The current-generation Chrysler 300 is the longest standing full-size passenger sedan on the market, just ahead of its Dodge Charger cousin. While a lot of updates have been done to the 300 since its inaugural 2004 model year, the formula remains largely the same. Almost 20 years later, it’s time to say ‘goodbye’ to a cultural icon that saw competitors come and go over its life cycle. 2023 will be the car’s final year, it has been given a proper send-off with the 300C. And during the debut of the 485 horsepower sedan, MC&T was able to catch up with Stellantis VP of Design Ralph Gilles, who was also the original designer of the Chrysler 300.
“It went on longer than I ever thought it would. Cars usually go six years, ten years. This car has gone a long time, from ’04 to now. What I love is that we’re creating a book-end moment… We’re not just sweeping it under the rug; we’re actually celebrating it, which is respectful to all the people, the millions of people that bought the cars. But to me, that feels good, actually. It’s sad, but it actually feels good that we’re sending it off properly.” Gilles stated.
VP of Design Ralph Gilles presenting the Chrysler 300C reveal. Image via Stellantis.
We asked how he would remember the Chrysler 300, Ralph Gilles said the following:
“I always say this: it’s the community that it built. That part, as the designer, you hope people will love your car, but people that create literally a family or community around the car that come together because of the car. To make friends over it. It’s amazing… the car is an official ticket to belonging. So I know a lot of people buy the car to be part of the club.” Gilles told us, concurring that cars can be a great way to melt the pot.
A true automotive enthusiast and ambassador even when not working, Ralph Gilles recently took delivery of one of the most radical muscle car builds the world has ever seen from Speedkore Performance Group: a 1,000 hp carbon-fiber-bodied Dodge Charger named “Hellucination.” Yes, there’s a Hellephant crate engine under the hood.
2023 Chrysler 300C: Details
The Chrysler 300C will have just 2,200 units made, and all it took was 12 hours for Chrysler to get all of them ordered after its reveal. It’s a proper send-off to an icon that can be traced back to 2005. This 485 horsepower, 6.4L Hemi V8 Scat Pack in a suit is an exceptional car with unique design queues that pay homage to the legacy of the Chrysler 300.
