Redesigned last year, the full-size
2012 Chrysler 300 sedan retains its iconic silhouette and is one of the few remaining American rear-wheel-drive sedans. All-wheel drive is available. With seating for five, the Chrysler 300 offers V-6 or V-8 power, and the high-performance SRT8 version returns for 2012. Competitors include the Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus.
ExteriorThe 300 has a distinctive grille with horizontal blades, though those who prefer a mesh grille can get one installed through Chrysler's aftermarket Mopar division. In back, the rear bumper angles forward, meeting the taillights without the conventional ledge where the two elements join. Exterior features include:
- Standard LED daytime running lights
- Standard dual chrome exhaust tips
- Standard 17-inch wheels; 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels are optional
- Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Optional sunroof or optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof
InteriorLight-blue gauges sit behind a broad steering wheel, and a standard 8.4-inch center display houses various touch-screen controls, along with the optional navigation system for those cars that have it. With the help of a raked windshield, thinner roof pillars and new door frames, the 300 provides increased outward visibility compared with its predecessor. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver's seat and a USB/iPod-compatible stereo are standard. Trunk volume measures 16.3 cubic feet. Interior features include:
- Standard cloth seats; leather optional
- Optional heated and ventilated front seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- Standard 8.4-inch touch-screen
- Optional power-adjustable pedals
- Optional heated and cooled cupholders
Under the HoodThe 3.6-liter V-6 works with a standard five-speed automatic or an available eight-speed automatic. The optional 5.7-liter V-8 pairs with a five-speed automatic. Mechanical features include:
- 292-horsepower V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 363-hp V-8 with 394 pounds-feet of torque and cylinder-deactivation technology
- Both engines can use regular gas
- Rear- or all-wheel drive
SafetySafety features include:- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags for both rows
- Driver's knee airbag
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Active front head restraints
- Optional blind spot monitoring system
- Optional rear cross path detection
- Optional collision warning system
- Optional front and rear parking sensors
- Optional backup camera
- Optional SmartBeam headlights
New for 2012
An eight-speed automatic is newly available for V-6 models, and the
transmission helps the 300 get up to 31 mpg on the highway. The 300S
includes this transmission along with a quicker-shifting Sport mode and
steering-wheel shift paddles. The 2012 model year also sees the addition
of the 300S trim, which is offered with V-6 or V-8 power. The cars
feature polished 20-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets, quicker
steering with a weightier feel, a black chrome grille and darkened
headlight bezels. In the cabin, there's power heated cloth sport seats,
piano black trim and Beats by Dr. Dre premium audio, which is new for
2012. There's also a new 300C Luxury Series that features a
leather-wrapped interior, heated and ventilated front seats, Berber
floormats and real wood trim with a low-gloss finish. A platinum-chrome
mesh grille helps distinguish the car from the rest of the 300 lineup. The Uconnect Touch system has also been upgraded. It now can read
aloud incoming text messages and lets the driver choose a response. The
available Garmin-based navigation system now recognizes voice commands,
and there's satellite radio-based traffic information as well as more
ways to control a connected iPod.
Fill out the form below or contact one of our friendly
Silverthorne Chrysler sales people for more information on the all new Chrysler 300.