luxury angle of the 300C SRT8 will find the updated interior from the regular 2011 300C a welcome change. Adding to the base car’s vastly improved materials, the SRT8 gets real carbon-fiber trim along with the aforementioned unique steering wheel. Like the normal 300, the center stack also features the 8.4-inch touch-screen display, but here it comes with standard navigation and can control an optional and monstrous 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo. Additional luxury can be had from the Premium Leather Interior package, which stretches so-called “Foligno” leather over the door uppers, the instrument panel, the cluster hood, and the sides of the center console. Nappa leather then takes over to finish the doors, armrest, and center armrests. It’s a far cry from the hard plastics of the recent past.
The Looks
Backing up the underhood muscle are the new front and rear fascias, side skirts, dual four-inch (!) softball-shooter exhaust tips, and unique 20-inch wheels. The kit adds definite visual spice to the already-zesty look of the 300, but you can go one step further: A new Black Chrome package swaps in upper and lower grille surrounds, a rear valance strip, and wheels rendered in the dark shiny stuff.
The SRT8 hits dealers in the third quarter of this year. We’ll take ours in all black with all the black chrome you’ve got.

2012 Chrysler 300 S / 300C Executive Series – Auto Shows

AWD returns to the V-6, and urbanites and suits each get their own Chrysler 300.
The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 has hardly cooled from the heat of the lights at this year’s Detroit show, but Chrysler is pushing onward, adding several new models to the 300 lineup at the New York affair. There, we’re being introduced to the fire-breathing 2012 300C SRT8, plus these new 300 S and 300C Executive Series offerings; they join the V-6 300 and the Hemi V-8–equipped 300C and 300C AWD. What it all means: Whether you’re looking for a 300 with big wheels and a bangin’ stereo, one fueled by righteous and furious anger, or one with fine leather and premium wood trim, Chrysler probably has a model for you.
by blog.caranddriver.com

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 New York Auto Show News and review

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 New York Auto Show News and review

Chrysler,news,review

• Competes with: Dodge Charger SRT8, Ford Taurus SHO, 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
• Looks like: The 300C got lower and angrier
• Drivetrain: 465-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2011

After a model year's hiatus, the SRT8 version of Chrysler's flagship sedan is back in the form of the 2012 300 SRT8. Based on the 300C, which was redesigned for 2011, the SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 465 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque, compared with 425 hp and 420 pounds-feet in the 2010 version's 6.1-liter. Chrysler says it does zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
The transmission is a five-speed automatic with AutoStick gear selector plus steering-wheel shift paddles. Though EPA figures aren't out yet, Chrysler says the highway mileage increases by 25 percent over the previous model, which was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway.
A computer-controlled adaptive suspension is new for 2012. It has a Sport setting that firms up the ride, but the real value is the system's constant monitoring of, and adjusting for, driving conditions. The steering, which had been criticized for being numb and vague, has been revised.
The brakes employ vented and slotted discs. There are four-piston calipers at all four corners, though they're larger in the front.

The 300 SRT8 rests a half-inch lower than the 300 and appears lower still due to side sill extensions. Four-inch-diameter dual chrome tailpipes are integrated into the rear bumper. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but an optional Black Chrome Package mutes the shine on the wheels, grille frame and rear diffuser.
Interior upgrades include SRT-branded sport seats and steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim and racing-style pedals. As in the previous generation, the 2012 SRT8 monitors and displays acceleration times, braking distance and g-force — this time on a new color display. The touch-screen mounted in the center of the dash shows this data and adds steering angle, yaw angle and engine output.