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Chrysler 300 Convertible.

This is another look at what a possible new Chrysler 300 could look like. However, this illustration shows what a convertible version of a possible next-generation Chrysler 300 could look like.

The decision of killing the previous generation Chrysler 300 came down to sales numbers. In 2022, the 300 sold just a bit over 14,000 units. Down from previous years. While Dodge sold over 80,000 units of the Charger and over 55,000 units of the Challenger. You can see why they chose to revive Dodge first. Both Dodge models morphed into the brand new Charger available in both 2 or 4 doors, and there is no replacement for the Chrysler 300. Yet…

The new STLA large platform is used for the new 2025 Dodge Charger. But also for the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer S and Recon. You would think the cost of designing a fancier Chrysler body on top of that same platform would not be prohibitive, and a great way to revive the old Chrysler brand. We have previously heard that a new SUV based on the STLA large platform is coming. Which would obviously closely be related to the future Dodge Stealth EV SUV. (itself related to the Wagoneer S).

But why not a new Chrysler sedan based on the Charger? And why not a 2 door convertible as well? Something that probably has no market at all. Since convertibles are even less popular than regular 2-door coupes these days. However, a new Chrysler 300 convertible would have very little competition. The Mercedes CLE and BMW 4 series are the only ones that come to mind.

Something with a definite American flair could be popular. Just like the original 300 was a very American alternative to foreign sedans. Something a bit retro as well. This is basically against what Chrysler is officially saying about their future models. Claiming their designs will be based on the Halcyon concept.

The first generation of the “new” Chrysler 300 came out in 2004 and was designed by Ralph Gilles, who is now the chief design officer at Stellantis, by the way. The great design emphasized the big American sedan feel of the car while being only a couple of inches longer than a Toyota Avalon. The RWD platform and available V8 completed the total transformation from the previous Chrysler Concorde.

A second generation came out in 2011 and wasn’t as original. But an evolution and a refined version of the 1st generation. I personally think it still looks great today, almost 15 years later.

I think a 3rd generation could reinvent the Chrysler 300 for the modern age. The “300” names still mean something to many, unlike older names like “Concorde” or “New Yorker”. And a 2 door convertible would really be an original choice in our SUV filled world.

Conversation 5 comments

  1. I totally agree, the 300 should have had V8 before the V6 even the the V6 anit no slouch. I drive a 2019 300S and the young folks love it and especially that year ceramic grey! I got so much wax on it dirt refuses to stick to it! I have the V6 which is all I need. I keep good tires on it and new struts! The mistake Stallantis made was killing an iconic brand! 300 is legend on the streets. And the trim height is absolutely bad azz! Also the 300 design brings out colors way better than the charger! Now the challenger looks good in the original colors. But 300 even looks in rainbow colors πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ€£πŸ˜‚πŸ€£πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚it’s just an absolute sweet design. All these cars companies making terrible decisions like GM killed Pontiac and Olds, then Jag killed its bring. Hopefully Stallantis can recover! My dream 300 is the Hertz edition, that white and gold. OMG

  2. I had a 2015 300 with the 3.6 litre engine. Had it for 8 years with minimal maintenance. At that time the maintenance at 83,000 miles the maintenance bill came to ober $1000. It was one of the most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned. I sold it to my sister. Not having any new models to choose from I bought a low mileage used 200 hardtop convertible. Had it one season and the top failed, so now I’ve got a very nice coupe. I think ending the 300 was a terrible decision, and always thought that a coupe should have been made.

  3. I owned the 2006 Chrysler 300T and later a brand new 2015 300C. I don’t think the body should change much at all as was done with the Mustang EV, which is trash. The old Mustang body should have been just been made into an EV. Making cars look like they are from some other galaxy is a NO-GO. Just keep the 300 body as it is with an even lower BMW like suspension with 22” rims standard. The 300 is a luxury car and the Charger and Challenger are not. Plus, they cost TOO MUCH thus braking people financially. DO NOT CHANGE THE BODY, but remove the circle gearshift and go EV as an option plus the convertible.

  4. I have a 2022 Dodge Charger 2 cylinder in you F3 (green) get a lot of compliments on the color. Has all the pick up I need. Great handling and speed. I have the GT package and like I said great styling and handling.

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