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The long awaited arrival of Chrysler’s all-new 300 range is finally over with the brand offering a category first amongst other new features.

The all-new 300 series has a new look and is a much sharper look then the outgoing model. With its elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300 takes the ‘300’ nameplate to new heights and is a fitting expression of Chrysler’s history of stylistic distinction and technological innovation.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 delivers more than unmistakably American style with state-of-the-art connectivity, world-class levels of quietness, remarkable efficiency, true craftsmanship and outstanding quality and execution of design. The all-new 300 offers a rewarding driving experience in addition to all the aesthetics and symmetry associated with being “the great American road car”.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is an icon of Detroit-designed American ingenuity, a modern yet timeless execution of Chrysler elegance, tastefully re-interpreting the sophisticated and luxurious designs of the original Chrysler 300 more than 55 years ago.

Inspired by that car, and the predecessor, the new 300C’s design team has taken the original’s distinctive look and infused it with a more elegant, and sophisticated architectural feel.

The refinements have created a dynamically-sound masterpiece, characterised by its raked-back windshield, forward-leaning fascia and integrated rear spoiler.

New exterior features providing improved vehicle appearance and functionality include the application of rolled framed doors (rather than full-stamped doors which were used on previous generation vehicles) enabling smaller pillars, gap-free surfacing, and significantly improved wind noise performance.

The same level of design ingenuity and craftsmanship on display in the Chrysler 300’s exterior is carried over to the vehicle’s interior, where new and redesigned features provide a dramatically more upscale look and feel, incorporating more sculpted surfaces and expressive lines.

The seats have been redesigned for optimum comfort using dual-density foam, a new spring suspension, and top layers of light-density foam sewn into the covers for a “pillow-top” design.

Luxury features abound, including illuminated heated and cooled cup holders, LED lighting, heated front and rear seats, as well as ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The upper instrument panel, upper doors, and the sides of the centre console are covered using cast-formed skin technology to ensure a pleasing soft touch surface.

Ambient LED lighting, located in foot wells, door pull cups, overhead console (for centre console illumination), door map pockets, and cubby bin is offered for evening illumination.

As a result of these and many other detail changes, the Chrysler 300 interior stands apart from rivals.

The four-spoke thick-rimmed steering wheel provides enhanced feel and grip and comes standard with tilt/telescoping adjustment for optimised driver control. Backlit Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) controls are mounted on the steering wheel’s front face to optimise usability, while audio controls are mounted on the rear of the steering wheel.

The Chrysler 300’s Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is an interactive colour display in the instrument cluster that allows the driver to select and customise personal settings, such as fuel economy, distance to empty, engine temperature, fluid levels and tyre pressure.

Other convenience features include Keyless Enter ’N Go, a standard Humidity Sensor with Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) that enables an auto-defog capability, and an ingenious capless fuel filler door which can only be opened via an interior switch.

Innovative luxury conveniences include an optional (300C and 300C Luxury) power backlight sunshade for the rear window, which diffuses light for rear-seat occupants. The shade incorporates anti-pinch technology that stops actuation when an object is detected in its path.

An optional panoramic dual-pane sunroof system covers more than 70 percent of the 300’s roof area. It includes power tilt and express-open features. An interior shade matches the headliner in both colour and material. The system is activated via switches in the overhead console.

The all-new Chrysler 300 range offers outstanding choices such as V6 petrol or diesel power, V8 petrol, a category first eight-speed automatic transmission (in some models), dynamic suspension.

Entry level models will be equipped with Chrysler’s all-new award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar V6. This state-of-the-art petrol V6 engine features a high-pressure die cast cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration, dual overhead camshafts with roller finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters, variable valve timing (for enhanced efficiency and power), multi-port fuel injection, and dual three-way catalytic converters (for reduced NOx emissions).

The lightweight and frugal engine returns impressive fuel efficiency of 13.9L/100km in city driving and 6.7L/100km in highway driving, while delivering a muscular 210kW at 6350rpm, and 340Nm of torque at 4650rpm.

When matched to the all-new eight speed automatic transmission it can cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.0 seconds.

Also on the menu is an engine that offers performance and economy that only a modern turbo-diesel can deliver. The Chrysler 300’s new 3.0-litre diesel V6 is produced by VM Motori in the main assembly plant in Cento, Italy.

Engine block strength has been improved using a two-piece, compacted graphite iron (CGI) 60-degree cylinder block with a sturdy ladder frame that helps reduce engine noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), while increasing engine strength and serviceability.

Aluminium cylinder heads help to reduce overall engine weight and the quad overhead chain-driven camshafts allow the airflow required to increase torque to 550Nm @ 1800 – 2000rpm, and power to 176kW @ 4000rpm.

The VM Motori diesel engine uses the Bosch CP4.2 common-rail, direct injection fuel system operating at 1800 bar and, with its diesel particulate filter (DPF), is designed to meet EURO 5 emission standards.

Mated to the standard five-speed automatic transmission the diesel V6 returns 9.5L/100km in urban driving and a frugal 5.7L/100km on the highway. With its outstanding 550Nm of peak torque available form a low 1800rpm it propels the Chrysler 300 from rest to 100km/h in 7.8secs, on its way to a top speed of 230km/h.

At the top of the food chain in the 300 range is sits the potent and evocative-sounding all-new 6.4-litre Hemi V8, ensuring the 300 SRT8’s status as one of the most powerful factory-fettled sports saloons on the planet.

Backed by decades of uncompromising Chrysler V8 engine development, the new 6.4-litre Hemi stands tall as one of the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8s, punching out a track-worthy 347kW @ 6100rpm and a tidal wave of 631Nm of torque at a low 4150rpm.

The legendary Hemi V8 engine has also benefited from a range of comprehensive enhancements designed to improve performance and efficiency. Compared to the previous 300C SRT8, this latest development of the venerable Hemi V8 includes comprehensive enhancements to the bore, stroke, cam, heads, compression, intake and exhaust systems.

This latest iteration Hemi V8 features a sophisticated electronic throttle control system; aluminium cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers for outstanding airflow leading to high power and torque; high compression ratio; dual knock sensors; and dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) to improve peak power and torque while reducing exhaust emissions.

Other features new to the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 include Fuel Saver Technology, an upgraded form of the Chrysler multiple-displacement system (MDS) that deactivates half of the engine’s cylinders over a broader range of operating conditions to improve fuel economy from five to 20 per cent depending on driving conditions. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) delivers significant efficiencies and performance that shows in the engine’s willingness to respond to driver commands.

The engine also features a new interactive decel fuel shut-off (iDFSO) that turns off the flow of fuel during vehicle deceleration for improved real-world fuel economy without any noticeable changes in engine performance. This iDFSO is also featured on the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine.

As a result of these changes the new 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivers urban cycle consumption of 20.4L/100km, extra-urban cycle of 8.7L/100km, a combined cycle of 13.0L/100km, and CO2 emissions of 303g/km.

Chrysler Australia is the first manufacturer in the affordable large car class to offer an eightspeed automatic transmission as standard on all models equipped with its Pentastar V6.

Once limited to premium luxury models, the new segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission with e-shifter, when matched to the impressive 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 expands the world-class power and fuel efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 range.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission, introduced and licensed through ZF, is typically found on high-end luxury cars including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls Royce but will be offered on the 300 Limited, 300C and 300C Luxury.

The addition of more gear ratios in the transmission helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Vehicles benefit from nearly imperceptible gear changes due in part to small, evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio, providing quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

With its lower gear spread the transmission ensures low engine operation for significant fuel economy benefits. Its wide ratio spread provides the best possible fuel economy and a subsequent reduction in harmful emissions.

Compact and lightweight, the new transmission requires no structural changes over the five speed automatic fitted to other models, and despite the addition of more gears, the transmission actually weighs just 3kg more than the five-speed automatic transmission.

Adaptive shifting takes into account a number of variables including engine torque gradients, kick down, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, hill detection, friction detection and downshift detection in determining shift patterns. Additional parameters include vehicle speed control, electronic stability control activation and high temperatures that can affect transmission shifting.

High efforts in shifting also have been eliminated with gear selection controlled by a shift-bywire system. The position selected by the driver (P, R, N, D) is transmitted electronically with no mechanical linkage from the shifter to the transmission. Elimination of this linkage removes any shift effort from the driver’s gear selection. Shift-by-wire also allows improved calibration and smoothness of garage and parking lot shifts.

All shifts, whether single, double or multiple are performed as a direct result of the pedal position. Downshifts are made with very short response times and lead directly to the requested gear. Multiple upshifts can be decoupled temporarily if the torque request changes during the upshift. This helps eliminate the shift searching of the transmission.

During more spirited driving conditions, sporty, quick shifts are possible as a result of multiple parameters either through a Sport shift mode that requires simple driver input.

At the rear of the shifter is a gate that allows for down- and up-shifting by the driver. Once the vehicle is in the Sport mode, the driver can use either the console-mounted shifter or a pair of paddle controls located on the steering wheel on the 300C Luxury.

Once the Sport mode is selected, shift times are quicker and engine rpm is allowed to increase for a more performance- oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics.

As safety is always a concern for the modern car buyer it is good to know that the Chrysler 300 was named a Top Safety Pick by the influential US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving their highest rating.

IIHS recognizes vehicles with outstanding crashworthiness in front, side, rollover and rear crashes. The new Chrysler flagship received ‘good’ ratings, the highest achievable, in all four categories.

To be considered, vehicles must have available electronic stability control (ESC) systems that significantly reduce crash risks. Chrysler 300 has standard ESC. The Chrysler 300 is packed with standard safety features including full-length side-curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, driver’s knee bag, dual seat belt pretensioners on front-row seats, front-row reactive head restraints, ABS, All-Speed Traction Control (ASTC), Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking.

Other lifesaving safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) side mirrors, which use radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by unseen vehicles. The BSM system also includes Rear Cross-Path Detection (RCP), which monitors for vehicles/objects in perpendicular relationships to the vehicle when manoeuvring backward in parking lots.

Parksense front and rear park assist sensors detect the presence of objects up to approximately 1.2-metres to the front of the vehicle and 1.9-metres to the rear and provide both an audible and visual warning in the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Centre) when in reverse or driving forward.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) use a radar sensor mounted at the front of the car to detect objects. If the lane ahead is clear, the chosen cruise control speed will be maintained. However, when slower traffic is detected, ACC automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. Forward Collision Warning is an enhanced safety feature that provides an audible warning if the driver is approaching an object too fast, thus helping the driver determine what action to take to prevent a potential collision.

Electronic Stability Control aids the driver by detecting when the vehicle is veering off its intended path. It links the anti-lock brake system (ABS) with All-speed Traction Control (ATC) and Brake Assist. The latter provides increased braking pressure for optimal stopping distances when it senses that a panic braking event has occurred.

A four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) affords premium stopping power on the all-disc system, offering improved steering control under most extreme braking and/or slippery conditions.

Braking performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of Ready Alert Braking, and Rain Brake Support, the latter applying slight pressure to periodically dry the brake discs when the windscreen wipers are activated.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) automatically applies the brakes momentarily to help prevent rollback on hills and inclines. Keyless Enter ‘n Go automatically unlocks the doors when you pull the handle, provided you are carrying the key, avoiding the need to fumble for a key fob. Once inside, a simple press of the Start/Stop button and brake pedal brings your Chrysler 300 to life.

For night driving, the Chrysler 300’s headlamps project a bright-white beam that offers approximately three times the light output of a conventional headlamp, resulting in clearer forward vision.

Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) automatically adjusts headlamp direction for improved night-time driving visibility. Computing vehicle speed and steering wheel angle it determines headlamp projection from straight ahead to 7° inward or 18° outward. The AFL system incorporates an automatic levelling feature for better visibility on sloping paths, aligning the HID Bi-xenon headlamps to match the vehicle-to-road pitch.

In the event of a collision, the Chrysler 300’s body crush zones are designed to divert and dissipate impact energy away from the passenger compartment, to help minimise injuries.

An Intelligent battery sensor system continually measures the flow of current into and out of the battery, enabling intelligent load shedding, which systematically shuts off the vehicle’s electrical systems if the battery is running low to prevent depletion.

Standard pressure sensors in the tyre valves provide constant tyre pressure monitoring, allowing for automatic detection and notification when tyre pressure is low.

When reversing at low speeds a camera provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle on the Uconnect Touch navigation screen. The screen also displays grid lines to assist the driver when manoeuvring into parking spaces or narrow areas.

In the new Chrysler 300 range driver and passengers can remain connected, comfortable and entertained thanks to Uconnect Touch, an intuitive hub with which occupants can manage all of their media — CD, DVD, MP3, mobile phone, and navigation.

Featuring a large 8.4-inch touch screen display, the largest in its class, the system not only offers world-class infotainment, connectivity and convenience technologies, all bundled in an intuitive and easy to use interface, but the ability to use the display to access climate control, heated seats, power convenience features and radio controls.

Featuring a voice-activated communication system that allows you to pair up to seven Bluetooth compatible phones, the user-friendly Uconnect Touch system allows you to stay connected, informed, entertained and focused on driving.

With the ability to synchronise your phone’s address book with up to 1,000 entries, Uconnect Touch simplifies driving by letting you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. The driver can vocally select radio stations and make and receive calls and the system understands commands in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

There are also multiple ways to access audio, including ipod control with voice command, auxiliary input jack, SD card slot, Bluetooth® streaming audio, with access also for DVDs and other compatible multimedia devices.

The Chrysler family begins with the 300 Limited then moves up in features and price to the 300C, 300C Luxury and the top of the range 300 SRT8.

As a large, powerful rear wheel drive sedan the Chrysler 300 will appeal directly to the many Australian drivers who have long preferred the dynamic advantages of rear-wheel drive over alternatives such as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The same drivetrain configuration is chosen by many leading premium brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Lexus for the simple reason that rear-wheel drive offers superior handling and greater levels of driving enjoyment and engagement.

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