The New Chrysler 300 Finally Arrives in Japan | Chrysler

Chrysler 300 Limited
Chrysler 300C Luxury

Chrysler's Return to Japan

The New Chrysler 300 Finally Arrives in Japan

Chrysler's flagship '300' is finally returning to Japan. With the new 300, the comprehensive equipment, beautiful finish, high safety, and strategic pricing remain as before.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Chrysler Brand Relaunched

The Chrysler 300, a high-performance luxury car from Chrysler, known as the 'Beautiful Beast,' began with the first generation in 1955. It continued through '300B' and '300C,' updating the alphabetical suffix each year until the '300L' in 1965, hence the name 'Letter Series.'

In 1999, the '300' was revived as the successor to the Letter Series under the name '300M.' The series continued with the model names '300' and '300C,' and it continues to reign as Chrysler's luxury passenger car today.

However, in Japan, following the dissolution of the DaimlerChrysler joint venture in 2007, Chrysler brand vehicles saw very little deployment. The second-generation '300,' introduced in 2011, despite the car's high acclaim, was never officially introduced to Japan.

The decision to sell the new Chrysler '300' in Japan starting December 15th was made possible by the establishment of 'Fiat Chrysler Japan' on July 1, 2012. This marks Chrysler's first new model in Japan in four and a half years.

Chrysler 300 Sport Coupe (1955)

Two Grades Offered in Japan

The '300' is American and luxurious. It is Chrysler's proud full-size luxury sedan. The new model, making its long-awaited debut in Japan, is the 2013 model year of the second-generation introduced in 2011. According to Chrysler, it is a modern interpretation of the refined and elegant design of the original '300.'

The rearward-sloping windshield and front grille, the trunk lid integrated with a rear spoiler, the smooth door panels formed by roll forming, and the laser-welded roof are aerodynamically superior and contribute to its dynamic appearance.

In Japan, it will be available in two grades: '300 Limited' and '300C Luxury.' The 300C Luxury, tuned for touring, features Nappa leather interior, a large electric sunroof, chrome metal parts, and 20-inch alloy wheels, showcasing a lavish finish.

Interior of the 300C Luxury

Features an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The powertrain is an all-aluminum 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with a 60-degree bank angle, featuring variable valve timing. It produces a maximum output of 210 kW (286 ps) at 6,350 rpm and a maximum torque of 340 Nm (34.7 kgm) at 4,650 rpm. It comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF-made), a first for the Chrysler brand, driving the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 7.0 seconds, with fuel economy of 9.2 km/ℓ in the JC08 mode.

The front-to-rear weight distribution is 50.9:49.1. Chrysler emphasizes its excellent handling performance, supported by meticulously tuned suspension.

Furthermore, it boasts a highly rigid platform capable of withstanding loads four times its vehicle weight, superior comfort due to various sound insulation and deadening measures, and a comprehensive suite of safety features including Electronic Stability Control, ParkSense parking assist sensors, Active Bonnet for pedestrian head impact mitigation, and Rain Brake Support, which periodically lightly applies the brake pads to the discs when the front wipers are on to dry the brake discs.

The price is 3.98 million yen for the 300 Limited and 5.38 million yen for the 300C Luxury.

With its competitive pricing, specifications, and styling, the new Chrysler 300 is compelling. We are eager to see its actual performance. OPENERS plans to publish a test drive review soon, so please look forward to it.