All About Japan Autos

There’s a lot of buzz about the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300, and why not? The class of affordable large cars doesn’t have that many players on the field, and the redesigned 300 is turning some heads. “All-new Chrysler 300 sedans provide customers with elegant style, grand-touring performance, best-in-class seat comfort and the precision, refinement, premium materials and quality of the world’s best E-segment luxury sedans starting at $27,995,” says Chrysler.

But the 300 isn’t just getting new sheet metal, there are changes under the hood as well. “The 300 and 300 Limited use the automaker’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, rated at 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and routed to the pavement through the rear wheels,” reports Autoblog. “The higher-end 300C, priced from $38,995, uses Chrysler’s well-liked 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and comes standard with amenities like a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, LED interior lighting, power folding mirrors and a host of more luxurious interior options.”

So how does it stack up to the competition? Well, the Chrysler 300 appears to be playing for keeps with more standard features and a lower price than the outgoing 2010 Chrysler 300. “Surprisingly, the base 300 sedan at $27,170 (not including an $825 destination charge) starts for $90 less than the 2010 model and comes standard with… Uconnect Touch system with an 8.4-inch LCD screen, USB port with iPod Control, Sirius Satellite Radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry with remote windows down, no-touch self-rising deck lid, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seats, 12-way power driver’s seat, cruise control and auto-dimming rearview mirror,” says Cars.com. “A Ford Taurus SEL comes similarly equipped and starts at $27,370, but it doesn’t come with Ford’s Sync system standard or an LCD screen.”

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