The 300C was no longer in production when Chrysler announced a “last call” for the car—featuring a 392 Hemi, just like many historic Chrysler 300 letter cars. The company only made 2,200 of the 2023 Chrysler 300C series (regular 300 and 300S models were not limited), 2,000 for the United States and 200 for Canada.
The last 300 has not yet been made, apparently, but the clock is ticking, since production ends entirely in 2023. There may be a new generation in 2024-25, but this is not guaranteed; and it may not be a sedan, if it is made at all.
The first 300 “letter series” car was the C300, boasting the first regular production 300 horsepower engine (gross rating). With its 331 cubic inch Hemi V8, it was the most powerful full-size car in the world, and it dominated NASCAR.
The C300 was followed by the 300B, then the 300C, and so on—the letter changing each year. Any “letter car” was a top end sport-luxury car for the company which came at a high price; while they were closely based on other Chrysler cars, few were made each year. The 300C was the first to have a 392 cubic inch Hemi V8, with 375 hp (gross), standard.
The company tried to capitalize on the name by producing a regular 300 series which was shorn of the high-power engine and some of the luxury and handling features. Early 300 letter cars had Hemi V8 engines, topped by the 392; these were eventually replaced by 413 “wedge” and then 440 “wedge” engines. (For more, see Motales’ Chrysler history.)
The 1999 Chrysler 300M, which produced roughly 300 hp (gross; 250 hp SAE net), returned the 300 series to the public eye. The 2005 300C upped its game with a 5.7 Hemi with 340 hp (SAE net). The accompanying 300 had V6 engines; a 300C V6 was produced for a couple of years, with a 292 hp V6.
The 2023 Chrysler 300C delivers 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60 times of 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile of 12.4 seconds. The top speed is 160 mph, higher than any of the original 300 “letter cars;” handling and braking also exceeds the old norms. The 2023 series has four-piston Brembo calipers, a limited slip differential, active exhaust, and active damping suspension. The interior is done in Laguna leather.
