Final farewell to the Chrysler 300C: a muscle car icon bows out.
It’s a sad day for the Chrysler 300C as it reached the end of its road after an impressive 18-year run. Launched in 2005, this full-sized luxury sedan embodied the quintessential American car ethos with its robust V8 engine positioned proudly upfront, channeling all its power to the rear wheels. Notably, it marked the brand’s return to rear-wheel drive sedans, a feature last seen in 1989’s Fifth Avenue model.
During its tenure, the Chrysler 300C underwent just two generational changes, with a notable facelift in 2015. It graced various markets, offering a range of engines and models, but the standout has always been the version equipped with Hemi’s formidable 329 6.4-liter V8 engine, shared with its siblings, the Charger and Challenger. This powerhouse delivers a thrilling 470 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in just under four seconds.
The 300C’s design stood out with its straightforward, boxy silhouette, incorporating Chrysler’s iconic design elements. While the design has aged in the face of modern competition, like the sleek Lexus ES with its striking spindle grille or the contemporary Cadillac CT5, the 300C retained a unique appeal that set it apart in its segment. Its presence on the road is a testament to Chrysler’s legacy of combining simple yet bold styling with raw power.
The final edition of the Chrysler 300C makes a grand exit, donning a striking velvet red metallic finish. Under its hood lies a 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine, a powerhouse churning out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This engine, renowned for its robust, throaty roar and impressive performance, is a fitting heart for the 300C’s swan song. However, it’s worth noting that Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, is shifting gears towards more efficient powertrains, favoring inline-six engines over the traditional eight cylinders.
This particular model of the 300C is a special edition unveiled at the 2022 North American International Auto Show. It serves as a homage to the Chrysler 300’s nearly seven-decade-long heritage. This limited-production run, comprising only 2,000 units for the U.S. and an additional 200 for Canada, was met with overwhelming demand, selling out within just 12 hours of its reveal.
As the 300C prepares to join the ranks of the discontinued Dodge Charger and Challenger, it reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry — the decline of the sedan market. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards larger vehicles that offer more space and versatility, a shift that has inevitably impacted the demand for models like the 300C. As a result, no new iterations of this iconic model are planned, marking the end of an era for this once-popular sedan.
So long, 300; you’ll be missed.
Gallery: 2023 Chrysler 300C
