Chrysler CEO Hints It May No Longer Need Sedans

Feb. 10, 2023 2:46 PM ET by Jay Traugott Scoop / 14 Comments

Dodge already captures a significant chunk of this segment, so why bother?

CarBuzz spoke to Chrysler boss Chris Feuell at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show and one of the first questions we had for her was the future status of sedans and, unfortunately, it's possible Chrysler is done with the segment. "Chrysler may not be needed in this segment [in the future]," Feuell said. "A lot of customers have migrated to other segments because of the practical package efficiency of SUVs and crossovers."

But Feuell was also equally quick to not rule anything out. "The 300C is sunsetting at the end of 2023 and this special edition is to celebrate the brand. [The 300C] has sold over 1.2 million units [since it launched in 2005]. We haven't ruled out the possibility of a large sedan, but Dodge already captures over 50% of the sedan market."

CarBuzz

Chrysler

In other words, Chrysler may not need to be in the sedan business because its corporate cousin already has that segment fully covered. It's hard to argue with that logic. Chrysler will certainly have access to parent company Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, which will underpin the next-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger, and a wide variety of other makes and models, such as Alfa Romeos.

The 300C is currently on its farewell tour. Last September, the brand unveiled the special edition 300C, built to celebrate a nameplate that's been around for 70 years. Limited to just 2,000 examples, it managed to sell out in less than 12 hours. It's not hard to understand why.

Chrysler

Stellantis

Power comes from the also about-to-be-retired naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels only. The brand claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, a 12.4-second quarter-mile time, and a top speed of 160 mph. Chrysler added additional cool features like red four-piston Brembo brakes, an active damping system, a 3.09 limited-slip differential, and an active exhaust system with black rounded exhaust tips.

Step inside and you'll discover Laguna leather front seats with contrast silver stitching on the doors and leather inserts on the instrument panel, the new 300C logo, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

If this is how Chrysler ultimately says "farewell" to sedans then it's one heck of a classy way to go out in style.