2012 Chrysler 300

NEW FOR 2012:

• Eight-speed automatic transmission available on V6 models
• Available sport shift mode and colour electronic vehicle information centre
• SRT8 model reintroduced
• All-wheel drive available on V6 models
• New 300S, 300C Luxury Series and 300C Executive Series trim lines
• Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology available in more models
• Upgraded Uconnect touch screen system

Redesigned for 2011, the Chrysler 300 undergoes further changes for 2012, including the reintroduction of the high-performance SRT8 that was temporarily discontinued last year (it returns with a 6.4-litre V8 instead of a 6.1-litre V8). An eight-speed automatic transmission is available on V6 models, and it includes a sport shift mode and paddle shifters on some models. There are new trim lines, and all-wheel drive is available on V6 models. The Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology is standard on the 300S model and available on the Limited and Luxury trim lines.

Three engines are available. The 300 uses a 3.6-litre V6; the 300C uses a 5.7-litre V8; and the SRT8 uses a 6.4-litre V8. The V6 uses a five-speed automatic transmission in the 300 Touring; it can be optioned to an eight-speed automatic that is standard on other 300 models. The V8 engines use a five-speed automatic. The 300 Limited, 300S and 300C can be optioned with all-wheel drive.

Features on the 300 Touring include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seats with 12-way power driver’s adjustment, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Uconnect touch-screen stereo with auxiliary input and USB port, Sirius satellite radio, Black Comodo Elm interior accents, fog lamps, keyless entry with proximity sensor, heated foldaway mirrors, leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, electronic vehicle information centre, illuminated front cupholders and body-colour mirrors and door handles. The eight-speed automatic transmission can be added as an option.

The 300S V6 adds 20-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated cloth seats with piano black inserts, unique exterior black chrome accents, Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology, Uconnect Touch media centre, and hands-free phone with voice command.

The 300 Limited builds on the 300 Touring and adds 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch with all-wheel drive), dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power-adjustable Nappa leather-faced seats, Unconnect hands-free communication with voice command, Alpine audio system, chrome mirrors and door handles, remote starter, security alarm, back-up camera, rear park assist, LED illuminated rear cupholders, and heated non-folding mirrors.

The 300C adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wood and leather-wrapped power tilt and telescopic heated steering wheel, driver’s side memory, power rear sunshade, auto-levelling SmartBeam xenon headlamps, heated and cooled cupholders, Unconnect Touch media centre, auto-dimming exterior mirror with tip-down in reverse, and driver and passenger lower LED lighting.

The 300S V8 builds on the 300C and adds 20-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on all-wheel drive), leather-faced seating with piano black inserts, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Beats by Dr. Dre audio, heated front seats, unique exterior with black chrome accents, and body-colour mirrors and door handles.

The SRT8 builds on the 300S and adds 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels, three-mode electronic stability control, Uconnect touch radio with navigation and SRT performance pages, unique exterior styling and engine oil cooler.