2012 Chrysler 300
OVERVIEW

2012 Chrysler 300 from Chrysler Canada: North America’s First Luxury Sedan with Eight-speed Automatic Transmission

¥	Chrysler Canada is the first automaker to feature the state-of-the-art ZF eight-speed automatic transmission in its vehicles
¥	New rear-wheel and all-wheel drive Chrysler 300 models with eight-speed automatic transmission delivering improved fuel economy, and added refinement with award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-litre aluminum Pentastar™ VVT V6 engine 
¥	Best-in-class Full-size and Mid-size fuel economy with the 3.6-litre aluminum Pentastar™ VVT V6 with the eight-speed transmission (RWD models)
¥	All-new Chrysler 300S and 300C Luxury Series models expand the Chrysler 300 letter series heritage with more personality and style
¥	World’s first integration of Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ audio technology is now available in more Chrysler 300 models – delivering the high-definition sound experience the way the artist intended you to hear it
¥	New technology features: "Sport" shift mode, and colour Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) are now available

Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 series sedans offer world-class technological innovation and quality – while delivering stylistic distinction and premium full size sedan features at a legendary value.

“The iconic 2012 Chrysler 300 offers full-size sedan luxury with the fuel economy of a mid-size car,” said Ed Broadbear, Vice President Marketing, Chrysler Canada. “The 2012 Chrysler 300 offers a choice of six or eight cylinder engines, an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, stunning exterior styling and a premium interior featuring wood accents and premium Italian leather.”

Segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission
Once limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Touring, 300S (V6) and 300 Limited models. The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.  Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-litre Pentastar™ VVT V6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Quicker shifts are possible as a result of a “Sport” shift mode that requires simple driver input. When the driver chooses to let the transmission shift in Sport mode, gear changes are quicker and revs are held higher for even more performance oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. For even more control on the new Chrysler 300S models, the driver can also use a pair of die-cast steering-wheel mounted paddle controls and view gear selection through an all-new full-colour EVIC centred in the Chrysler 300S’s instrument cluster.

Delivering improved fuel economy compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Limited and 300S (V6) AWD models combine the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-litre PentastarTM VVT V6 engine and the segment’s most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency. 

Chrysler 300’s AWD system features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy by up to five per cent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and AWD with no driver input. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

New touring-tuned AWD suspension 
With the introduction of AWD on the new Pentastar V6 powered 2012 Chrysler 300 models, Chrysler engineers took the second-generation architecture further with the addition of new hydrobushings for even more world-class refinement.

Compared to the previous generation, new 2012 Chrysler 300 models with AWD features a 13 mm (0.5 inch) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a 4 mm (0.15 inch) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with wider P235/55R19 all-season performance tires. 

Chrysler and Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ expand mobile audio experience on more 
Chrysler 300 models
Originally revealed on the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300S models, the industry-first partnership between Chrysler and Beats By Dr. Dre is now expanding the studio quality sound experience of Beats by Dr. Dre technology into more Chrysler 300 models, including the 300 Limited, 300C and new 300C Luxury Series.

The unique partnership between Chrysler and Beats By Dr. Dre brings the music studio to the driving experience not just by adding speakers, but by working the music makers themselves to reproduce sound the way that it’s made in the studio.  Instead of the traditional approach to automotive sound, Beats by Dr. Dre founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine worked side-by-side with the engineering team at Chrysler to design and tune the 10-speaker audio system for a true, studio sound. 

Standard on 2012 Chrysler 300S models, and available on 2012 Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C and 300C Luxury Series models, the Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology includes a 552 watt 12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats™ proprietary equalizer algorithm, creating the high-definition sound required in professional recording studios.

Delivering the mid- to high-range needed for studio-quality sound are three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel and two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors. Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass, while two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a centre-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio. Maximizing how music genres from hip hop to Motown should sound and feel, an 8-inch Beats Audio trunk-mounted dual-voice coil subwoofer with sealed enclosure delivers tight, powerful, punchy bass.

UconnectTM Touch — the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system 
The new 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan’s Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding voice commands for Garmin® navigation, and more iPod® control features to expand on the system’s world-class infotainment, connectivity and convenience technologies.

With the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch), the easy to use Uconnect Touch 8.4N with integrated Garmin navigation is even better with the addition of voice recognition. With natural voice commands, the Uconnect Touch 8.4N enables Chrysler 300 passengers to input street addresses and navigate to points of interest. 

All-new 2012 Chrysler 300S models 
Adding an avant-garde appearance to the letter-series flagship sedans, the all-new Chrysler 300S V6 and V8 models take the brand in a new direction with world-class ride and handling, discrete exterior styling elements, contemporary interior materials and state-of-the-art technology features.

With larger 20-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, all-season performance tires, touring-tuned (performance-tuned with HEMI® V8 engine) second-generation chassis architecture with 25 per cent quicker steering and 20 per cent heavier on-centre feel than the entry-level 300 model, the all-new Chrysler 300S V6 and V8 models are engineered for driving enjoyment. 

Hinting that this Chrysler sedan was born with attitude– unique body-colour fascia accents and mirrors, and black-accented headlamp bezels with matching sculpted horizontal grille blades in black chrome replace bright chrome to give the 2012 Chrysler 300S a low-key street presence. 

The interior of Chrysler 300S models exude an athletic-luxury theme with 12-way power driver and passenger front seats with large-bolstered and heated monotone cloth sport seats surrounded by an interior environment in black. Exclusive use of Piano Black on the interior centre stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements provide a uniquely lacquered and highly detailed appearance. Completing the enthusiast-designed interior are matte carbon hydrographic finished accents, replacing traditional burl wood.

State-of-the-art Uconnect Touch 8.4 provides 2012 Chrysler 300S passengers with the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and next-generation, connectivity and multimedia features. Uconnect Touch also controls the high-performance 10-speaker BeatsTM Audio system with 552 -watt 12-channel amplifier for high-definition sound.

•	Chrysler 300S V6
The 2012 Chrysler 300S V6 model features the aluminum 3.6-litre PentastarTM engine delivering 292 best-in-class six-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class fuel economy through an all-new segment-exclusive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more spirited driving with performance feel, the driver can utilize all-new steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to manually select the desired gear. 

When equipped with the optional Luxury Group, the Chrysler 300S V6 includes premium Nappa leather-faced sport seating in black or exclusive Radar Red, memory for two for the driver’s seat, exterior mirror, steering wheel, pedals and radio presets, heated rear seats, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, power-adjustable pedals, power sunshade, vehicle security alarm, driver’s side auto-dimming mirrors and auto-tilt in reverse, heated/cooled cup holders, trunk mat, satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, and LED illuminated front-footwells and front and rear map pockets.

•	Chrysler 300S V8
Backed by the best-in-class 363 horsepower 5.7-litre HEMI® VVT V8 engine including innovative FuelSaver multi-displacement (MDS) Technology, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Auto/StickTM, performance-tuned suspension and larger performance disc brakes, the 2012 Chrysler 300S V8 delivers world-class power and refinement with enthusiast-tuned handling. 

In addition to the features included on the Chrysler 300S V6 with Luxury Group, the eight-cylinder 300S model adds 260 km/h (160 mph) LED-illuminated instrument cluster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, SmartBeamTM headlamps, ParkView® rear back-up camera, and HomeLink® universal transceiver. 

•	Chrysler 300S V6 and V8 AWD models
Providing additional all-season confidence, the Chrysler 300S V6 and V8 all-wheel-drive (AWD) models utilize 19-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, P235/55R19 all-season performance tires and the segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect AWD system.

The 2012 Chrysler 300S letter-series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in Canada in the fall of 2011.

All-new 2012 Chrysler 300C Series
Designed to be the most luxurious Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the all-new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series combines ultra-premium Nappa leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and the legendary 363 horsepower 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine with FuelSaver MDS Technology.

Exclusive features found on the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series interior include either Mochachino or Black Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, centre console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather also covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest. Two-tone Mochachino or Black seats are wrapped exclusively in supple premium Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Specially selected Natural Pore Mocha or Pore Grey real wood trim is finished in a low-gloss to enhance the beauty of the wood. 

On the exterior, the Chrysler luxury flagship replaces chromed fascia, mirror and door handle accents with a unique platinum chrome finish for an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance (late availability).

Premium interior amenities within the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series model include the state-of-the-art UconnectTM Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, 260 km/h (160-mph) LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable colour EVIC, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce berber floor mats with nubuck trim, satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink® universal transceiver and power-folding chromed exterior mirrors with memory, auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Available in rear-wheel drive or with the segment’s most advance AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Canadian dealerships in the fall of 2011.

Chrysler 300 named ‘Top Safety Pick’ by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 
The new Chrysler 300 was named a Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving their highest rating. 

IIHS recognizes vehicles with outstanding crashworthiness in front, side, rollover and rear crashes. The new Chrysler flagship received ‘good’ ratings, the highest achievable, in all four categories. 

To be considered, vehicles must have available electronic stability control (ESC) systems that significantly reduce crash risks. Chrysler 300 has standard ESC. Other standard safety features including full length side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, driver’s knee bag, front-row reactive head restraints, Hill Start Assist, Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is manufactured at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario. 

About Chrysler Canada 
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 86th anniversary in 2011. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep® Wrangler, Chrysler 300 and Ram trucks. 

Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles. 

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