Like many other automakers, Chrysler is discontinuing its sedan lineup, which means the end of the line for the Chrysler 300. However, Chrysler doesn’t want to just kill the 300 off unceremoniously. Instead, Chrysler is introducing the 300C as a special edition of the 300 with some upgrades and additional features over the standard 300. Unfortunately for Chrysler, the 2023 Chrysler 300C is simply not worth the time or money, and here’s why.

An overview of the 2023 Chrysler 300C

According to Car and Driver, the main thing that’s different about the 2023 Chrysler 300C is what’s under the hood. Chrysler swapped out the standard 3.6-liter V6, which got 292 hp with something borrowed from Dodge, one of Chrysler’s sister companies. The 300C gets a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the same engine that powers certain trims of legendary muscle cars like the Charger or the Challenger. 

It’s fitting that the 300C is going out with a Dodge V8, as Dodge is killing its V8 engines off in the near future too. In any case, the 300C’s V8 gets 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly more powerful than what the 300 is normally capable of. In addition to this new engine, Chrysler gave the 300C some additional upgrades, such as adaptive dampers and a limited-slip differential.

This will cost folks, though, as the 300C starts at about $56,500. In comparison, the standard 300 starts at about $33,500. On top of that, the 300C will be relatively exclusive, as it’ll have a limited production run. Chrysler is only building 2,000 units for the U.S. market, and Canadian car shoppers will get access to 200 units. 

Why the 2023 Chrysler 300C isn’t worth your time or money

Overall, the 300C is a marketing gimmick, and the limited production run is a laughable idea, given that Chrysler has been selling fewer and fewer 300s every year for the last few years. Limited production runs are typically for exotic cars that many people want but few people can have, while that can’t be said for the 300. 

It’s clear that the limited production run is an attempt to turn the 300C into a collector’s item, which may justify the 300C’s price tag, but for most car shoppers, it’s simply not worth the money. The Hemi V8 engine is nice, but it’s uninspired, and folks who want that power may be better off buying a Dodge.

To top it all off, many of the 300C’s changes are cosmetic, and they’re certainly not worth the $23,000 premium over the standard 300. Chrysler clearly wants to send the 300 off on a high note, but car shoppers usually just want a good deal. The 300C is not a good deal, so it should not be on the radars of prospective car buyers. 

Chrysler isn’t the only automaker to try this gimmick 

To be fair to Chrysler and the 300C, this is a gimmick that other automakers have tried before. The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic car that Volkswagen decided to give a special edition as a sendoff. It was called the VW Beetle Final Edition, and like the 300C, it featured some unique upgrades and features that may justify its increased price tag.

However, just like the 300C, the Beetle Final Edition was a gimmick VW used to get the car in the news for one last hurrah. The upgrades it got weren’t terribly exciting, and the Final Edition’s only real value was for collectors and Beetle lovers.