The final chapter in the Chrysler 300’s storied history has been written, with the last-ever model rolling off the production line at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. The concluding act features a Velvet Red 2023 Chrysler 300C, marking the end of an era for the sedan that has been in production since its revival in 1999.
Chrysler bid farewell to the entire lineup of the all-American sedan in July, culminating with the production of the beefiest trim, the 300C. However, the curtain call for this model isn’t without a touch of nostalgia, as Chrysler announced the return of the 300C as a limited edition. A mere 2,000 units are slated for the U.S. market, with an additional 200 reserved for Canada. The 300C, with its SRT iteration, embodied Chrysler’s response to Dodge’s Scat Pack, boasting a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The model also featured performance upgrades such as an active suspension, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and an active exhaust.
Looking back, Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles has to be proud of the Chrysler 300 in its last couple of decades as he headed up design for the monumental sedan. It was essentially a poor man’s Bentley in the eye of some enthusiasts and onlookers.
While the production lines will continue to churn out less potent trims of the 300 until December 31, the focus has shifted to the future of the Chrysler brand. CEO Chris Feuell expressed excitement about steering Chrysler toward a sustainable, all-electric future as part of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Feuell hinted at the next model, a two-row battery-electric crossover, anticipated to debut in 2025 on the STLA Large architecture. This platform is expected to support 400- and 800-volt electrical architectures, offering a range of up to 400 miles. The crossover might draw inspiration from the Airflow concept, though internal discussions about naming the model remain ongoing.
A complete revamp of the Chrysler experience, encompassing online and dealership interactions to after-sales care, is envisioned by Feuell. The goal is to position Chrysler as Stellantis’ “startup brand,” characterized by “clean mobility, seamless technology,” and affordable pricing. The ambitious plan aims to reshape the brand’s image, and Feuell has Tesla buyers in her sights as potential customers for the rejuvenated Chrysler brand. As the final Chrysler 300C bids adieu, a new era of electric mobility and innovation awaits the Chrysler brand.
