Detroit 2010: Chrysler 300S Adds More Style To The Aging Flagship

Like the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty, the Chrysler 300 gets some minor tweaks for the 2010 model year. The new 300S models, available with either the anemic 3.5-liter V-6 or boomy 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, add a bit of Mopar-like style to the big Chrysler sedan.

Changes include a new blacked-out grille with body color accents, as well as darkened headlamp bezels, and twenty-inch polished wheels with painted pockets. It certainly looks sporty, but don’t be fooled — it won’t handle like your SRT8. Inside, a new steering wheel is offered, as well as perforated suede seats. Red accent stitching is also on hand.

These styling cues might help some more 300s move off of Chrysler lots, but we’re anxiously awaiting the all-new 300, set to debut as a 2011 model.

Scroll down to read the full details about the 300S models.

Chrysler 300S Models

Starting with the sedan that marked the return of the great American car, the new 2010 Chrysler 300S models (available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, or legendary HEMI® V-8 engine) reignite the vehicle’s incredible styling in an all-new model.

The Chrysler 300S models add a very serious, low-key look to the bold proportions of the Chrysler 300. Starting with its 300 roots, the 300S models trade-in their full-chromed grilles and fascia accents for blacked-out grilles with chromed surround and body-color fascia accents. New darkened headlamp bezels keep up the low-key look, while cleanly “shaved” doors with body-color mirrors and large 20-inch polished face wheels with painted pockets, hint at the 300S’ handling potential.

The cabins of the new Chrysler 300S models exude a serious, athletic-interior theme. A uniquely designed steering wheel with carbon weave is accented with red stitching and brushed silver spokes. Beautifully bolstered Dark Slate Gray leather front seats are track-tested and feature an embroidered “300S” logo on the seatback. Specially perforated Dark Slate Gray suede fills the front and rear seats, seatback and seat cushion with hints of red accent beneath. The Dark Slate interior theme continues around the driver and passenger side and is highlighted with brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel center stack, center console side trim and upper-door trim. Carbon-weave door-pull handles with red accent stitching finish off the interior of both 300S V-6 engine and 300S HEMI V-8 engine models.

Keeping passengers connected with their favorite tunes or mobile devices, the 300S models feature an array of user-friendly technologies including a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, Uconnect™ Phone, iPod® Control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Additional standard convenience features include remote start, heated front seats, power driver and passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, HomeLink universal transceiver and Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM).

Designed to deliver excitement, the Chrysler 300S models feature a performance-tuned suspension with performance shocks, steering, all-season performance Goodyear Eagle RSA tires and performance brake linings.

The 2010 Chrysler 300S features a fuel-efficient, 250 horsepower (186 kW) 24-valve 3.5-liter high-output V-6 engine, capable of 25 highway mpg. For more performance, Chrysler 300S offers the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N•m) of torque, and features fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology that provides as much as a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Mated to a quality-proven five-speed Auto Stick transmission, the 2010 Chrysler 300S with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers 25 highway mpg.

The 2010 Chrysler 300S models will arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the spring of 2010.