Chrysler 300 gets luxury upgrades

The Chrysler Group rolled out its latest entry for the lucrative "black car" market on Tuesday, revealing new "Luxury Series" editions of its flagship Chrysler 300 sedan that add new interiors to recent powertrain additions.

The new versions feature leather-wrapped interior components. The vehicles also have heated steering wheels with special die-cast paddle shifters and wood trim, according to a Chrysler statement.

The Luxury Series sedans pick up several features from other high-end Chrysler Group vehicles, such as 12-way power-adjustable seating as well as heated and ventilated front and rear seats. The sedans also feature Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system, with its 8.4-inch center-stack screen.

Retail prices, including freight, for the luxury models start at $40,145 for the rear-wheel-drive version of the 300 and top out at $45,245 for the all-wheel-drive version of the 300C.

All of the versions feature the automaker's new eight-speed transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen AG of Germany, mated either to the Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. With the six-cylinder, the Luxury Series 300 gets fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway.

The Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedans are scheduled to arrive in showrooms during the first three months of 2012 and are being assembled at the automaker's plant in Brampton, Ontario.

By Larry P. Vellequette- Automotive News