2012 Chrysler 300 S V8 0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

The 2012 Chrysler 300 S V8 is a Rear-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 5.7L HEMI V8 OHV 16-valve engine which outputs 363 hp @ 5200 rpm and is paired with 5 speed automatic transmission gearbox. The 2012 Chrysler 300 S V8 has cargo capacity of Liters and the vehicle weighs 1817 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Chrysler 300 S V8 has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers Parksense Front/Rear Park Assist System and Rear-view camera. Safety features also include Driver side front airbag and Passenger side front airbag. The front suspension is Independent front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a Tire pressure monitoring warning system It has 20'' Alluminum alloy wheels polished as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has Remote engine starter. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 397 N.m of torque and a top speed of 262 km/h. The 2012 Chrysler 300 S V8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and hits quarter mile at 13.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 13.5 L/100km in the city and 8 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 40,245

2012 Chrysler 300 Used Price Estimates

Stylish and powerful, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is an excellent full-size sedan.

The big, rear-wheel-drive V8-powered sedan is as American as any number of overused clichés. Yet even if the 2012 Chrysler 300 is built in Canada and based on a platform that has evolved from an old Mercedes E-Class, it is nonetheless the epitome of a classic American sedan reinvented for the modern age.

It's the "modern age" bit that's most important. Thanks to a complete overhaul last year, the 300 boasts sleeker styling, a quieter interior and a more comfortable ride than it did in years past. Interior craftsmanship is second to none in its class, and the 300's myriad electronic features are not only advanced, but also easy to use.

There's a touch of modernity under the hood as well. While the 300 will always be best known for its V8 power, opting for its base 292-horsepower V6 is nothing to be ashamed of. It's a smooth-running engine that not only produces quick acceleration but also returns admirable fuel economy due in no small part to the new-for-2012 eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are other additions for 2012. The 300S offers a different take on the 300's styling. Gone are the old-world luxury trappings of wood, chrome and other bright-metal trim, replaced instead with darker trim bits and available red leather that create a cooler, more modern vibe. Coming back after a one-year hiatus is the SRT8 performance model, now boasting a 6.4-liter V8 that pumps out 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Yet most shoppers will be considering the more common variants of the 2012 Chrysler 300, and that's not a problem at all. Even in its most basic trim level, the 300 can pass as a luxury car with its high-quality interior, refined ride, strong power and generous features. Stepping up the model ladder further improves things. While checking out the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Volkswagen Passat and the related Dodge Charger is a wise idea, the Chrysler 300 is an excellent choice, especially if you want the definitive American sedan.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in seven trim levels: base, Limited, 300S V6, 300C, 300S V8, 300C Luxury Series and SRT8.

The base 300 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a six-speaker sound system with a compact touchscreen interface, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface, satellite radio and steering wheel controls. Bluetooth phone connectivity is optional.

The Limited adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, an upgraded transmission, remote ignition, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and upgraded speakers. The AWD Limited gets 19-inch chrome-clad wheels and upgraded brakes.

The 300S V6 adds unique styling elements, performance tires, steering wheel shift paddles, a larger touchscreen display and a 10-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system. However, leather upholstery and the power passenger seat are options along with a navigation system. The rear-wheel-drive 300S gets 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels, while the AWD version gets 19s. They also differ in suspension tuning.

Optional on the Limited and 300S V6 is the Luxury Group, which adds power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel, driver memory functions, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, a power rear sunshade and an auto-dimming exterior driver mirror. The 300S version gets leather upholstery and the power passenger seat. The Limited version gets upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a wood-trim steering wheel.

The 300C adds on top of the Limited's standard equipment a V8 engine, automatic wipers, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, the larger infotainment interface, a navigation system with real-time traffic and the Limited's version of the Luxury Group. The 300S V8 is similarly equipped, but includes the 300S V6's styling elements and sound system. The navigation system is optional.

The 300C Luxury Series version of the 300C adds special "platinum chrome" exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, hand-stitched leather-trimmed interior surfaces, Berber floor mats, and real wood trim. The Beats by Dre system is optional.

The SRT8 is a high-performance model that adds to the 300C a high-performance V8, special 20-inch wheels, performance tires, Brembo brakes, a two-mode adjustable sport suspension, sport-tuned steering, front and rear parking sensors, special styling and interior trim, adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, a rearview camera, leather/faux-suede upholstery and sport seats.

All but the base 300 can be equipped with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. All but the base model can be equipped with a panoramic sunroof and the SafetyTec package, which includes adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot and cross-path warning system, a forward collision warning system, a rearview camera (300S), power-folding mirrors and automatic wipers (Limited and 300S V6).

The Chrysler 300 base, Limited and 300S V6 models come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The base model comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the same eight-speed automatic found on the other V6 models is optional. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional on the Limited and 300S.

In performance testing, a base 300 went from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with either the five-speed automatic or all-wheel drive. The eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive stands at 19/31/23.

The 300C and 300S V8 get a 5.7-liter V8 good for 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/25/19 with rear-wheel drive and 15/23/18 with AWD.

The SRT8 gets a 6.4-liter V8 good for 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters are standard. In performance testing, the SRT8 went from zero to 60 mph in a very quick 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy for the SRT8 is 14/23/17.

Every 2012 Chrysler 300 comes with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and active front head restraints. The SafetyTec package adds a blind-spot warning system, a cross-path warning system (alerts the driver to cross traffic while backing up) and a forward collision warning system. A rearview camera is also available.

In brake testing, the base 300 came to a stop from 60 mph in a better-than-average 118 feet. The 300S V6 was essentially the same, while the SRT8 did it in an excellent 111 feet.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the 300 received the top rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 glides down the road in a way that reminds us of a big Mercedes-Benz sedan. Its suspension dampens even heavily rutted pavement, yet it does so without causing uncontrolled body motions. The ride becomes firmer with the optional 20s, but we wouldn't call it objectionable. Body roll is acceptable when cornering, and the electric-assist steering has appropriate weighting and feel.

The 300 is famous for its big V8s, but the standard V6 is a strong performer in its own right. It's also smooth, quiet (mostly because of the cabin's ample sound-deadening) and pretty fuel-efficient with rear-wheel drive and the new eight-speed automatic. However, the V8 is worth its extra cost for those hankering for a taste of good old American muscle.

Meanwhile, the new SRT8 represents American muscle on steroids. With 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it provides serious tire-smoking credentials. The SRT8 also goes around corners with a level of athleticism that belies this sedan's full-size dimensions. Having said that, tighter roads will quickly make even this top-dog 300 feel its size.

After last year's overhaul, the Chrysler 300 now has a cabin that might make luxury car shoppers think twice about paying extra for a fancy badge. The look is hardly what we'd describe as ground-breaking, but it's classy even in its most basic form, and the 300S in particular adds some visual flair with its available two-tone color schemes. Materials are top-notch, particularly on the new 300C Luxury Series with its leather trim covering most interior surfaces. Given the 300's proportions, it shouldn't come as a surprise that there's ample room for occupants big and small. The adjustability of the driver seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is particularly impressive.

The large 8.4-inch touchscreen control interface is a vast improvement on the substantially smaller screen found in many other Chrysler Group vehicles. In fact, it's one of the better touchscreen systems around, with large buttons and a logical menu structure. Luggage capacity is average for a large sedan, with 16.3 cubic feet of space. Rearward visibility is the only notable drawback for the 300 here, as the thick rear pillars can make it hard to spot other cars in the rear three-quarter view.

With its powerful V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform and performance-tuned suspension, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is arguably the best-handling sedan in the segment (along with its Chrysler sibling, the Dodge Charger). But, while we are in love with the car's acceleration and handling, we've also observed that the 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan doesn't return the road feel and steering feedback associated with high-performance sedans. We don't think this will bother most owners, as a car like the 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan is built more for cruising 'cross country than carving up twisting back roads. If performance is your intention, however, the powerful new 300 SRT8 is the sedan you'll want. Its 470-horsepower Hemi V8 can rocket it to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 mph. You'll sacrifice some ride comfort and quiet, but the trade-off for the blistering performance the SRT8 offers is something we figure most enthusiasts can accept. The S and Limited trim levels offer interiors as quiet as a Lexus LS 460, or so Chrysler claims, and seemingly as luxurious as an Audi A6. Those who seek the thrill of acceleration will likely choose the Hemi V8 but, in truth, the standard Pentastar V6 is more than adequate in this car, delivering excellent fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation.

The Big ScreenThe 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan's big 8.4-inch view screen features clear, easy to read and operate controls for the audio and available navigation. The UConnect Touch infotainment system allows control of an iPod via the steering-wheel remotes or voice activation and features hands-free texting. The available navigation radio also features voice activation, as well as maps by Garmin. Quiet Highway RideThe 2012 Chrysler 300 offers a bunch of tech-based features worth highlighting, but the most memorable first impression is the remarkably quiet cabin.2011 Chrysler 300 Details

Compared to the last-generation 300, the 2012 sedan's interior is the difference between an army surplus cot and a goose-down feather bed. Gone are the drab gray plastics and hard surfaces, replaced by warm tones, padded armrest and console, and a dazzling array of back-lit instrumentation. If you like thick-rimmed steering wheels, you'll be happy to find in the new Chrysler 300 one of the world's thickest. The flagship 300C Luxury Series models are even more luxurious, offering such items as a leather-stitched dash cap, 2-tone leather seating, and heated and cooling 12-way power seats. Passenger comfort is paramount for the Chrysler 300, which offers generous legroom for both front and rear passengers, but the trade-off is a rather small trunk.

There is still widespread disagreement amongst our editors about the 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan's new grille. The flat-nose front end and horizontal grille stand in stark contrast to the previous model's protruding egg-crate grille, but the look is growing on us and Chrysler offers a number of aftermarket grilles as well. The familiar 300 silhouette is still easily recognizable, but there is a softer, more mature feel to the design. Intricate details, such as the vertical crease in the rear tail lamps, the chrome air-intake surrounds, and LED daytime running lamps speak to the Chrysler 300's luxury status. The 300 SRT8 makes no such claim, displaying a more monochrome exterior with low ground effects and 7-spoke lightweight forged aluminum wheels. But even the base 300 gets the star treatment, with attractive paint and chrome trim, 17-inch wheels and a host of available upgrades.

The entry-priced 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan is a lot of car for the money, featuring keyless entry and start, a big 8.4-inch touchscreen with climate and music controls, USB/iPod connectivity, dual-zone auto climate control, power driver's seat, one-touch up/down windows all around and a full complement of active and passive safety features. Bluetooth phone connectivity is among the few glaring omissions from the standard equipment list.

In addition to the 363-horsepower V8 engine, all-wheel drive, a navigation system and leather seats, a Chrysler 300C AWD loaded with all the options will include an impressive list of high-tech luxuries: Radar-based adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems up front, rear cross-path sensors out back, and blind-spot monitoring to help out on the side. In-cabin highlights include heated/cooled cup holders and a 900-watt, 19-speaker harman/kardon audio system.

The 2012 Chrysler 300's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the most powerful base engine in the category. The Hemi V8 has just slightly less horsepower than the Ford Taurus' twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, but a substantially larger amount of torque. The SRT8's 6.4-liter monster pumps out 470 horsepower, more than anything in this class. On Limited, S and AWD V6 trims a new 8-speed ZF transmission helps boost fuel economy figures to best in class. All other models employ a 5-speed automatic. 3.6-liter V6292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (RWD, 5-speed automatic), 19/31 (RWD, 8-speed automatic), 18/27 (AWD)5.7-liter V8363 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm394 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 (RWD), 15/23 (AWD)6.4-liter V8465 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm465 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25

The 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan starts very well-equipped at about $ 28,000. Add lots of options and you can eventually make your way up to about $ 48,000 for a fully-loaded 300C AWD. The SRT8 starts around $ 51,000. As a relatively new entry with a lot of buzz and marketing dollars behind it, we don't expect our Fair Purchase Price to reflect significant discounting at dealerships. The Chrysler 300 sedan's value proposition is strong on price and product, but takes a bit of a hit when considering resale values. However, Chrysler has a number of incentives and rebates that can significantly reduce the MSRP, so be sure to check what is being offered. Despite all the improvements, the 2012 Chrysler 300 still doesn't top the resale values chart, with 5-year projected values falling well below the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Genesis sedans, but nearly on par with the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse.

2012 Chrysler 300 Consumer Reviews