Back in 2005, 2011 Chrysler 300 launched its all-new 300 sedan, a car with a dramatic retro-inspired look. With rear-wheel drive, big wheels and an available Hemi V8 behind a big 1930s-style grille, it was a revelation in a sea of bland, front-wheel-drive family sedans. The 300's rear-wheel-drive platform is carried over from the old car, but it's been thoroughly overhauled. Overall, we're pretty impressed with the 2011 Chrysler 300.
The 2011 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in base, Limited, 300C and 300C AWD trim levels.
The 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited adds 18-inch wheels, foglamps, 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 can be equipped with the Luxury Group, which adds a driver-side auto-dimming mirror, power-adjustable pedals, interior LED lighting, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory functions, leather upholstery (optional separately), heated and ventilated front seats, heated and cooled cupholders, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade. The 300C AWD differs only in that it has all-wheel drive and standard 19-inch wheels.
The Sound Group is really just a nine-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system. The SafetyTec Group includes adaptive and automatic leveling xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-path detection system, front and rear parking sensors and LED rear foglamps. This package on the Limited includes automatic wipers and automatic high beams. The base 2011 Chrysler 300 and the Limited trim are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard.
Chrysler estimates that this engine will return 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 combined -- quite impressive given this car's size, power and less-than-aerodynamic shape. Chrysler estimates that the 2011 Chrysler 300C will return 16/25/19 with rear-drive and 15/23/18 with AWD.
Chrysler's new Uconnect Touch interface is standard. This 8.4-inch touchscreen controls the car's many infotainment features and is a vast improvement on the substantially smaller screen presently found in other Chrysler Group vehicles.
Classic styling and modern utility were the guiding forces behind Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Based on the Neon platform, Chrysler expects the PT Cruiser to serve as the ideal "city car" with its combination of compact exterior dimensions and spacious interior layout. Although shorter than a Neon in overall length, the Cruiser sports 120.2 cubic feet of interior space.
With the second seat gone, 76 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity await your load-hauling needs. Jumping from the standard model to the Chrysler pt Cruiser 2001 Limited Edition Value PT Cruiser gets you a Touring Suspension, leather front seats, fog lamps, a chrome exhaust tip, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants, overhead console, power moonroof, speed control, fold-flat front passenger seat, power heated fold-away mirrors, remote keyless entry, power locks, and 16-inch chrome alloy wheels.
Originally conceived as a Plymouth model, the PT Cruiser received the Chrysler nameplate on introduction in anticipation of the 2001 discontinuation of the Plymouth brand. The PT Cruiser was designed by Bryan Nesbitt, who later also styled the Chevrolet HHR.[2]A four-seat convertible model was added for 2005. The convertible officially ceased production December 21, 2007, but the last 2007 convertibles were marketed as 2008 models. On July 9, 2010 the PT Cruiser ended production.[3][5] A turbocharged GT model was introduced for the 2003 model year.
The PT Cruiser was manufactured at Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico. In 2001 Car and Driver acknowledged the PT Cruiser on its Ten Best list and the PT Cruiser also won the North American Car of the Year.
The PT Cruiser was originally conceived as a Plymouth model, before Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz.[citation needed]At the time, Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod". Consequently, the PT Cruiser appeared in public only as a Chrysler.
[citation needed] The PT Cruiser also resembles the 1997 Chrysler CCV prototype—which would evolve into the styling of the PT Cruiser.
[citation needed] Models included the Classic Edition, Limited Edition, Touring Edition, "Dream Cruiser", "Street Cruiser", "Pacific Coast Highway Edition" and PT Cruiser GT. Non-GT Turbo (180 hp) edition models (introduced in 2004) were identified by a "2.4L Turbo" badge on the lower right hand corner of the rear lift-gate. The turbocharged 2.4 L four-cylinder engine was available in 180 hp (130 kW) or "High-Output" 230 hp (170 kW) versions.
The heavy makeover includes updated exterior styling, a vastly improved passenger cabin, a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and retuned suspension and steering.
Introduction In place of the Sebring's low-budget rental car cabin is a nicer interior with high-quality materials that shame other sedans in this class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered as a midsize sedan and convertible. Both are offered in four trim levels.
The entry-level LX model comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Touring model adds some desirable extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a trip computer, upgraded interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. For the 200 convertible, Chrysler offers either a conventional power-operated soft top or a retractable steel hardtop. The front-wheel-drive 2011 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. A key to performance is the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the line aide from the entry-level LX, which has a four-speed automatic.
Safety The 2011 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
The convertible also scored "Good" in the frontal-offset and side impact tests (no roof strength test was done).
Interior Design and Special Features The sedan's 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side.
evious decade, the first-gen er atio n Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 would be on it. (For more details on the new Hemi, check out our 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 test.) Status Elevated: The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 (The Dodge should return identical numbers.) Even at 130 mph along the back straight—top speed is 175, says 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 remained firmly planted, and there was virtually no wind noise. Rounding out the SRT8’s performance enhancements are seriously beefed-up brakes. Other accents, including side-sill extensions, door handles, mirrors, and the rear spoiler, are painted body color. Out back, the rear fascia contains a darkened lower section punctuated by a pair of four-inch chrome exhaust tips. The SRT8 includes most every 300/300C option as standard. Now for Something Completely, Uh, Similar: The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 If for all of its dash the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 seems low on flash, behold “the outspoken one,” according to SRT CEO Ralph Gilles. Indeed, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 couldn’t be more outspoken if Ann Coulter, Keith Olbermann, Rush Limbaugh, and Bill Maher were piled inside. The Dodge offers only one wheel design, a split five-spoke forged aluminum 20-incher with black painted pockets. But the Charger SRT8’s single greatest point of distinction from its Chrysler sibling is the controversial front end. (Of course, if you hate it, you could always just get your Charger SRT8 in black.) It represents a stark contrast to the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 reserved looks. Like the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 the Charger SRT8 offers the option of red-and-black seat hides, and likewise gets most of its lesser siblings’ available features as standard, although the equipment list itself varies slightly from that of the Chrysler. The Charger SRT8 is mechanically identical to the 300 SRT8 in every respect save the tuning of the active shocks, which are, not surprisingly, stiffer in the Dodge. Both SRT8 sedans feature an 8.4-inch touch-screen display that includes a “Performance Pages” function that displays vehicle performance data, including instantaneous g forces; lap times; eighth-mile, quarter-mile, 0-to-60, and 0-to-60-to-0 figures; braking distances and more. Speaking of purchasing, the Charger SRT8 will start at $46,620 and the 300 SRT8 at $47,995 when they arrive in showrooms this fall. VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan BASE PRICES: $47,995 (300 SRT8); $46,620 (Charger SRT8) TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic with manual shifting mode If we made a list of unforgettable cars of the previous decade, the first-generation Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8 would be on it. Status Elevated: The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Rounding out the SRT8’s performance enhancements are seriously beefed-up brakes. The SRT8 includes most every 300/300C option as standard. Now for Something Complet ely, Uh, Similar: The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 If for all of its dash the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 seems low on flash, behold “the outspoken one,” according to SRT CEO Ralph Gilles. Speaking of purchasing, the Charger SRT8 will start at $46,620 and the 300 SRT8 at $47,995 when they arrive in showrooms this fall. BASE PRICES: $47,995 (300 SRT8); $46,620 (Charger SRT8)
Back in 2005, 2011 Chrysler 300 launched its all-new 300 sedan, a car with a dramatic retro-inspired look. With rear-wheel drive, big wheels and an available Hemi V8 behind a big 1930s-style grille, it was a revelation in a sea of bland, front-wheel-drive family sedans. The 300's rear-wheel-drive platform is carried over from the old car, but it's been thoroughly overhauled. Overall, we're pretty impressed with the 2011 Chrysler 300.
