Positioning:
High-performance luxury sedan with a focus on power and styling, targeting a premium segment.
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis (though less performance-oriented), Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, and import luxury sedans of the era.
Performance Focus:
The 'STR8' designation signifies the high-performance variant, primarily due to its powerful Hemi V8 engine.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired, bold styling that evokes classic American luxury and muscle cars.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio, HVAC Controls, Instrument Cluster
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Exterior Trim
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control Systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component replacement
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code:
ESF (425hp 6.1L SRT HEMI V8)
Horsepower 2006-2007:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2006-2007:
420 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2008-2010:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm (minor tuning adjustments may apply across years)
Torque 2008-2010:
420 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (minor tuning adjustments may apply across years)
Displacement:
6.1 Liters (370 cubic inches)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, Pushrod actuated with Roller Lifters
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar 5 Year Coolant)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic
Oil Capacity W Filter:
7 US quarts (6.6 Liters)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)
Transmission Features:
AutoStick Manual Shifting Mode
Manual Transmission:
Not Available for STR8 models
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.2 Liters) for dry fill
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2007:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2007:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat 2007:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat 2007:
4 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Impact 2007:
Good
IIHS Side Impact 2007:
Good
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, and Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium sound system, Uconnect hands-free communication system (optional, introduced later in the generation).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard adaptive cruise control available on some models.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input for audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, using synthetic oil. Refer to manual for specific conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) or as per manual, especially under severe use.
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years for HOAT coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Generally around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (refer to manual for specific P/N)
Water Pump Leaks:
Common on HEMI engines, especially the 6.1L, due to seal degradation.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Can occur with age; fluid and filter service may help. Valve body issues are possible.
Suspension Components:
Wear on control arms, ball joints, and sway bar links is typical for high-mileage vehicles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Important for HVAC performance and air quality, typically replaced annually.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, luxurious, and sometimes performance-oriented American sedans, dating back to models like the Imperial and New Yorker.
Lx Platform Introduction:
The Chrysler 300 (and its Dodge Charger sibling) debuted in 2005 as a 2005 model year, marking a significant shift in Chrysler's product strategy with its rear-wheel-drive platform and bold styling.
Srt Development:
The SRT (Street Racing Technology) division was responsible for developing the high-performance 300 SRT8 variant, enhancing the engine, suspension, brakes, and styling.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Generation:
First Generation (2005-2010)
