The 300 series is a full-size luxury car with front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, produced in station wagon and four-door sedan versions in the first generation, and exclusively as a four-door sedan in the second generation. While the 300C was initially used to mark the top-of-the-line model, in the Australian market, every 300 has been named 300C. To avoid confusion in this article, the 300C will reference the top-of-the-line model, while 300 will refer to the general range of vehicles.
First Generation (2005-2010)
First revealed at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, 300 began production the following year for the 2005 model. Its design choices feature a large grille, long hood, and a low roofline, making the distinct boxy look. Some of the elements took inspiration from the Chrysler Chronos car from 1998, like the chrome interior pieces, tortoiseshell finish on the gear lever, and the steering wheel. The 300 is based on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform by Chrysler, with some aspects from the LH architecture.
Basic equipment includes ABS, alarm, alloy wheels, audio remote, body-coloured bumpers, cruise control, driver's airbag, electric driver's seat, electric mirrors, electric passenger's seat, folding rear seats, front electric windows, front fog lights, headlight washers, heated mirrors, heated seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Isofix child seat anchor points, lumbar support, parking sensors, PAS, passenger’s airbag, rear electric windows, remote locking, side airbags, steering wheel rake adjustment, and traction control.
The standard trim level includes 3x3 point rear seat belts, leather seat trim, metallic paint, and space-saver spare wheel.
SE trim level includes CD, leather seat trim, and space-saver spare wheel.
SR trim level includes CD, leather seat trim, Sat Nav, and space-saver spare wheel.
SRT trim level includes CD, partial leather seat trim, and Sat Nav.
SRT Design trim level includes 3x3 point rear seat belts, CD, CD multi-changer, leather seat trim, metallic paint, partial leather seat trim, Sat Nav, and space-saver spare wheel.
The engine options available in Australia feature one diesel option and three petrol options, namely, Base, 300C, and SRT-8. The 300C Hemi V8 used the Multi-Displacement System to run on four cylinders only, improving fuel economy.
- 3.5L V6 petrol engine producing 183kW (249hp) and 340Nm of torque, accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.2 sec and has a top speed of 219km/h, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
- 300C: 5.7L V8 petrol engine producing 250kW (340hp) and 525Nm of torque, accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.4 sec and has a top speed of 250km/h, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0L V6 diesel engine producing 160kW (218hp) and 510Nm of torque, accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.8 sec, has a top speed of 230km/h, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
- SRT-8: 6.1L V8 petrol engine producing 317kW (431hp) and 569Nm of torque, 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 265km/h, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
Second Generation (2011 - present)
The LX second generation features significant changes to its predecessor, including thinner roof pillars, revised sheet metal, a more raked windshield, bi-xenon HID headlights, LED daytime headlamps, LED taillights, as well as a horizontally-slotted front grille with the revised Chrysler brand emblem. Other changes come in an optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch polished-aluminium wheels. The interior now features revised dashboard, Uconnect Touch infotainment interface, new steering wheel and centre console, and leather seats on all trim levels.
Touring trim level includes heated mirrors, leather seats, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, power driver's seat, Uconnect infotainment interface, Bluetooth, HD radio, satellite radio, and dual USB ports.
Touring L trim level adds heated seats, full leather upholstery, and power passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, GPS, cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.
300S trim level adds sports-tuned suspension, heated front seats and paddle gear shifters.
300C trim level adds 20-inch aluminium wheels, touring-tuned suspension, xenon headlights, premium leather upholstery, improved steering wheel and power sunshade in the rear.
Facelift version came in late 2014. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and active braking system, lane departure warning and lane keep assist system, revised Uconnect infotainment, customisable 7-inch driver information display, restyled front and rear fascia, standard Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, and updated silver and black mesh chrome grille.
At the Euro NCAP crash tests, Lancia Thema (Rebranded 300) received a 5-star rating, with adult occupant score of 29.7 and 83%, child occupant score of 37.7 and 77%, a pedestrian score of 21.3 and 59%, while the safety assist received 5 points and 71%.
In Australia, available engines include a single diesel variant and three petrol variants. The original transmission was a 5-speed automatic, later replaced with the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic, paired with petrol engines, as diesel phased out. While the models were supposed to be linked to specific engines, these criteria were not used in Australia, making it possible to choose engines and trim levels, except for the SRT line which came exclusively with a 6.4L V8 Hemi.
- 3.6L V6 Pentastar petrol engine, producing 218kw (292hp) at 6350rpm and 352Nm of torque at 4800rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic, and later eight-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0L V6 VM Motori A630 diesel engine producing 176kW (236hp) at 4000rpm and 550Nm of torque at 1800-2800rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission
- SRT-8: 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 petrol engine producing 351kW (470hp) at 6000rpm and 637Nm of torque at 4300rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic, and later eight-speed automatic transmission
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Author: Luka Kusic