2010 Chrysler 300 S: Black is the New Chrome

As a part of Chrysler’s new approach, the company is tweaking almost all of its models for 2010 and changing their trim designations. Easily one of the U.S. automaker’s most successful models in the past decade, the 300, gets only minor changes this year.

For starters, Chrysler has done away with some of its more complex nomenclature in favor of two simple (and European sounding) designations: S6 and S8. The S6 model is powered by the company’s 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6, while the S8 gets the 360-hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

Most noticeable on the outside of the new 2010 models is the lack of chrome on the front grille. Instead the imposing wall of chrome has been traded in for a blacked-out one. Chrome is, however, still used for the door handles, window surrounds and inside the vehicle. Also on the inside the 300 has received a makeover with a carbon-weave steering wheel with red stitching and silver spokes, as well as carbon-weave door handles with red stitching. In addition, highly-bolstered dark gray leather seats feature suede accents with “300 S” logos.

Both the 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and S8 go on sale in the Spring of this year.

Official release after the jump:

Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8
Starting with the sedan that marked the return of the great American car, the new 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 (3.5-liter V-6 engine) and 300 S8 (HEMI® V-8 engine) reignite the vehicle’s incredible styling in an all-new model.

Both the Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models add a very serious, low-key look to the bold proportions of the Chrysler 300. Starting with its 300 roots, the 300 S6 and 300 S8 models trade-in their full-chromed grilles and fascia accents for blacked-out grilles with chromed surround and body-color fascia accents. New darkened headlamp bezels keep up the low-key look, while cleanly “shaved” doors with body-color mirrors and large 20-inch polished face wheels with painted pockets, hint at the 300 S6 and 300 S8’s handling potential. Chromed door handles, belt molding and daylight opening surrounds foreshadow the luxurious appointments within the vehicle.

The cabins of the new Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models exude a serious, athletic-interior theme. A uniquely designed steering wheel with carbon weave is accented with red stitching and brushed silver spokes. Beautifully bolstered Dark Slate Gray leather front seats are track-tested and feature an embroidered “300 S” logo on the seatback. Specially perforated Dark Slate Gray suede fills the front and rear seats, seatback and seat cushion with hints of red accent beneath. The Dark Slate interior theme continues around the driver and passenger side and is highlighted with brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel center stack, center console side trim and upper-door trim. Carbon-weave door-pull handles with red accent stitching finish off the interior of both 300 S6 and 300 S8 models.

Keeping passengers connected with their favorite tunes or mobile devices, the 300 S6 and 300 S8 models feature an array of user-friendly technologies including a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, Uconnect™ Phone, iPod® Control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Additional standard convenience features include remote start, heated front seats, power driver and passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, HomeLink universal transceiver and Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM).

Designed to deliver excitement, the Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models feature a performance-tuned suspension with performance shocks, steering, all-season performance Goodyear Eagle RSA tires and performance brake linings.

The 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 delivers its driving excitement through a fuel-efficient, 250 horsepower (186 kW) 24-valve 3.5-liter high-output V-6 engine with Auto Stick, capable of 25 highway mpg.

Chrysler 300 S8 offers exceptional performance with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N•m) of torque and features fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology that provides as much as a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Mated to a quality-proven five-speed Auto Stick transmission, the 2010 Chrysler 300 S8 delivers 25 highway mpg.

The 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 will arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the spring of 2010.