2008 Chrysler 300C rolled out quietly

click above image for more pics of the 2008 Chrysler 300

Late last year we posted on spy shots of the 2008 Chrysler 300, which showed a test vehicle with its front and rear covered. No one was really sure how extensive the changes would be, though we could see through the covering that the taillights had been redesigned. At the time we thought the 300's mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) might be more substantial, but we were wrong. Chrysler has quietly updated its website with information and images of the 2008 Chrysler 300 sedan, and as far as we can tell, the new taillight design is the only real difference aside from a new lip spoiler supposedly inspired by the SRT-8 model. While Chrysler claims in its press release that both the front and rear fascias were altered, the changes are so minor as to be practically invisible.

The interior was also upgraded, though the most visible difference between the two model years is a new nav system for 2008 and a slightly different center console around where the shifter resides. You can compare the two interior designs after the jump.

Other additions for 2008 include optional adaptive cruise control, new soft-touch surfaces for many interior panels, Chrysler's MyGIG entertainment system (hence the new nav screen), and a "Fuel Saver Mode" display between the gauges. Seeing now how Chrysler handled the 300's MCE, by avoiding it really, we're very curious how the automaker will ever be able to redesign an exterior as instantly iconic as this one.

[Source: Chrysler]



2008 Chrysler 300 interior (click to enlarge)


2007 Chrysler 300 interior



PRESS RELEASE:

2008 Chrysler 300 - A Classic with Stunning Design, Exhilarating Performance and Sophisticated Interior

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2007 - Loaded with premium features, stunning Chrysler design, fuel-saving technology and abundant standard safety features, the 2008 Chrysler 300 continues to make everything else on the road seem ordinary.
The dramatic exterior design of the Chrysler 300 has been refreshed for 2008 with minor changes to the front and rear fascias and tailamps and a new rear deck lid that incorporates an SRT-inspired integrated spoiler and relocated high-mounted stop light. However, the classic proportions of long hood, short deck and dramatic profile remain to give the Chrysler 300 its continued award-winning, stunning presence for 2008.

The sophisticated interior design of the Chrysler 300 has been enhanced for 2008 with a new instrument panel and center console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels. Soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels, and a newly designed and relocated cruise control stalk, add to the comfortable interior. Available light-emitting diode (LED) lighting in the front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets provide additional driver convenience.

New entertainment and communications options on the 2008 Chrysler 300 include a Boston Acoustics eight-speaker 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system, SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System with optional navigation.

In addition, seat-mounted air bags have been added to the front and rear side-curtain air bags for increased driver and passenger safety.

The 5.7-liter HEMI®-powered Chrysler 300C offers a "Fuel Saver Mode" display, included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that tells drivers when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency.

New technologies and exterior and interior refinements continue to offer Chrysler 300 customers an elegant, confidence-inspiring vehicle at an exceptional value.

2008 CHRYSLER 300: WHAT'S NEW FOR 2008

Exterior:
  • Three new exterior colors: Clearwater Blue Pearl Coat, Dark Titanium Metallic Clear Coat and Light Sandstone Metallic Clear Coat replace Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Linen Gold and Silver Steel Metallic
  • Exterior refresh including front and rear fascias and grille, and new bodyside molding, taillamp design and deck lid
Interior:
  • Interior refresh including redesigned instrument panel, instrument cluster, center console and door trim panels
  • Available adaptive cruise control (Chrysler 300C)
  • Faux wood interior accents (Chrysler 300 Limited)
  • iPod interface added to UConnect® module
  • LED lighting in front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets (included in Luxury package on Chrysler 300 Limited, standard on Chrysler 300C)
  • New interior color combinations of Dark Khaki/Light Graystone and Dark Slate Gray
  • New cloth seat material
  • New speed control stalk
  • Upgraded soft-touch surfaces on arm rests, center console and door trim

Electrical:

New radio options
  • AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio (standard)
  • AM/FM/6CD/DVD/MP3 radio (option)
  • MyGIG, a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system with available navigation
  • Boston Acoustics eight-speaker 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound amplifier including subwoofer (option on Chrysler 300C)
  • Rear-seat Video Entertainment System (VES™) includes SIRIUS Backseat TV and one-year subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Video (available on Chrysler 300 Touring Executive Series, 300 Limited and 300C models)
  • Remote start (option on Chrysler 300 Limited, standard on Chrysler 300C)

Powertrain/Chassis:
  • New 17-inch wheel covers (standard on Chrysler 300 LX)
  • New 17-inch machined face aluminum wheels (standard on Chrysler 300 Touring)
  • "Fuel Saver Mode" display (standard on Chrysler 300C)

Safety and Security:
  • Power adjustable pedals (now standard on Chrysler 300 Limited)
  • Side-curtain and seat-mounted side air bags (standard on Chrysler 300 Great American package and available on remaining models)
  • Tire pressure monitor warning lamp (now standard on Chrysler 300 LX model)
  • New Packages:

Luxury Group package: Includes sun roof; Boston Acoustics six-speaker, 276-watt DSP Amp speaker system; MyGIG Entertainment System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio; California Walnut wood accent on steering wheel, door pulls and interior trim; remote start; LED-illuminated front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets; SmartBeam™ headlamp control system and rain-sensing windshield wipers (available on Chrysler 300 Limited)

Luxury Equipment Group II package: Includes adaptive cruise control, mirrors with supplemental turn signals and puddle lamps, passenger side auto-dimming mirror, heated rear seats and California Walnut wood trim (available on Chrysler 300C)

Share This Photo X