The Chrysler 300C with a V8 was never subtle—and that’s exactly why it worked. It carried muscle car energy in a tailored suit, offering rear-drive power and serious torque without shouting about it. Now, with the final 6.4L HEMI version closing the chapter, the last 300C V8 doesn’t go quietly—it makes one more statement.
This isn’t just another sedan with extra badges. It’s fast, refined, and unapologetically rear-drive. Here’s why the modern Chrysler 300C V8s still holds its ground—and why it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
It Uses the 6.4L HEMI
The final Chrysler 300C isn’t just about styling—it’s got real firepower. Under the hood is the 6.4L (392 ci) HEMI V8, rated at 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. That’s the same engine found in Scat Pack Chargers and Challengers.
It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the rear wheels. 0–60 happens in around 4.3 seconds, which is fast for a full-size sedan. It’s not just another luxury cruiser—it moves with real intent.
It’s the Quickest 300 Ever Made
This version of the 300C is officially the fastest Chrysler-branded sedan in history. Beyond its straight-line performance, it has launch control, active damping suspension, and revised shift programming for track work.
Even though it’s big and heavy, it stays composed under hard acceleration and braking. It’s not pretending to be a sports sedan—it just happens to act like one when needed. For a car with its roots in comfort, that’s a strong exit move.
The Exhaust Sounds Like It Means It
The HEMI gives the 300C a deeper, sharper exhaust tone than any previous model. It doesn’t drone, but it’s loud enough to turn heads without needing aftermarket pipes.
Dodge didn’t over-engineer the sound—it’s mostly natural rumble. It’s surprisingly refined inside the cabin, too, thanks to active noise cancellation. When you hit the throttle, it delivers the kind of sound that reminds you this car isn’t long for this world.
It Doesn’t Skip the Comfort
While the 300C has real performance, Chrysler didn’t ditch the comfort. It still rides like a luxury sedan—quiet, soft where it should be, and easy to drive at low speeds. Adaptive suspension helps balance daily use with weekend fun.
Inside, you’ll find heated and ventilated leather seats, real wood trim, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. This isn’t a stripped-out muscle car—it’s a proper grand tourer with just enough bite.
Styling Is Subtle but Serious
The final 300C doesn’t scream performance, and that’s part of its appeal. The badging is minimal, with a body-color grille and black exhaust tips. The stance is wide and grounded without unnecessary flair.
It sits on 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber, with just enough visual cues—red Brembo calipers, mesh grille, trunk lip spoiler—to let people know it’s not the rental-spec V6. If you know, you know.
It’s a Farewell, Not a Retrofit
Chrysler didn’t just recycle the 300 SRT8 and call it a day. The last 300C is more than a revival—it’s a sendoff. Only 2,000 were made for the U.S., each with a serialized badge and limited color options.
The production run marks the end of an era for Chrysler’s V8-powered sedans. It’s built in Canada and shares its bones with the Charger and Challenger, but stands apart with a calmer, more grown-up personality. It’s fast—but not flashy.
It Has Real Brakes and Suspension
Brembo four-piston front calipers come standard, along with stiffer suspension components and revised bushings. While it’s not tuned like a track-day car, the hardware holds up under hard braking and spirited driving.
This makes a big difference when you’re using all 485 horses. The 300C doesn’t wallow or fade when pushed—it handles its weight with control. For a car of its size and luxury intent, it’s more agile than you’d expect.
It Keeps the Old-School RWD Layout
Unlike most new sedans shifting to front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the 300C stays rear-wheel drive. That layout matters—not just for handling, but for character. It’s one of the last full-size American sedans with that traditional setup.
That also means burnouts, power slides, and real off-the-line launches are still part of the experience. It’s a muscle sedan in the most classic sense, built on a layout that’s disappearing fast from modern showrooms.
The Interior Isn’t Trying Too Hard
The cabin sticks to what works: analog gauges, real materials, and a clean center stack. The 8.4-inch Uconnect screen still feels snappy and straightforward, with physical knobs for volume and climate.
There’s no clutter, no gimmicks—just a well-finished space that doesn’t distract you from driving. You sit deep, visibility is good, and there’s plenty of space for road trips. It’s not minimalist—it’s just unbothered by trends.
It’s the End of a V8 Era
Once this 300C ends production, there are no more Chrysler V8 sedans. That alone makes it matter. It’s not just about performance—it’s about everything the HEMI-powered 300 represented: big comfort, big attitude, and big sound.
This isn’t a car built for a new era—it’s the last shout of the old one. And for some buyers, that’s exactly what makes it worth parking in the garage. There won’t be another one like it.
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*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
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