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The Chrysler 300C is back for one last run with a HEMI V8 and plays an ode to the high-performance 300 sedans of yesteryears.
Things turned out exactly as we had anticipated with the high-performance 2023 Chrysler 300. It isn't an "SRT" or a "Hellcat" but the long-forgotten 300C nameplate that has been revived for one last run. It has been confirmed that 2023 is going to be the last model year for the Chrysler 300 sedan, and we are glad that they decided to revive the "C" nameplate. While we had our fears that it is going to be a lame revival, Chrysler have done their best in making the outdated sedan, desirable.
Not only does it pack the famed 392 HEMI V8, but it also gets throwback exterior features that take us on a trip down the "Chrysler 300C" memory lane. This V8 is nothing special as it is used in many other cars from Dodge, RAM, and Jeep. But when you add it to the 300C's history, the outcome is much more desirable. Adding more to its desirability quotient is the fact that the 2023 300C is limited-run.
The last time America got a performance-spec 300C was with the Chrysler 300's first-generation run in 2005. There was a second-gen model, but it was confined to the lucky people across the pond. The 300C has played a special role in reviving the hot-rod culture in the 21st century. It was also once, the coolest family car out there. For some, the 2023 Chrysler 300C will be a nostalgic indulgence, but for others, it will be a desperate move by Chrysler to get attention!
The Chrysler 300C is back for one last run with a HEMI V8 and plays an ode to the high-performance 300 sedans of yesteryears.
The high-performance 300C sedan is powered by a well-known 6.4-Liter HEMI V8 engine that churns out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful 300C ever made. Before this, it was the second-gen Chrysler 300 SRT8 with the 470 hp 6.4-Liter V8 that held the "most powerful" tag. The 2023 300C does 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. The quarter-mile comes in at 12.4 seconds.
This is the same engine and the exact same specs as the Dodge Charger Scat Pack. Power is sent to all four wheels via a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Other performance-oriented features include four-piston Brembo brakes, and a limited split differential, an active dampening suspension set-up, and an active exhaust system for unmistakable muscle-car music.
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There isn't a major design overhaul for the 300C exterior, but adds a subtle nostalgic touch. It gets a revised version of the iconic tri-color 300C badge which can be found on the front grille and the rear decklid. Chrysler has gone for an all-black theme for a sinister appeal. It rides on cool new 20/9-inch forged wheels wrapped with all-season performance tires. Chrysler is offering the 2023 300C in three shades - Gloss Black, Velvet Red, and Bright White.
The 300C gets an all-black theme with black Laguna leather upholstery for the seats. The front seats get contrasting silver stitching and also get the new "300C" logo embossed on the backrest. The silver stitching also makes its way to the door trimmings and leather inserts on the instrument panel. There are bits of carbon fiber trimmings on the dash, along with a few Piano Black bits to not make the cabin look dull. The dashboard is an old-school digital-analog unit with a blue backlight.
It is quite refreshing to see physical dials for the odometer on a new car. The technology features are quite stacked as well. The new 300C gets loads of standard safety features that include Lane Departure Warning, Speed Collision Warning, and Advanced brake assist to name a few. On the entertainment and connectivity front, it gets a familiar 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment screen that comes packed with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also comes with a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
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The 2023 Chrysler 300C starts with an MSRP of $55,000 and will be limited to just 2000 units for the US. Reservations are already underway, and you can book the 2023 300C right away. Chrysler will start delivering its last lot of high-performance V8-powered sedans in Spring 2023.
The first-ever 300C came out in 1957 which packed a standard 392 cu-in HEMI V8. It was part of the Chrysler 300 "Letter Series" that was also advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car". Then it was complete silence for 40 years, as the "300" slowly faded away after the peculiar 1970 Chrysler Hurst 300.
The revival of 300 happened in 2005 which also played a very crucial role in saving Chrysler from impending doom! With a lot of help from Mercedes-Benz and sharing a lot of technology and parts from the third-gen E-Class and S-Class, Chrysler was able to give hot-rods a modern twist with the 300 lineup in 2005.
The 300C also made a comeback with a 340-360 hp 5.7-Liter HEMI V8. There was even an SRT model with a bigger 6.1-Liter HEMI and churning out 425 hp. Other parts of the world also got a 300C Touring station wagon. For the second-gen model, the "300C" withered down to a mere trim level.
The only performance 300 sedan from 2011 to date was the 300 SRT which packed a 6.4-Liter HEMI V8 with 470 hp. It was discontinued in the US after 2014 but lived on in other parts of the world till 2021. But now, finally taking the "performance" mantle over, we have the 2023 Chrysler 300C. The last of its kind!
Tijo is an engineer, mechanic, and an avid content creator. He is a grease-monkey who loves tinkering with automobiles every now and then, when not busy penning down his passion for them. He has always had a soft spot for JDM and is keen on diving deep in for anything that involves wheels and engines.