All-new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series Sedan

All-new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever

• All-new 300C Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency
• Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement – all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever
• Chrysler 300C 3.6L is the first Chrysler sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission
• Chrysler 300C V6 3.0L CRD boasts reduced fuel consumption and emissions

Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features. The Chrysler flagship sedan range includes a fuel-efficient V-6 petrol engine option, in addition to the powerful 176kW 3.0L V6 Diesel with 550 N.m of torque. And, the ultimate in luxury and power Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.4L V8.

“The new 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it’s the trophy for the consumer, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,” said Guy Franken, Head: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Chrysler South Africa and Fiat Group Automotive. “Chrysler 300C has sold over 500 units since its launch in 2005 offering local owners exclusivity and noticeability,” Franken concluded.

Powertrain

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.6-litre V6 8spd

The 3.6-litre Pentastar engine is extremely quiet, constructed with a high-pressure, die-cast aluminium block fitted with cast-iron bore liners and aluminium cylinder heads. The engine also has been designed to meet all known future worldwide emission standards and is currently Euro 5 certified.

Exhaust manifolds are deleted, with exhaust gases flowing through passages cast directly into the cylinder head of the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine. The new engine is extremely quiet and has set the standard of power, performance and interior quietness, as recently recognised by the editors of the U.S. automotive media outlet Ward’s, as one of the “10 Best Engines in 2011”.

On the outside, engine noise is barely perceptible at idle. With the new 3.6-litre Pentastar engine, all accessories are mounted directly to the engine with no accessory brackets. This helps ensure that all accessories, including the power steering pump, alternator and air-conditioning compressor, are anchored firmly and less susceptible to vibration and noise.

The Pentastar engine makes the most of its Dual Overhead Cams and Variable Valve Timing to deliver optimum combustion efficiency over the full speed and load ranges.

Once available only on premium vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300C 3.6-litre is the first to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 210kW 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Quicker shifts are possible on the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series models as a result of a “Sport” shift mode that requires simple driver input. When the driver chooses to let the transmission shift in “Sport” mode, gear changes are quicker and revs are held higher for even more performance-oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. For even more control, the driver can also use a pair of die-cast steering-wheel mounted paddle controls and view gear selection through an all-new full-colour EVIC centred in the instrument cluster.

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.0L V6 5spd

The all-new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel designed to be big on efficiency, refinement and power, made its South African debut in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee earlier this year.

Built by VM Motori and developed by Fiat Powertrain, this engine is a new design employing Fiat’s latest MultiJet 2 technology to help reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise while yielding world class pulling power.

The 176 kW unit produces a healthy 550Nm of torque, peaking between 1600 and 2800rpm for effortless progress. A single variable geometry Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with intercooler ensures the engine is smooth and responsive at all speeds and yields a 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 230km/h. The efficient engine can return 7.2L/100km on the Combined Cycle and emits 191g/km of CO₂.

With a capacity of 2987cc, the engine has a 60-degree V angle giving compact dimensions of just 695mm long, 729mm wide and 698mm high. A graphite cast iron block with aluminium cylinder heads and a structural aluminium oil sump in two elements help contribute to a total engine weight of 230kg. The sump has been designed like this to increase the rigidity of the engine for improved quietness. Noise is reduced further thanks to a new crankcase that gives the forged steel crankshaft rigid support to help limit vibrations.

Matched to the diesel engine is a five-speed automatic transmission. The tried and tested W5A580 has both full automatic and semi-automatic functions. As with a traditional automatic, once ‘Drive’ has been selected the gearbox can be left to do its own thing. For drivers who want more involvement, the steering wheel mounted paddles are standard. A transmission controller is calibrated to prevent the engine over-revving while an adaptive electronic control increases engine responsiveness.

World-class luxury with expressive styling details

The all-new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series is the most highly appointed sedan the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan includes either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau^® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, centre console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel — with all-new die-cast paddle shifters — features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face aluminium wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance.

Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect^® Touch 8.4N with Garmin^® navigation, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable colour EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Uconnect^® Touch — the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system — now adds handsfree texting

The new 2012 Chrysler 300C’s Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding handsfree texting, voice commands for Garmin navigation and more iPod^® control features to expand on the system’s world-class infotainment, connectivity and convenience technologies.

For the Chrysler brand, safety is a priority and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4N models with handsfree texting, keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages, and provides the driver with ‘canned’ speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.

With the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch), the easy to use Uconnect Touch 8.4N with integrated Garmin^® navigation is even better with the addition of voice recognition. The Uconnect Touch 8.4N enables Chrysler 300C passengers to input street addresses and navigate to points of interest.

SAFETY: BUILT IN FROM THE BOTTOM UP

The new Chrysler 300C is one of the safest cars on the road, with a host of standard equipment that ensures driver and passengers travel in maximum security. To guarantee this, the 300C was tested in a variety of accidents including front and side impacts, roll over, pile up and fire. Different impact speeds, different types of obstacle and the different physical characteristics of passengers were also taken into account. The result is a car that combines the latest in active and passive safety devices with one of the safest structures on the road.

Active safety

Obviously the safest thing is to avoid having a crash in the first place. Consequently the Chrysler 300C has been designed not only to have predictable handling but also to compensate for any mistakes that the driver might make.

Standard equipment includes a powerful braking system allied to some of the most sophisticated electronic driver aids available today. High performance brake pads have been designed to give regular, fade-free performance. Vibration dampening springs make the calipers more efficient and there’s a hydraulic pressure compensation system that intervenes by activating the ABS pump to the maximum if it detects a fault in the brake servo.

The Chrysler 300C has an Antilock Braking System (ABS) that detects and prevents wheels locking in extreme braking conditions or on slippery surfaces. It also features bumpy road detection which can sense a rough stretch of road and activates the ABS with slightly different pressure control to compensate for the surface.

The 300C has two new attributes that are exclusive to this class of car. Ready Alert Braking can predict if the driver is starting emergency braking and uses the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) pump to move the brake pads closer to the rotors and reduce the time for the brakes to be applied. Rain Brake Support performs the same function when it’s raining to keep the brake pads dry for improved braking performance.

Stopping is further aided by Braking Assistance which applies maximum braking power in emergency situations. At the same time a signal is sent to the engine computer telling it to reduce power if the accelerator is still being pressed.

The standard ESC helps to increase the amount of control the driver has in all conditions. By monitoring steering inputs whatever the surface, the ESC computer can tell if the car deviates from its intended path and steps in to brake selected wheels. It also controls the Hill Start Assist (HSA) which maintains braking pressure for a brief period after the driver lifts off the brake to ensure the perfect hill start every time. The braking system works to help aid efficient acceleration too. By applying the brakes when it detects wheels are slipping, it ensures maximum power is transmitted to the road.

Passive safety

Inside the new Chrysler 300C there are seven passenger airbags including the latest multi-stage bags that open with more or less force depending on the seriousness of the impact. The driver’s airbag is shaped to reduce the impact force and therefore chest injuries, while the passenger airbag opens at a varying speed depending on how far back the occupant is sitting.

Housed in the roof lining above the side windows are curtain airbags. Each has its own impact sensor for independent activation on the impact side. Beneath the instrument panel is a knee airbag that deploys when the driver’s side airbag goes off. The aim of it is to ensure the driver’s legs are in the best position to minimise injuries in a frontal collision. As with the curtain airbags, the thorax bags installed in the external edge of the front seats have their own impact sensors for independent activation. These are designed to reduce injury to the pelvis and chest in side impacts.

All airbags are governed by the Occupant Retaining Controller. This determines whether an impact is strong enough for the airbags to open and whether first or second stage deployment is required. It also decides whether the side airbags are needed and controls the seatbelt pretensioners.

Driver and front passenger have height adjustable seatbelts for greater comfort and safety and their seatbelts are fitted with pretensioners. Controlled by impact sensors, these tighten the seatbelts before an impact to help minimise injuries. In the milliseconds after impact, Constant Force Restraint checks how tightly occupants are being held by their seatbelts and gradually reduces this in a controlled way. A warning light illuminates and a tone sounds if any passengers don’t fasten their seatbelts. The Chrysler 300C is fitted with active head restraints which, in a rear impact, move forward to reduce whiplash injuries by decreasing the distance to the occupant’s head. All five passengers have their own head restraint and three-point seatbelts.

Passengers are also protected by a safety cage structure, door protection bars and controlled crumple zones designed to absorb the energy of an impact and reduce the effect it has on passengers. The driver benefits from a new energy absorbing steering column. This uses a calibrated bent element to deform during an impact and direct crash energy away from the driver.

In the immediate aftermath of a crash the Enhanced Accident Response System helps emergency personnel by automatically illuminating the interior lights, engaging the hazard warning lights and unlocking the doors once the airbags have deployed. It also interrupts the flow of fuel going to the engine.

Preventative safety

The most important thing when it comes to avoiding an accident is being able to see danger. In designing the Chrysler 300C, the windscreen header was moved back by just under 8cm to improve the driver’s view of road signs and traffic lights. Combined with narrower pillars the result is an improvement in outward visibility of 15 per cent.

In case the driver doesn’t see hazards, the car has been designed to step in. The Safety Tech Package is available on the Luxury Series vehicles and this includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP).

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses radar to automatically modify the Chrysler 300C’s speed to keep a safe distance when the car approaches another vehicle in the same lane or when another vehicle enters that lane. When the vehicle in front moves out of the way, the cruise control automatically returns to its set speed. It means the driver doesn’t constantly have to alter the cruise control to match prevailing conditions.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses ultra-broadband radar sensors to search for vehicles that might be briefly concealed from the driver’s view. Icons illuminate in the mirror and an acoustic warning signal sounds if there is a car in the blind spot.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) employs radar sensors located in the front to check the 300C’s approach speed to vehicles. If it is travelling too quickly the car will alert drivers so they can take the necessary steps to avoid an accident.

Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is enabled when reverse gear is engaged. This informs drivers via icons in the mirror and an acoustic signal if traffic is approaching as they reverse out of parking spaces. ParkSense helps detect stationary objects behind the car and warns the driver with an acoustic signal. For further peace of mind the Chrysler 300C is equipped with the ParkView reversing camera. This offers a wind-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle on the navigation screen.

To ensure the driver is never caught out by low pressures, Tyre Pressure Monitoring employs sensor modules in the valve stems of each wheel to send signals to the in-car computer. Proving the Chrysler 300C doesn’t only look after its occupants, it has Active Pedestrian Protection where the rear of the bonnet lifts in a frontal impact to protect the pedestrian’s head from hard points in the engine bay.

Chrysler 300C named ‘Top Safety Pick’ by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The new Chrysler 300C was named a Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving their highest rating.

IIHS recognises 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 300C has standard ESC. Other standard safety features include, full-length side-curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, driver’s knee bag, front-row reactive head restraints, Hill-start Assist, Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking.

The Chrysler 300C Retail Prices are as follows:

• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.6L V6 8spd- R479 990
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.0L V6 5spd – R539 990

SPECIFICATIONS NOTE: Information shown is correct at time of publication and is subject to change. The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice.

All measurements are in inches (mm) unless otherwise noted. General Information

Engine: 3.0-Litre V6 Turbo Diesel Engine

Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic W5A580 Transmission

Engine: 3.6-Litre V-6 24-Value VVT Engine

Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic 8HP45 Trans

Masses and Dimensions

Accommodations

Body

Tyre and Suspension

Brakes

Steering

Service Interval Data