LA MOTOR SHOW: 2015 Chrysler 300
More luxury, technology, power and efficiency for new-look Chrysler 300 large sedanThe updated 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan made its debut amid the glitz and glamour of the 2014 Los Angeles motor show, displaying a new design that's more integrated, and promising, well, more of everything.
It will feature more luxury, with high-end models getting perforated Nappa leather seats and Foligno leather from Italian cowhide expert Poltrona Frau on the dash, more powerful and efficient engines with eight-speed autos now standard across the range, and more technology, such as a phone app that allows owners to remotely start the vehicle.
Entry-level pricing for the new model in the US remains unchanged, but when the new Chrysler 300 arrives in Australia, the timing of which is yet to be confirmed, it may get a price hike due to fluctuating currency exchange levels.
It's currently priced between $43,000 and $66,000 in Australia.
"Our new 2015 Chrysler 300 builds on its 60-year legacy of delivering world-class performance, elegance, sophistication, technology and craftsmanship – a combination that can only be found in our big, bold and proudly American rear-wheel-drive sedan," said Chrysler Brand President and CEO Al Gardner.
Pitched as a more premium offering than before, one that will rival European luxury cars, Gardner says the 300 sedan "is designed to reward hard-working individuals by delivering class-exclusive technologies, premium appointments and levels of quality of sedans costing thousands more."
US models come equipped with satellite radio, which is unlikely to be offered in Australia due to the population spread across the continent, but features like the range-topping Harman Kardon 18-speaker stereo is a likely starter.
Safety technology upgrades include a full-speed forward collision detection and mitigation system, or autonomous braking, which can brake the car without the driver's input if it senses an imminent accident.
Radar-based adaptive cruise control with improved functionality has been added along with lane departure warning and lane keep assistance programs that will steer the car back on to the straight and narrow.
The interior features an updated infotainment system with a more advanced voice-operated satellite navigation system, displayed on what Chrysler reckons is the "largest 8.4-inch touchscreen" in the segment. The Chrysler 300 can also be turned into a WiFi hot spot.
US customers also get a five-year/160,000km warranty, but it remains to be seen if Chrysler will upgrade its three-year/100,000 warranty in Australia.
The model range in the US has been reworked to feature four models: from base to top-shelf the 300 Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum. It's not clear if Australia will get the full gamut as is currently the case, or a condensed range.
In terms of powertrain options, the Chrysler 300 is offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic 'TorqueFlite' transmission, in either rear- or all-wheel drive configuration. Both the 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre HEMI V8 return for active duty, with claims of fuel efficiency gains of around six per cent.
The 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine bangs out 224kW/358Nm, representing increases of 6kW and 5Nm, while delivering fuel consumption "from 7.5L/100km" says Chrysler. Australian V6-powered Chrysler 300 entry-level models currently consume 9.4L/100km.
Eight-cylinder fans will be happy to see the 5.7-litre HEMI return, pumping out 270kW/534Nm, which together with the updated automatic transmission shifting between gears in just 250 milliseconds, results in a rapid-fire 6.0 second 0-100km/h acceleration time.
Only the Chrysler 300S can be optioned with the V8, but it comes with black 20-inch alloy wheels and a 'sport' mode that changes the steering, throttle, engine and transmission maps to deliver enhanced response.
Updated versions of the high-performance HSV-rivalling Chrysler 300 SRT8 models have not been announced yet, but are expected to continue using their 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engines, developing 347kW and 631Nm.
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