The Chrysler 300 Reaches the End of the Line

 

The Chrysler 300 series has rolled off the assembly line for the last time in its long and celebrated history.

Like its Stellantis siblings the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 is being discontinued after the 2023 model year. Moving forward, Chrysler and its parent company are doubling down on their continued push towards total electrification and complete sustainability.

Although the Charger and Challenger have the potential to return with new electric variants, every indication from Chrysler is that the 300 series has truly reached the end of its storied line. Courtesy of Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep, here's a look back at the 300 series's history, the reasons it's ending now, and what's next for Stellantis and Chrysler.

The History of the 300

Chrysler introduced their 300 series back in 1955 with the debut of the C-300 (retroactively called the 300A). During its infancy, the 300 became known as the "letter series," as each new model was assigned a subsequent letter. The 300B got revamped into the 300C, which then saw a redesign as the 300D, and so forth.

The initial set of 300 cars came equipped with a hefty 5.4-liter Hemi engine boasting an impressive 300 horsepower, establishing it as the top performer among American vehicles of its time. The letter series eventually wrapped up in 1965 with the 300L, which boasted a total horsepower of 360.

Another powerful version of the luxurious 300 model, known as the Hurst 300, came to light in 1970, albeit with a limited production of just 485 units. However, it wouldn't be until many decades later that a true renaissance of the 300 would take place.

In 1999, Chrysler unveiled the 300M, which got its name from a scrapped redesign from 1966. This new 300M was a luxurious full-size car equipped with a V6 engine, and it stayed in production until 2004. Then, in 2005, the 300 as we know it now finally made its grand entrance as both a sedan and a station wagon. The first generation of this revamped 300 lineup lasted from 2005 to 2010. When 2011 rolled around, the second generation bid adieu to the station wagon option and focused exclusively on the four-door sedan... which brings us to where we are today.

One Last Ride

The final limited edition of the 300 series, known as the 300C, made its debut in 2022. Production of the current-generation 300 model officially comes to an end this weekend on December 31st, but the final 300C successfully completed its assembly on December 8th at Chrysler's Brampton Ontario Assembly Plant.

The most recent car to leave the factory was a Velvet Red 2023 Chrysler 300C, sporting the iconic 6.4-liter Hemi engine. Boasting 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, it serves as a fitting farewell to a line of vehicles that has long been synonymous with power and confidence. Chrysler and Stellantis, however, are intent on phasing out their eight-cylinder engines in favor of pursuing complete sustainability through electric and hybrid alternative energy solutions.

"As we celebrate the last Hemi-powered 300C off the line with our Brampton team members," said Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell, "we're also excited to work together as Chrysler brand moves forward to a sustainable all-electric future as part of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan."

The Future is Electric

For those keeping score at home, Chrysler is now down to a sole remaining vehicle: the plug-in hybrid Pacifica minivan. However, when the successor to the 300 is eventually revealed, expect that to be another electric option. Chrysler's path forward is clear, and it revolves around a green tomorrow.

You can become part of that electric future when you make the change to an EV today. Visit Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep and see for yourself why you belong behind the wheel of a Pacifica, or the full-size hybrid SUV the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. The 300 series may now be in the rearview, but here at Bakersfield, the future is yours for the taking.