#2012Chrysler300

The Chrysler 300 is getting a face-lift that will take direct aim at the luxury brands. This newest edition of the Luxury series 300 will offer some pretty swanky features that you would expect from a Benz or a BMW.

And it’s largely down to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The ZF unit, the 845RE, is the first of its kind installed in a domestically produced automobile and will come teamed with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 found in both the entry-level 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans.

Having just introduced an all new Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 for 2011, all three models are set to get an important update for 2012 under the hood. The engine will remain unchanged, but models equipped with Chrysler Corp’s new 3.6L Pentastar V6 will get a significant jump in fuel economy and notably improved drive quality thanks to the addition of an 8-speed automatic.

As for the R/T and 300C models, they will retain the current 5-speed auto-box, as will a budget-priced Challenger SE model.

Chrysler is expected to add a higher-gear transmission to its V8-powered models in the future as well, replacing the current 5-speed unit. There’s also a solid chance the new 8-speed could be used in vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

[Source: Allpar]