The full-size luxury Chrysler 300 has built a solid reputation for high-quality design and top performance. Consumers know that they can count on its comfortable ride, smooth handling and luxury features, which has made it a consistent performer for the automaker.
Details have been trickling in about the 2016 lineup for Chrysler, and we’ve been learning more about what’s in store for the new 300 model. Not much has been confirmed about what we can expect to see at Chrysler dealerships later this year, but we’re happy to share the bits and pieces that we’ve learned.
Here’s what we know so far about the 2016 Chrysler 300:
Engine and Mechanics
Industry insiders expect the 2016 Chrysler 300 to have the same powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that has been featured throughout the model’s second generation since 2011. However, the car is expected to have an improved management system and a new intake that will boost the engine’s power. The engine is expected to put out at least 300 horsepower and 270 pounds per feet of torque.
As with previous models, the 2016 Chrysler 300 is expected to have optional engines depending on the trim level. Other options expected to be offered are a 5.7-liter HEMI engine that puts out at least 363 horsepower and a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that puts out at least 465 horsepower.
The new 300 is expected to have a five-speed automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both expected to be available. The suspension is expected to be improved for better handling, and a new exhaust system is expected to reduce the noise during the ride.
Everything is speculative at this point, but these changes seem likely as improvements continue to be made on the specs of the previous models.
Design
It’s hard to believe that the Chrysler 300 could get any more stylish since the current model is already a picture of sophistication and luxury. Yet numerous design changes are rumored for the new model.
The body is expected to have a more compact body with a shorter front and rear end. More chrome accents are added throughout, and some other exterior styling adjustments are expected to be made, including 18- to 21-inch wheels and new head lights and tail lights.
Inside, the new Chrysler 300 is expected to have two-tone leather upholstery, an updated dash-mounted display, and other convenience features. Options may include a premium audio system and a bigger display screen. The 2015 model received updates that included a seven-inch customizable display system, an enhanced Uconnect system and a host of safety features such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
There hasn’t been a major redesign of the Chrysler 300 since the second generation was introduced in 2011 — how do you improve upon perfection, after all? — so we’d love to see some big changes for the new year. However, with the bigger changes introduced for the current model year, we don’t expect any drastic changes. It’s likely that the 2016 Chrysler 300 will see some upgrades throughout, helping to enhance the design and make it seem even more gorgeous and sophisticated.
Safety Features
The Chrysler 300 has consistently received high marks for its safety features, from its strong body to its alert systems and comprehensive airbag protection. The 2015 model introduced several new features that made it a safer car, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, a back-up camera and the aforementioned forward collision warning system and adaptive cruise control.
We expect the 2016 model to keep these features and perhaps add a few more. We’d love to see blind spot monitoring, brake assist, parallel parking assist, and electronic stability control, among other safety features.
Whatever the 2016 model has to offer, we know we’ll be in good hands with the 300.
SRT Option
A little more information has been leaked about an SRT option for the 2016 Chrysler 300 and spy shots have even been published. Industry analysts are rejoicing over the inclusion of an SRT option since Chrysler seemed to have done away with the special edition at the end of 2014. The SRT brand was meant to be used under the Dodge nameplate alone.
Though Chrysler has not yet confirmed that an SRT version of the 2016 Chrysler 300 will be available, it seems to be a pretty sure thing. The automaker is already producing a version for overseas markets, and industry insiders feel confident that it will also be released Stateside.
Everything is speculative at this point, but it is rumored that the SRT option would have the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with improved horsepower and torque outputs. Though we’d love to see the Hellcat engine become an option for the 300, it doesn’t seem to be a real possibility. Dodge has taken the reins as the performance arm for Fiat-Chrysler.
Spy photos have been released for the 2016 Chrysler 300, but it’s unclear whether this is just a concept vehicle or one that will only be produced for overseas markets. However, the car in the photos features a full-size platform with updates to the fascia. Some changes include a new row of LED lighting in the lower fascia, slotted rotors, a different cutout for the radar sensor, a duckbill rear spoiler and a lower profile overall.
Of course, no information has been released about possible pricing for the 2016 Chrysler 300 or an SRT option if it is available, nor do we have details about a release date. We’re just so excited for the new 300 model to hit Chrysler dealerships that we’re eating up any information that we can get about the model beforehand.
