After eight months of patiently waiting, our new 2023 Chrysler 300C has finally arrived.
While Dodge celebrated the final year of the Charger and Challenger with limited edition “Last Call” buzz models, Chrysler has taken a different approach. Instead, they have introduced a single performance model to commemorate the final year of the current 300 Series, bringing the acclaimed 300 SRT from Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East to the North American market. However, due to the SRT nameplate now being exclusive to Dodge, Chrysler named this powerful car the 300C, paying homage to the iconic 1957 Chrysler 300C letter car.
Underneath the sleek exterior, the 2023 Chrysler 300C boasts a formidable 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 engine that delivers an impressive 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a fast-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, the 300C accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, completes the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 118 mph, and boasts a drag-limited top speed of 160 mph.
Designed for an exhilarating driving experience, the 300C incorporates various performance features. These include red four-piston Brembo brakes, a 3.09 limited-slip differential, an active damping suspension, and black rounded exhaust tips that complement the active exhaust system, delivering a powerful and throaty sound. Boy, does it sound good!
Chrysler intentionally avoids using the SRT badging on the exterior, giving the 300C a sleeper car aesthetic. While lacking an SRT steering wheel, the vehicle features a leather-wrapped performance version of the Chrysler 300S steering wheel, complete with shorter aluminum paddle shifters and a blacked-out center Chrysler logo. The 300C logo replaces the SRT logo on the embossed SRT Nappa Leather seats, maintaining the understated theme. Although the SRT button is absent in the center stack, a similar “Drive Modes” button allows drivers to access the same functionality. In addition, the startup splash screen, 8.4-inch screen, and full SRT dashboard feature the SRT logo, adding a touch of exclusivity.
Inside, the 300C impresses with black Laguna leather front seats adorned with the new 300C logo and enhanced with silver stitching. The silver stitching extends to the doors and leather instrument panel, complemented by carbon fiber and Piano Black accents on the interior bezels. In addition, Chrysler has addressed previous issues of the export 300 SRT by replacing some of the carbon-fiber trim pieces with more durable Piano Black touches on the upper door panels and instrument panel.
The 300C has a premium 19-speaker, 900-watt Harman Kardon audio system and an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment touchscreen with navigation that features standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The vehicle also incorporates advanced safety features like brake assist, Lane Departure Warning Plus, and Full Speed Collision Warning Plus. Comfort features include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. There are even heated/cooled cupholders up front too.
With a price tag of $55,000 (excluding destination), the 300C represents an exceptional value proposition, especially when compared to equivalent Dodge Charger models. However, there are a few areas where the 300C could have been improved, such as updating the halogen interior lighting to create a more modern feel. Furthermore, while functional, the choice of 20-inch wheels could have been more distinct and unique, as they are black-painted versions of the 2015 Dodge Charger Scat Pack wheels.
The Chrysler 300C is a luxurious twist on the Charger Scat Pack, offering a rare and sleeper-like appeal. Without prominent badges, it delivers power and performance more understatedly. While the Charger embraces an in-your-face muscle car persona, the 300C provides a different flavor, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and muscle car performance.
Stay tuned, as we’ll provide more in-depth coverage and content on this exceptional and limited-edition muscle car in the upcoming weeks.
We can’t thank the team over at St. Clair Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram in St. Clair, Michigan, for making sure over 300C was delivered without any issues.
3 replies
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →