The 2011 Chrysler 300C!

By Mark Kleis

Although Chrysler did not have much to share at the Chicago Auto Show, we did snap a picture of the upcoming 2011 300C’s front fascia off of a presentation by its designer, Ralph Gilles. In addition to designing the 300C, Gilles has now been named the head of the Dodge division as well.

Although Gilles did not reveal any new ground breaking information at the Chicago Auto Show where we obtained several of these images, we did get a fairly revealing shot of what to expect on the front of the next 300C. Chrysler previously previewed the next 300’s interior at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

In addition to the new image we captured off of the projector, our spies have also captured test mules with extensive camo covering their upcoming nose job. The camouflaged mule looks to have the 2011 front end grafted onto a current 300C SRT8 body to conduct airflow testing. A new motor, along with the new “LY” chassis may also be underneath the body.

The LY chassis will be a heavy rework of the current LX chassis. However, some current components will be carried over. Fiat is said be planning future cars on the LY platform as well.

The reigning fuel-efficient champ of the LX-platform stable is the 26 mpg (highway) 2.7-liter Dodge Charger, but the next crop of LX-based vehicles will likely top the 30 mpg mark.

In order to improve fuel economy, Chrysler engineers will focus on aerodynamics, axle ratios and drivetrains. At the heart of the improvements will be Chrysler’s all-new Phoenix family of V6 engines. The new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 will replace both V6s currently offered in the LX cars, improving both fuel economy and performance. Look for the Pentastar family of engines to feature Chrysler’s fuel-saving MDS cylinder deactivation technology, as well as take advantage of Fiat’s Multiair technology. Output will be rated at 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

But the new Pentastar V6 won’t be the only big news for the 2011 Charger and 300. Chrysler is also planning to replace the cars’ four and five-speed automatic transmissions with a new eight-speed unit, rivaling Lexus for the most cogs in the business.

Watch for the new 300 to go on sale in the fall or winter of 2010.