Chrysler introduces 300 Glacier to tackle winter weather

Between Jeep, Mopar and Dr. Dre, Chrysler makes more special editions than Nike makes Air Force Ones. Immediately following the announcement of the Chrysler 300S Turbine that we saw at the Detroit auto show, the company announced a new edition of the 300 sedan called the Glacier.

The 300 Glacier gets all the winter options a driver would need, including all-wheel drive, heated seats and even a coat of paint -- Glacier Blue-Pearl -- that blends in with the winter scenery.

Underneath the hood, the 300 Glacier gets either the company’s near-ubiquitous Pentastar V6 or the Hemi V8. Power is rated at 300 hp and 363 hp respectively. The Pentastar will return 27 mpg on the highway while the Hemi still logs an impressive 23 mpg. The V6 is connected to an eight-speed transmission and the Hemi uses a five-speed.

The all-wheel drive system in the 300 -- and also the Dodge Charger -- features an active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve fuel economy. When all-wheel drive is needed, it kicks in with no driver intervention. Otherwise, only the rear wheels get power.

Outside the car, the Glacier has unique styling with body-color fascia accents, gloss black mirrors, headlight bezels and black chrome horizontal grille blades. The Glacier also comes with a gloss black painted roof. At the corners are unique 19-inch, eight-spoke aluminum wheels finished in satin carbon. Other color options include white and silver metallic.

Inside, the Glacier has a 12-way power driver’s seat in black. Piano black trim accents the center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel and gauge cluster. Die-cast, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters come standard.

The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier costs $37,840 including a destination charge of $995. It slots in above the 300C but below the Luxury Series trim. The 300 Glacier is on sale now.

By Jake Lingeman