Chrysler’s iconic large rear-wheel-drive sedan lineage has come to an end as the last 300C has rolled off the assembly line in Brampton, Ontario. Dating back to the 2004 revival, the Chrysler 300 series, born out of the brand’s merger with Mercedes to form Daimler Chrysler, made a significant impact with its distinctive design and Hemi V8 power.
Introduced in South Africa in 2005, the 300C showcased a 3.5-litre V6 and a 5.7-litre V8 Hemi. The second generation, which featured a more conventional design, quietly exited the local market in 2017 when the Chrysler brand was discontinued. The 2004 Chrysler 300C, designed by Ralph Gilles, had a squared-off shape and a front end inspired by the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car, replacing the front-wheel-drive Chrysler 300M.
Throughout its 19-year life cycle, the 300C maintained its Hemi V8 powertrains, and the final version featured a potent 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine generating 362kW and 644Nm. The 2023 model year 300C, introduced as a ‘final edition’ in 2022, accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds. Distinguished by its black honeycomb grille, tri-colour 300C badging, red four-piston Brembo brakes, and Laguna black leather interior with 300C logos, the final model marks the end of an era for Chrysler’s large rear-wheel-drive sedans.
The 300C concludes its chapter, and the Dodge Challenger muscle coupe remains available in the US, featuring a V8 engine.
Main image: The Drive
