The HEMI-Powered Chrysler 300C Is Extinct After Being Brought Back To Life For A Short Time

After nearly 70 years of production, the final HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C emerged off the factory line at the assembly plant in Brampton (Ontario), Canada.

According to a Stellantis press release, production for the 2023 Chrysler 300 will be concluded no later than December 31st, 2023. The 6.4L HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C, which made its debut at the 2022 North American International Auto Show, served as a tribute/seminal muscle car to the original Chrysler 300 which debuted in 1955. Upon its announcement, reservations for a special-edition 2023 Chrysler 300C were filled within 12 hours of its reveal, with production limited to only 2,000 units in the U.S. and 200 in Canada.

The Legacy of the Chrysler 300 & Chrysler 300C

The mission behind the Chrysler 300 was designed to balance both performance and American luxury. In 1957, the Chrysler 300C arrived as its high-powered sibling that was equipped with a 392 cubic-inch HEMI engine capable of producing 375 horsepower.

The Chrysler 300 and 300C were re-introduced again in 2005, marking the return of HEMI engines into the Chrysler brand after 50 years apart by starting with a 5.7-liter, 340-horsepower HEMI. The 2011 Chrysler 300C cranked the power output up to 363 horsepower, and then the 2023 300C (following a two-year absence) came back more powerful than ever by outpacing its predecessors by delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. On top of that, it was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, clear a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds, and have a top speed of 160 mph.

“Chrysler brand is proud to mark the legacy of the Chrysler 300C as a true automotive icon, one of the original muscle cars representing bold American luxury,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer in a press release. “Our workforce here at Brampton Assembly has a reputation for building top-quality vehicles, and the Chrysler 300C was no different,” adds Alex Pittas, plant manager, Brampton Assembly. “We are proud of the workmanship and detail that went into all 2,200 that rolled down our assembly line in 2023.”

What Is Next For Chrysler?

With the Chrysler 300C gone, the only vehicles left in the brand’s inventory are the Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid minivans. But not to leave sales floors empty, the next 300 will likely be an electrified version.

“As we celebrate the last Hemi-powered 300C off the line with our Brampton team members, we’re also excited to work together as Chrysler brand moves forward to a sustainable all-electric future as part of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan,” says Feuell.

It is also possible that the next model will feature the new Hurricane Twin Turbo Inline-6 engine, which is expected to arrive new next year’s new Jeep, Ram, and Dodge vehicles. Should Chrysler carry on the 300 nameplate, or replace it with something new, whatever comes next will have some big shoes to fill.