Chrysler Aims to Recapture Magic With New ’15 300 Sedan

Chrysler unveils today at the L.A. auto show the all-new ’15 300 fullsize sedan, a car the automaker hopes can recreate the magic of the original ’05 version, which CEO Al Gardner says was the “epitome of what Chrysler does best.”

The ’05 Chrysler 300 was lauded for its elegant and bold styling, which caused many to refer to it as a “baby Bentley.” During a time Chrysler was struggling to find success, the 300 was an instant hit and helped restore the automaker’s credibility among consumers.

Ralph Gilles, Chrysler senior vice president-product design, says the original 300 had “presence” due to its beautiful proportions.

Despite the accolades it received, Gilles says, “I would criticize that design. It you took the front end away and some of the elements, the car was very simple, a very basic design.”

With the new version, designers set out to imbue the car with the original’s attitude while giving it a cleaner, more modern look.

“We wanted to get back to that bold and distinguished presence, so we increased the grille size by 30%,” says Brandon Faurote, head of Chrysler design. “It’s the new face of Chrysler, and the 200 (midsize sedan) started that.”

Faurote says the ’15 Chrysler borrows styling cues from a number of vehicles, including the ’55 Chrysler C-300, the automaker’s concept cars from the 1950s and the all-new ’15 200 midsize sedan.

The new 300 receives a more sculpted fascia and a taller grille trimmed with chrome and a more prominent Chrysler wing badge.

A chrome strip also outlines the lower grille opening and extends outward, surrounding new optional LED fog lamps. Chrysler says the front-end detail reinforces the brand’s new direction, set in motion by the new 200.

The beltline has been raised and chrome surrounds the windows and is available as an option for the side mirror housings. Seven new wheel designs are offered, ranging from 17-20 ins. (43-50 cm).

“We wanted the character of the wheels to be more athletic and dramatic,” Faurote says. “In the past Chrysler wheels were a little formal.”

The rear receives a new fascia with chrome trim accent and new LED taillamps. Tying the design to the 200 are polished exhaust tips, while a black lower valance provides visual width.

The 300’s interior is upgraded, with themes and options varying depending on trim level. For the ’15 model, the 300 will be offered in four grades: the 300 Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum.  

“What we wanted on the interior is to follow up with what we already had and complement the exterior updates,” says Chris Benjamin, chief designer-Chrysler Brand Interior Design. “The new interior is about materials, quality and fit and finish.”

The high-end 300C Platinum comes available with an exclusive 2-tone Indigo/Linen interior, which Chrysler says was inspired by La Jolla, CA, ocean views and sandy expanses. The interior features quilted and perforated Nappa leather seats and door panels.

The instrument panel and sides of the center console come wrapped in high-end Italian leather, while a 2-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with diecast paddle shifters and a chrome accented ring.

All four trim levels are offered with a new Manhattan-inspired black interior that features bright- and satin-chrome highlights, as well as special seat and console stitching that vary with trim level. Open-pore wood finishes round out the cabin.

A Detroit-inspired interior is available in the 300S. The black and “Ambassador Blue” Nappa leather interior is accented with silver stitching, while the center and door armrests are color matched and boast French stitching. Piano-black surfacing is used on the center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel.

The Chrysler 300 Limited and 300C come with a black and linen-themed interior inspired by Sausalito, CA. Bright- and satin-chrome accents highlight the cabin, while charcoal metallic accents with black stitching and black olive-ash burl wood with bronze stitching convey craftsmanship.

Common interior elements include a 7-in. (18-cm) full-color instrument cluster, a rotary transmission shifter and a 3-spoke steering wheel with larger vehicle controls.

The ’15 Chrysler 300 comes with either a 5.7L V-8 making 363 hp and 394 lb.-ft. (534 Nm) of torque or a 3.6L V-6 producing 292 hp and 264 lb.-ft. (358 Nm). Both engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, while AWD is optional.

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