2009 Chrysler 300

NEW FOR 2009:

- New 5.7-litre Hemi VVT MDS Eagle engine

- Cabin air filtration, trunk scuff plate, deck lid liner, grocery bag hooks and cargo net standard on all models

- Touring adds illuminated cupholders, chrome instrument panel trim rings, automatic temperature control and automatic headlamps; Sound Group option no longer available

- Limited adds wood and leather-wrapping steering wheel and California Walnut interior accents; optional Rear Seat Video System no longer available

- Limited and 300C add standard LED map pocket lighting and reversible trunk mat

- MyGIG entertainment system (without navigation) standard on Limited, 300C and SRT8

- SRT8 adds standard tilted front head restraints, cruise control, new grille finish, power sunroof and UConnect hands-free connectivity; new ABS, electronic stability and suspension calibrations

- 300C Heritage Model adds 20-inch chrome wheels with performance tires, performance suspension and new badges

- Comfort-tuned suspension added to Limited and 300C models with 18-inch wheels

- Electronic vehicle information centre informs driver when vehicle goes into AWD mode

- Tire pressure monitor warns of LO TIRE in digital odometer on vehicles without electronic vehicle information centre

- SRT Design Group option discontinued

- Normal cruise control mode added to Adaptive Speed Control

- Exterior colours: Deep Water Blue Pearl added; Steel Blue Metallic deleted

For 2009, the Chrysler 300 line-up receives several new standard or optional items; most notable is a new Hemi V8 engine. It retains the 5.7-litre displacement of the 2008 model, but includes variable valve timing for more power with improved fuel economy; as before, it features Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly shuts off half the cylinders under light load for better fuel efficiency.

The 300 is available with a choice of three powertrains: a 3.5-litre V6 with four-speed automatic in the Touring and Limited; the new 5.7-litre V8 with five-speed automatic and manual shift mode in the 300C; and 6.1-litre V8 with five-speed automatic and manual shift mode in the 300 SRT8. The Touring, Limited and 300C are also available with all-wheel drive (when so equipped, the V6 uses a five-speed automatic).

Features on the Touring include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone temperature control, keyless entry, floor mats, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, cloth seats, eight-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, cruise control, tilt and telescopic wheel, tire pressure monitor warning lamp, driver's auto up/down window, and variable intermittent wipers. The AWD model includes 18-inch chrome-clad wheels.

The Limited adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, front ashtray, electronic vehicle information centre, garage door opener, halogen projector headlamps, illuminated map pockets, heated chrome mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals, MyGIG entertainment system, heated leather-faced seats, eight-way power passenger seat, security alarm, wood and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, and driver and passenger auto up/down windows.

The 300C adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, performance brakes, Xenon headlamps with SmartBeam system, two-position driver's memory, luxury leather-faced seats, power tilt and telescopic column, leather and tortoise shell wheel, tire pressure monitoring display, and rain-sensitive wipers. The AWD model uses 18-inch chrome-clad wheels.

The SRT8 adds power sunroof, rear park assist, UConnect hands-free connectivity, rear spoiler, adaptive cruise control, sports seats, six-CD/MP3 stereo, SRT sport suspension, and four-wheel Brembo performance disc brakes.

Still popular with buyers who want a roomy sedan with rear-wheel drive, the 300 is a comfortable and pleasant driver even in its base form, with a V6 engine that works well in this package; the new 5.7-litre retains the 300C's more muscular feel with better mileage, while the SRT8 remains a heavy-duty performer that stacks up favourably to much pricier performance sedans.