Chrysler returned to the high-performance sedan segment with the limited edition 300C, but some fans were disappointed by the lack of a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8.
While there’s little reason to pout over the company’s decision to use a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, it wasn’t the sendoff some people were hoping for.
This sentiment is understandable as 485 hp (362 kW / 492 PS) and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque is impressive, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The latter engine produces 717 hp (535 kW / 727 PS) and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque in the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, while the Redeye variant ups the ante with 797 hp (594 kW / 808 PS) and 707 lb-ft (957 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: 2023 Chrysler 300C Is A Rowdy 6.4-liter HEMI V8 Farewell To An American Classic
That being said, it appears a Hellcat-powered Chrysler 300 was never really an option. As spokesperson David Elshoff told CNN, there’s simply not enough Hellcat engines to go around.
That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as Dodge resurrected the Durango SRT Hellcat for 2023, and countless fans are trying to secure Hellcat-powered Chargers and Challengers before production comes to an end. If those issues didn’t tighten supplies enough, there’s little doubt we can expect at least one Hellcat-powered Last Call special edition in the future.
Despite lacking Hellcat power, customers didn’t seem to mind as all 2,200 units were reserved within 12 hours. Those lucky enough to secure a 2023 Chrysler 300C are in for a treat as the special edition rockets from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h), and can run the quarter mile in a mere 12.4 seconds.
Live picture credits: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops
