End of an Era: The Final Hemi-Powered Chrysler 300C Just Rolled Off the Line
The next one could be electric.
Mopar fans across the country are shedding a collective tear, as the final 2023 Chrysler 300 models roll off their Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly line. Production of the current-gen 300 officially ends on December 31, 2023, marking the end of a Mopar fan-favorite. Before the 300 takes its last bow, Chrysler also just said goodbye to the final Hemi-powered special edition 300C.
The current-generation Chrysler 300 was first launched back in 2014, making it almost ten years old. And it looks it. While the 300 is still a handsome car, with its simple, boxy good looks, it's been showing its age for a few years now, especially compared to some of its newer competition, like the Cadillac CT5 and Lexus ES. However, the 300 had a certain swagger that made it charming, even next to cars that were newer, faster, and more technologically advanced.
However, in 2022, Chrysler released the 300C, one last special edition version of the 300 to pay tribute to the Hemi V8-powered 300C of the 1950s. The final 300C that rolled off the line on December 8 was a Velvet Red 300C with black Laguna leather and Chrysler's 6.4-liter Hemi V8. That V8 makes 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, which propels the boxy brute to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. It also has four-piston Brembo brakes with red calipers, a 3.09 limited-slip rear differential, and adaptive suspension. Only 2,200 special edition 300Cs were made (2,000 for the United States and 200 for Canada) and all of them were spoken for within 12 hours of Chrysler announcing it.
So what happens next? With the 300 gone, Chrysler's only vehicle will be the Pacifica minivan, leaving its cupboard almost entirely dry. However, the 300's eventual replacement will likely be electric.
“As we celebrate the last Hemi-powered 300C off the line with our Brampton team members, 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," said Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell.
Hopefully, whenever Chrysler decides to replace the 300, it comes with the same brutish swag as its predecessor. Though, we will miss that Hemi V8 noise.
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