The 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD is exclusively offered with a HEMI V8 engine. The 300C AWD’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 delivers 360 horsepower (HP) and 390 foot pounds of torque, and is mated to a five-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. (The 300 Touring AWD Signature Series Value Package and 300 Limited AWD are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 250 HP and 250 foot pounds of torque.)

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped Chrysler 300C AWD are 16 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We traveled more than three hundred miles in our Dark Titanium Metallic 300C AWD review unit and surpassed the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 25.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 20 MPG combined in cool weather and mixed conditions.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the fifties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the forties. The test vehicle was equipped with 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels clad with Continental ProContact Self-sealing 225/60R18 tires and was delivered with just over 4000 miles on the odometer.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Adaptive cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, drivers seat heater on, windows up: 24.5 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, drivers seat heater on, windows up: 26.0 MPG

The 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD is equipped with a 19 gallon fuel tank. Although mid-grade unleaded gasoline is recommended, regular unleaded is acceptable. Trailer towers take note: the 300C AWD’s maximum gross trailer weight is 2,000 pounds.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 moves the 300C AWD’s nearly 4300 pounds ( 4280 curb weight) off the line with surprising swiftness.

This HEMI isn’t just about muscle. Multi-Displacement technology shuts off four cylinders under light loads to conserve fuel, for a stated fuel economy increase of up to 20 percent.

The central dash display provides a basic ECO indicator and an average fuel economy meter. When used conscientiously, these tools support a light-footed driving style.

The 300C AWD uses an active transfer case with front-axle disconnect. This delivers on-demand AWD while maintaining fuel economy. The front axle is only connected to the drivetrain when necessary.

It’s perhaps best said that the 300C handles like the a large American sedan that it is … there’s no mistaking this for a canyon carver. But out on the open road, all is forgiven.

The optional Adaptive Cruise Control takes a bit of stress out of highway driving, by automatically maintaining a safe following distance between cars.

Rearward visibility is limited, given the 300C’s profile, although the outside mirrors conveniently tilt downward when the transmission is placed in reverse, easing backing chores. While the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System is standard, we’d like to see an optional rearview camera offered, as well.

The 300C delivers a high level of driver and passenger amenities. This is a distinctive, elegant, and comfortable cruiser with plenty of room.

Heated front seats and manual lumbar support are standard, along with adjustable pedals. Driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirror memory are standard features.

The front seat provides 38.7 inches of head room, 41.8 inches of leg room, 59.4 inches of shoulder room, and 55.9 inches of hip room.

Our test unit was equipped with the Luxury Group II option package, which includes a 7 speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with a 368-watt amplifier and subwoofer, along with heated back seats, a wood/leather wrapped steering wheel, and California Walnut interior accents. Steering wheel audio controls are standard.

The optional media center provides navigation with 1-year of Sirius traffic, voice controlled UConnect Bluetooth, and glovebox-based USB iPod integration. Additional USB and auxiliary audio ports are located on the head unit.

iPod integration provides access to artists, albums, and playlists from the dash. An internal 30 GB hard drive provides music and photo storage. Digital music files can be loaded from a USB device or ripped from CDs.

The UConnect Bluetooth system can pull phonebook listings directly from a cell phone.

The 300C provides two 12-volt power outlets in the cabin: one at the base of the dash and one in the center console.

Rear seating is spacious, with 38 inches of head room, 40.2 inches of leg room, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, and 55.9 inches of hip room.

The trunk provides 15.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and ample area for larger items with the 60/40 rear seats folded down.

All-in-all, the 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD delivers distinctive style, an abundance of power, and plenty of comfort, with surprising efficiency. While the Multi-Displacement HEMI offers quite respectable fuel economy for a big powerful American V8, the Chrysler 300 is available with an extremely thrifty Mercedes-Benz diesel engine in Europe. We’re looking forward to the day when a fuel-efficient clean diesel Chrysler 300 finds its way to this side of the pond.

Parts Content Info
U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 74%
Final Assembly Point: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Country of Origin:
Engine – Mexico
Transmission – United States

A highly fuel-efficient version of the 300 is available in Europe, equipped with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. While Jeep sells the Grand Cherokee CRD with the same engine here in the States, Chrysler has never sold a diesel-engined Chrysler 300 domestically. This is truly unfortunate, as the turbo-diesel 300 is capable of highway mileage in the mid-thirties, with an abundance of torque.

Chrysler 300 Gas Mileage: 1999-2009

Not finding the elusive big screen, I trekked down to the show floor only to find an empty space where the Chevy Volt prototype had sat the previous day. With the coffee kicking in, I recalled an email tip. The Volt was over on Capitol Hill, waiting for the cameras and throngs.

So I hopped in a cab with my video gear and headed over to Capitol Hill, not knowing exactly where the cars might be found. A kindly Supreme Court police officer pointed me in the direction of a Senate police outpost, where I was steered to the exact location on the corner of Delaware Avenue and 3rd Street.

As I approached the corner I could see the bow tie on the grille. There it was: the ultra-clean Volt prototype, fresh off the EDTA show floor, along with a generic Malibu and a stickered-up E85 Escape Hybrid, sitting next to the Jeep EV and Dodge EV ENVI cars.

Hardly anyone was around when I got there. I stood there for quite some time, my jaw no doubt agape.

Although I’d shot the Volt earlier in the week inside the Washington Convention Center, seeing it on the street, and seeing it move under its own power, was a very cool experience … it was one of those days where I felt truly blessed to have had my camera and gear with me and to be able to do what I’m doing.

It went from great to outrageous. Seeing the Volt was one thing. Riding in the Dodge EV was something else, altogether.

While I was only witness to a few brief bursts of EV acceleration, I have to say it was nothing like anything I’ve experienced in a motor vehicle. With no wait for the power band to kick in, the delivery of high-powered electric propulsion is nothing short of amazing. It’s all about immediate torque. If you love driving diesels, think about 480 foot pounds of instant (and silent) thrust.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks at GM and Chrysler for allowing me to shoot this video with remarkable access, and for the friendliness of the officers in the District. Lou, I owe you one.

The technology in these cars represent the future of the American automobile industry and show, without a doubt, that the electric motor can earn a place in the hearts of all, from those whose interest in cars is purely for transportation to full-bore life long automotive enthusiasts.

The future is electric.

Just a week after the Volt’s unveiling, Chrysler is playing its trump cards … pulling the curtain on not just one, but three brand new electric vehicles … one for each of its marquees. The iconic Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler minivan will be transformed into electric vehicles, along with a brand new Dodge EV sports car that Left Lane News has pegged as a reworked Lotus Europa.

The Dodge EV sports car is a full electric vehicle, capable of 0-60 times of less then five seconds, a 13 second quarter mile, and a top speed of over 120 miles per hour. The continuous driving range should fall between the 150-200 miles. You might want to park this baby next to the laundry room. Recharge time is eight hours via a standard 110-volt plug and four hours with a 220-volt appliance outlet. While design changes can be expected to the Lotus-engineered aluminum framed vehicle, we can only hope they tred gently with the grille.

The Jeep EV and Chrysler EV minivan are plug-in range-extended electric vehicles, with their propulsion systems designed more along the lines of the Chevy Volt then the typical converted plug-in Prius. A small gasoline engine/generator will provide power to the electric motor when the lithium ion battery packs run out of juice. The Jeep EV will run for 40 miles on pure electric power, with an extended range of 400 miles.

Chrysler has committed to the availability of at least one of the vehicles in 2010, but may bring all three to market, with plans for a good number of additional electric-powered vehicles. The company would not commit to a specific model, as the development of all three vehicles are happening in parallel.

“There will be surprise down the road.” stated Tom Lasorda, Chrysler’s Vice Chairman and President. “These will not be the only three cars.”

The effort will take place whether or not the federal government provides any loans. “We have to proceed to meet the customer needs,” said Lasorda. “We have to move into this space.”

While Chrysler has not committed to a battery supplier, it’s likely that A123 may be at the top of the short list. Availability is the gating factor, with Lasorta’s last words on the topic, “we need to have volume at the end of the day.”

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …

35 MPG can be an immediate reality, with one domestic manufacturer, if the United States government would only allow it to happen. Our elected representatives need to be aware of the facts and make the appropriate decisions.

Chrysler is uniquely positioned among the Big Three US automakers. Unlike Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is already building a slew of high-MPG diesel-powered vehicles right here in the United States.

Amazing as it may seem in these difficult times, Chrysler is not allowed to sell those cars domestically, due to recently tightened emissions regulations. With the exception of the domestically-available Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, all of Chrysler’s North American manufactured high-MPG diesel-equipped vehicles are being shipped abroad.

Each and every one of Chrysler’s European models is available with a diesel engine, with the exception of the Dodge Viper. In fact, a diesel engine can be found under the hood of more than 50% of the vehicles that Chrysler sells in Europe.

All-in-all, a dozen Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep diesel-engined models are currently available outside of the United States, but are not sold domestically.

Here’s the eye-opener … half of those models currently achieve 35 miles per gallon combined.

That’s 35 MPG … right now.

And what’s even more crazy? All of these 35 MPG cars and SUVs are built in North American plants by North American workers … American citizens cannot buy and drive the fuel-efficient cars they build.

The thriftiest of the bunch delivers nearly 50 MPG on the highway … and it’s no dog off the line, turning in 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) times under nine seconds. The fastest in the pack delivers 7.6 second 0-62 times and 35.6 MPG on the highway.

Needless to say, these are wonderful world-class cars, a world apart from your Uncle’s noisy, slow, smelly 80’s-era diesel.

The Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first US-built passenger vehicle to meet the tougher Federal emissions requirements. With the emissions work done on the Mercedes’ 3.0 liter engine, we expect the Chrysler 300 to be the next diesel-powered domestic, as it shares the same powerplant. (At present, diesel 300s are being built in Graz, Austria.)

Chrysler is using four different diesel engines, in all:

• 2.0 liter Volkswagen turbo-diesel inline four (Avenger, Caliber, Compass, Journey, Sebring, Patriot)
• 2.2 liter Mercedes-Benz inline four (PT Cruiser)
• 2.8 liter VM Motari inline four (Cherokee, Grand Voyager, Nitro, Wrangler)
• 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz V6 (300, Commander, Grand Cherokee)

What if the federal government temporarily rolled back the emissions requirements for one or two years, to allow the sale of these fuel-sipping vehicles while Chrysler and its partners complete the engineering necessary to meet the current regulations?

Crazier schemes have been implemented to stimulate the economy, no doubt about that. But this one just might work … by spurring investment and putting people back to work.

As you ponder that thought, take a gander at a group of specifications that compare the European diesels with the most fuel-efficient engines in each of the US domestics …

Jeep Patriot Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Patriot Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Compass Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Compass Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Wrangler Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds (two door), 11.7 seconds (four door) when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.8 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

Jeep Cherokee (aka: Liberty) Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 161 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

(The 2.8 liter diesel engine was available in the domestic Jeep Liberty in the 2005 and 2006 model years.)

Jeep Commander Diesel

Plant: Jefferson North, MI
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 9.0 seconds when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter/V6/5-speed Auto/2WD or 4.7 liter/V8/5-speed Auto/2WD)

Chrysler 300 Diesel

Plant: Brampton, Ontario & Graz, Austria (diesels)
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 7.6 seconds – Sedan (Saloon), 8.6 seconds – Wagon (Touring), when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 2.7 liter V6/5-speed Auto)

Chrysler Grand Voyager (aka: Town & Country) Diesel

Plant: St. Louis (diesels)
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 161 HP and 339 265 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.3 liter V6/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler PT Cruiser Diesel

Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2.2 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 148 HP and 221 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.8 second, when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed Manual – more: Chrysler PT Cruiser Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler Sebring Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Avenger Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Caliber Diesel

Plant: Belvidere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 8.8 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 1.8 liter I4/5-speed manual)

Dodge Nitro Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 339 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.5 second when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed manual)

Dodge Journey Diesel (Coming Soon)

Plant: Toluca, Mexico

Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 140 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Mileage figures yet to be released.

Footnotes:

(1) MPG figures were converted from UK urban/extra-urban/combined mile per British gallon estimates for the purposes of this report, using publicly available data.

(2) Chrysler assembles, but does not manufacture, diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter Vans in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz ships the parts from Europe.

(3) Cummins diesel engines are a popular domestic option in heavy-duty models of the Dodge Ram pickup. Dodge is poised to extend diesel engines throughout the range.

The domestic 2008 Chrysler Sebring can be fitted with one of three engines:

• 2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 173 horsepower (HP) and 166 foot pounds of torque
• 2.7 liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, producing 189 HP and 191 foot pounds of torque
• 3.5 liter high output SOHC V-6 engine with the AutoStick six-speed automatic transmission and duel exhaust, producing 235 HP and 232 foot pounds of torque

Internationally, the Sebring can be ordered with a 2.0 liter Volkswagen common rail turbodiesel producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Sebring produces a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12 seconds flat, with 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … that equates to roughly 28.6 city / 46.1 highway here in the States.

Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage – 1995-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivans can be equipped with one of three V-6 engines, depending on the model.

• Town and Country LX models are fitted with a 3.3 liter V-6 producing 175 horsepower (HP) and 205 foot pounds of torque.
• Town and Country Touring models are equipped with a 3.8 liter V-6 delivering 197 HP and 230 foot pounds of torque.
• Town and Country Limited models feature a 4.0 liter V-6 pumping out a generous 253 HP and 262 foot pounds of torque.

Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage – 1982-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

1979-1981 High MPG Cars 1982 High MPG Cars 1983 High MPG Cars 1984 High MPG Cars There’s no denying that there were some real clunkers in those big lists. But there’s one thing for sure. While the list of today’s 30 MPG cars might be shorter, the improvement in overall quality cannot be denied. Passing a federal law to raise the automakers’ overall fuel efficiency to 35 MPG by 2020 is just goofy when you get right down to it. With the natural shift that is currently underway, that goal may well be met in half the time purely through market forces. As the public more fully understands the choices that are currently available – and are soon to come to market – the shift will accelerate. The 2009 model year may very well prove to be the tipping point, as 1985 was in the opposite direction. A 30 MPG car might be considered by some (many?) Europeans to be a gas guzzler. The cars sold abroad are not all that different. Yes, there are differences in environmental and safety systems, but the facts remain. A great many of the cars that our very own American automakers sell in Europe far exceed their domestic models when it comes to fuel-efficiency.

30 MPG Cars – 2008 Audi A4 Audi A4 Cabriolet Audi TT Coupe Chevrolet Aveo Chevrolet Aveo 5 Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet HHR Chevrolet HHR Panel Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Ford Escape Hybrid FWD Ford Focus Honda Accord 2DR Coupe Honda Accord 4DR Sedan Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Fit Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima Kia Rio Kia Spectra Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD Mini Cooper Convertible Nissan Altima Nissan Altima Coupe Nissan Altima Hybrid Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Pontiac G5 Pontiac G6 Pontiac Vibe Saturn Aura Saturn Aura Hybrid Suzuki SX4 Suzuki SX4 Sedan Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Hybrid Toyota Solara Toyota Corolla Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota Scion XD Toyota Yaris Volkswagen EOS

2008 Cars – 30 MPG Highway

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.