The Future of the Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is not going anywhere contrary to what sources have to say. It was rumored that the vehicle was going to be a thing of the past and its last remains will be seen in 2020. Even with SUV’s rising in popularity, Chrysler believes that the Chrysler 300 can still be saved.

If Chrysler was willing to say goodbye to the 300, what was supposed to take its place? Well, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was not going with a new sedan, that’s for sure. Instead, they were going to introduce an electric minivan called “The Postal,” a production version of a previous concept with the same name. It was first introduced at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The 300 was expected to use FCA’s Giorgio rear- and all-wheel drive architecture. However, things changed in 2016, when FCA’s then CEO Sergio Marchionne stated that “the replacement model might instead share the architecture of the Pacifica and be produced alongside the big minivan at Windsor in Ontario,” according to just-auto.com. The company hasn’t stated whether or not it will replace the 300 or any other LX platform vehicle.

As time progressed, this led to rumors that Brampton, where all of Chrysler and Dodge’s big RWD/AWD sedans and coupes are manufactured, could be closed. It was thought that any successors might still be RWD/ AWD and instead, will use the Giorgio platform and be built in Mexico at Toluca. In October 2016 it was announced of a plan to give Brampton a new paint shop which appeared to increase the chances of this factory being used for a new generation of big rear-drive Dodge cars, according to just-auto.com.

But the excitement seemed to come to a halt a month later when speaking to analysts on the topic of FCA’s third-quarter financials, Marchionne didn’t mention the Chrysler 300 having an RWD/ AWD successor: “The important thing for us was to preserve the uniqueness of the rear-wheel-drive offering that we have across four brands: Alfa, Maserati, Dodge and, potentially Jeep. And that solution has been nailed down internally by focusing on the Giorgio architecture”.

Two options can be considered for the evolution of the 300. Option one is an evolution of the existing model’s platform, and option two is to switch the model to a front-wheel-drive architecture and make it on the same line as the Pacifica. That won’t be a necessity if the Ontario factory gets the rumored Chrysler Aspen, a front- and all-wheel drive crossover.

As a reminder, FCA is not saying goodbye to the Chrysler 300. When it comes to sales, Steve Beahm, head of parts and service (MOPAR), assured carbuzz.com that “it’s doing great.” “We like where it’s positioned; it provides great value. It’s a lot of car for the money.”

There are two options to choose from for engines: a 292-horsepower V6 or a 363-horsepower V8. Both engines get the job done, and the V6 has more than enough power for the average joe to drive. The Chrysler sedan gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with its V6 engine.

As for space, the 300 gives passengers plenty of room. Seating surfaces are wrapped with leather, while a nickel-finish analog clock and blacked-out interior accents highlight the performance-focused cabin. Buyers will have up-to-date security and driver assistance technology is available, but it requires optional packages to deliver full safety features.

PRICE:

The 2019 Chrysler 300 has a starting MSRP of $29,220 (plus destination fee).

There have been thoughts that perhaps FCA wants to give the Chrysler brand more crossovers. Whatever the case may be, we are unlikely to see any 300 successors until the 2021 model year. You can search our inventory of Chrysler 300 at Miami Lakes Automall . Make sure to stop by for a test drive and see if this model and make is the car for you.

Photo Credit: youtube.com

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