. The 300 outperformed the Corvette (195 horsepower) and every other American production car on the market until reaching its 360 horsepower 413 cubic-inch V8 heyday, which ended in 1965.
The reimagined Chrysler 300 in 1999 built on the automaker's new LH platform went in an entirely different direction than its ancestors, featuring a 253 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, well short of the output from which the car got its name.
Between 2005 and 2010, Chrysler 300s saw a return to high performance with a standard 345-horsepower HEMI V8 and the option of a 425 horsepower 6.1-liter V8 in the SRT8 package from 2012 to 2014.
The Platinum edition 300s in 2015 featured quilted Nappa leather, hand-sanded wood trim, a Poltrona Frau leather-wrapped instrument panel and 20-inch wheels demonstrated a switch to luxury.
The 2021 300 continues to provide a comfortable, semi-luxurious ride, but is a far cry from its roots with its 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, though a 363-horsepower HEMI V8 is still an available option.
, the 2022 Chrysler 300 will see few changes from the 2021 model year. A 3.6-liter V6 linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission will continue to power all three trim packages, with an upgrade to the HEMI V8 available for S trim buyers. Basic packages will continue to feature the Uconnect 4C on an 8.4-inch touchscreen system, but receive upgraded air filtration and a new alarm system.
The Touring L will come with a Sport Appearance Package, featuring Black Noise badges, black pockets in the headlights, LED fog lamps, black LED tail lights, black chrome moldings and 20-inch Black Noise wheels instead of the standard 18-inchers in polished aluminum.
The Popular Equipment Group, options on 2021 300S, will be standard equipment in 2022, including navigation, a dual-pane sunroof, and nine-speaker Alpine audio with a 506-watt amplifier, surround sound and a sub in the trunk.
Exterior finishes Amethyst and Canyon Sunset are gone in 2022, as is the Driver Convenience Group and its universal garage door opener, while only Black and Black with Linen will be offered as interior choices, putting an end to Black Smoke and Radar Red.
Why is the 2022 Chrysler 300 only 1 of 4 cars being offered?
A lack of enthusiasm for design and performance upgrades for the 2022 Chrysler 300 indicates that the automaker isn't expecting a lot from the nameplate. The same lack of interest encompasses the entire lineup in 2022, offering only four cars. Most of the automaker's attention in 2022 is going toward the Voyager and away from the brand's only sedan offering.
Is the brand's bottom of the barrel performance in the
a cause or a symptom of the demise of the 300 and/or the Chrysler brand? Time will tell, but those hoping for the return of the 300's performance and luxury glory days will be disappointed in 2022.
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