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Right away, it is easy to see this all-new 300 will have a less up-right, more angular front end. The new grill does not appear to be as tall as the current model and looks to take its styling from the 200C concept grill. A new lower fascia and fog lights are also visible. The true shape of the headlight cluster is not hard to see in our photos and they look to be much more aggressive than the current models rounded clusters. Along with a pair of xenon-projectors, we've heard that the 300 may feature some sort of LED daytime running light. We also noticed several small holes cut in the camouflage along the front bumper and front fender for the front and side-looking radar sensors. Another sensor can be seen through the camouflage next to the passenger side fog light. Sources tell us these sensors will be utilized by a frontal collision warning system, adaptive cruise control and a blind spot/side assist system. WIth all those sensors, it makes us wonder if a self-parking system may also be offered.
LED taillights
On the sides, we can see new rocker panels, a fresh character line that sweeps downwards toward the front fender, new, chrome-capped side mirrors and a new set of double-spoke wheels. The rear-doors have also had the black plastic square at the rear swapped out in favor of more glass. In back, a pair of very modern-looking, LED tailights will anchor the new design, along with a new bumper featuring integrated exhaust tips. A fresh trunk lid design should also be expected.
Better materials inside
On the inside, our sources tell us to expect a complete redesign with much better materials, lots of LED lighting, a 500-watt Alpine premium audio system and Chrysler's new Garmin navigation unit. Chrysler definitely does NOT want you to see the interior yet as this particular engineer spent most of his trip driving with a cover over the entire dash including the steering wheel! Though we did manage to get a quick peek at that thick-looking, wood-trimmed steering wheel before it was covered.
Also a diesel
This all-new 300 will be riding on an updated version of the "LX" chassis and will be sporting Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6L V6. You'll also be able to get the 5.7L Hemi V8, and the monster, 6.4L Hemi V8 in the SRT8 model. The 300C SRT8 won't be available at launch, but will follow in the second half of 2011 for the 2012 model year. Watch for the SRT8 to have around 500hp. A diesel model will also be available in Europe.
Debut at the end of 2010
At the moment, Chrysler is aiming to start production at the Brampton, Ontario plant during the last week of December, 2010. However, given the holiday vacation around that time, and with plans changing frequently at Chrysler, we think its likely the start of production will slip to some time in early 2011. That could make this a 2011, or 2012, model year vehicle. Brampton will also build a 300 Touring wagon variant for the European markets. Expect the Chrysler 300's official debut at the end of 2010.
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