Chrysler sends-off 2023 300C with 6.4L HEMI V8

Eleven years, that's how long the second-generation Chrysler 300 has been in production. We actually reviewed it back in 2012 (one year after it was launched in the US) which was then followed by a refreshed model that we were able to review in 2015.

Throughout the years, the 300C has relatively stayed the same and only received minor updates here and there. Combined with the fact that SUVs, crossovers, and EVs are now more popular, the full-size luxury car from Chrysler has figuratively taken the back seat.

But instead of just going quietly into the night, Chrysler decided to give it a swan song, a noisy one at that. At this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the automaker has revealed the 2023 300C and it's packing one heck of an engine, and then some.

Don't expect to see a V6 under the hood of this particular Chrysler 300C. It has been replaced with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that churns out a hefty 492 PS along with a whopping 644 Nm of torque. While it's not exactly a Hellcat, the bigger 6.4-liter engine trounces the older HEMI from before which only made 368 PS and 534 Nm of torque.

Power is then sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission. Despite not benefiting from a supercharger, this full-size luxury sedan can catapult itself from 0 – 97 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 257 km/h. It can cover the quarter mile in just 12.4 seconds which is not bad for a sedan of this size. Helping the 300C HEMI shave off speed are red four-piston Brembo brakes.

Other mechanical upgrades present on the 2023 300C HEMI include a 3.09 limited-slip differential, active damping suspension, and round exhaust tips that hide an active exhaust system that belts out a muscular and throaty sound.

Exterior-wise, the 300C still looks relatively the same as before. However, Chrysler did put some subtle updates throughout the vehicle. These include a tri-color 300C badge on the grille, a rear spoiler, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Other extras include dark-tinted lighting and black chrome trim pieces.

Hop inside and the 300C gets a fully-black interior complete with leather upholstery, piano black accents, and silver contrast stitching. Providing extra creature comforts include heated and ventilated seats for the front and rear passengers, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a heated steering wheel.

Looking to get one for yourself? Better be quick as Chrysler will only make 2,000 models globally. That's right, there will only be a select few who will be able to buy this special swan song of the 300C. What a unique (and noisy) way to go out.