The mighty 300 SRT8 was not the only new model on display at the Chrysler booth at the New York Auto Show, as the Auburn Hills automaker also presented two new versions of its full-size sedan, the sportier 300S and the more luxurious 300C Executive Series.

The 2012MY 300S has a more distinct look than the standard model, new interior materials and features, plus a touring-tuned chassis (performance-tuned in combination with the HEMI V8 engine). The latter has 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel than the entry-level 300 model, with both modifications contributing to sportier handling.

Available with the 292HP V6 and 363HP V8 engines, and either RWD or AWD, the 300S models have larger 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, body-color fascia accents and mirrors and blacked-out headlights’ contours. In addition, grille blades are in black chrome instead of the standard model’s bright chrome.

Inside, the 300S features exclusive Piano Black trim on the center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panels, plus matte carbon accents replacing traditional burl wood. The front seats are heated and 12-way adjustable, while the interior environment can be trimmed in black or Radar Red.

In terms of equipment, the ‘S’ models benefit from a 8.4-inch touchscreen display and next-generation mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features, reunited under the name Uconnect Touch. This system also controls the 10-speaker 522-watt sound system, tuned by none other than Dr. Dre through his Beats Audio company.

The second special edition, called 300C Executive Series, is in the company’s own words “the most luxurious Chrysler flagship sedan ever”. The car combines -premium leather with additional safety and connectivity features and is powered exclusively by the 363HP 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive setups.

“With hand-sanded real wood accents, hand-stitched Italian leather dash, two-tone ultra-soft Nappa leather seats, uniquely polished 20-inch wheels and state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch – our flagship provides passengers with the sense of pure old-school craftsmanship combined with innovative technology,” says Olivier Francois, Chrysler brand CEO.

The 300C is distinguished by the leather-wrapped dashboard and door panels, two-tone Mocachino or Black leather upholstery and real wood trim finished in low-gloss. All seats are heated and ventilated, with the front seats also being 12-way power-adjustable.

Standard equipment features include a Uconnect Touch 8.4N system with Garmin navigation, SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory and power-adjustable pedals with memory.

On the outside, the 300C Executive Series replaces chromed fascia, mirror and door handle accents with platinum chrome finish, with the same material decorating the grille.

The 300S and 300C models will both go on sale in autumn 2011.

By Dan Mihalascu

2012 CHRYSLER 300C EXECUTIVE SERIES_______________________________________________________________________2012 CHRYSLER 300 S SERIES