2011 Chrysler 300
by Jim Prueter -02/2012
Nearly every inch of the 2011 Chrysler 300 has been restyled, reengineered and redesigned. While Chrysler designers were smart not to stray too far from the original look, we immediately noticed the chiseled blocky look of the original formula has given way to smoother corners, fewer creases, slimmer roof pillars and windows that are 15 percent larger to boost visibility along with the windshield.
Inside, Chrysler remade the cabin with mostly high-quality materials and surfaces that are soft to the touch and nicely textured. The curvy instrument panel is lit in an easy-on-the-eyes ice-blue, and controls are well laid-out and clearly marked.
Chrysler replaced the two outgoing V-6 engines with its new 292-horsepower Pentastar V-6 that’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also offered on the 300 for 2011.
The 300 is available in base, Limited, 300C and 300C all-wheel drive trim levels.
The base 300 comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a touchscreen infotainment interface and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The 300 Limited adds 18-inch wheels, fog amps, additional exterior chrome trim, a rearview camera, remote ignition, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, Bluetooth (optional on base) and a six-speaker Alpine sound system (optional on base). The Limited also can be equipped with the Luxury Group.