Why Chrysler Didn't Give The 300C Hellcat Power

Sep. 19, 2022 6:31 AM ET by Jarryd Neves Engine / 5 Comments

Here's why the aged sedan isn't getting supercharged power in its final year.

The Chrysler 300 is an old and outclassed design that stretches back as far as 2011. Handsome good looks and a comfortable ride can't disguise the fact that it is outdated. Chrysler knows this and recently announced its large sedan will be discontinued after the 2023 model year.

While the entire range received minor updates, the big news came in the form of the 300C - a limited edition variant powered by a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter V8. While this is a fitting send-off, many have wondered why Stellantis didn't equip the final model with the supercharged Hellcat engine. According to Chrysler, there's a good reason for that.

A company spokesperson told The Drive that there simply weren't enough Hellcat engines available for the 300C. Demand for the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is at an all-time high, and Stellantis is struggling to meet said demand. As such, the incredible powerplant is being reserved for other vehicles - such as the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat - which made a surprise return this year.

Add strong Ram TRX sales and plenty of desire for the "Hellcrate" engine, and it makes sense that the 300C was neglected. Aside from that, Dodge is in the middle of unveiling an array of new limited edition muscle cars, all with varying powertrains, exciting colors, and design themes. The latest to break cover is the Charger King Daytona, also powered by the Hellcat engine - albeit in 807 hp Redeye form.

It's a shame the big Chrysler never got the engine it deserved, but customers couldn't care less. Production of the limited edition 300C has been limited to 2,200, and all the vehicles have already been sold. A special website was set up for potential buyers to secure a slot but was shut down less than 12 hours later. 2,000 will remain in the USA, while the remaining 200 will head north to Canada.

Still, if you desperately crave Hellcat power in a four-door sedan, you could always head over to Dodge and try to pick up a Charger. It will command more outlay than the less powerful 300C, but that's the price you pay for more power and a supercharger whine.

Now that we know the 300 is headed off to the retirement village, many have wondered what will replace it. Reports suggest an all-electric successor will arrive in 2026, two years after a Dodge-branded electric sedan hits the market. Insider information suggests both vehicles will boast 800-volt architecture and up to 442 hp.

We wouldn't be surprised if the 300 replacement will take design cues from the sleek Airflow concept. Stylish in its way, we'll miss the "brawler in a three-piece suit" persona of the existing model. All we know is the owners of the last 2,200 examples will receive a truly special vehicle that will only rise in value in the years to come.

Source Credits: The Drive

Why Chrysler Didn't Give The 300C Hellcat Power

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