SPYCAM: 2011 CHRYSLER 300C

SPYCAM: 2011 CHRYSLER 300C

Chrysler's been on a mission to update its lineup at record speed since emerging from bankruptcy last year, and the Chrysler 300C is one of the group's key vehicles pegged for significant refreshing. Nearly ready for its release as a 2011 model, the new Chrysler 300C was recently spied by our photographers while undergoing promotional filming. Completely undisguised in public for the first time ever, we can finally see the finer details that distinguish new from old.

Changes, as expected, are mostly at the extreme ends of the 2011 300C, with the same basic midsection we've been seeing since the car's introduction early last decade. New Chryslerbadges kick the revisions off, the winged emblem being lengthened and streamlined compared to the current item. The appearance is decidedly upscale. New projector-beam headlights are reshaped and add LED lighting strips, while the front grille and bumper also get the once-over from Chrysler's styling department. The rectangular front air intakes are chrome-trimmed and house new circular foglights. Even the hood is revamped, with a bold middle bulge and a more rounded look.

Moving rearward, the taillight design is the most obvious change, being both reshaped and spruced-up with chrome accent trim running down the middle and around the perimeter. Chrome trim also bridges both taillights, running from their bases across the top of the restyled rear bumper and twin exhaust tips. The trunklid incorporates a new subtly curved lip adding an element of sport along with a restyled 300C badge.

While the 2011 Chrysler 300C's styling might finally be revealed to us, we can still only guess at the rest of the changes. We know the car will, like the vast majority of Chrysler's 2011 lineup, be getting the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but which horsepower variant it receives is still up in the air. Additionally, we assume the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will remain optional, but what changes it may receive are yet to be determined. Will an SRT8 version make a return, possibly with the new Dodge Challenger's 470-horsepower, 392-cubic-inch Hemi V-8? Stay tuned to Motor Trend for the answers.