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The higher performance offering being added to the 300 range is the SRT8 version, which hopes to leverage the well-known sports nametag. However it still has the dated HEMI engine under the bonnet which in its new size of 6.4 litres still leads to less that class topping performance with Chrysler saying it "estimates 465 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque".

Chrysler is to expand the recently facelifted 300 sedan's range by offering the niche 300 Executive (top and middle) and the 300S (bottom). The official press image of the 300S (bottom) perhaps quite accurately points to the positioning of the 300 sedan, with its gaudy reputation for being the 'limo' of choice for less tasteful 'hen parties'.

At the New York Auto Show this week the Chrysler brand is previewing an expansion of the lineup of its recently facelifted flagship 300 sedan with new higher performance and luxury versions which aim to help the full size model recapture the wider appeal of the original.

The higher performance offering being added to the 300 range is the SRT8 version, which hopes to leverage the well-known sports nametag. However it still has the dated HEMI engine under the bonnet which in its new size of 6.4 litres still leads to less that class topping performance with Chrysler saying it "estimates 465 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque". Meanwhile in an attempt to appeal to younger, more urban-centric customers - as the brand currently finds most of its customers in the 50s age group - Chrysler will roll out the cosmetically-enhanced 300S series. This 300 version features 20-inch aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, sport-tuned suspension, a premium audio, black exterior accents and a monotone black or exclusive black with 'Radar Red' interior environment. There are however no performance upgrades to match its sporty pretentions.

“We’re bringing three new and distinct models to our 300 lineup in 2012 with the 300 SRT8, 300S Series and 300C Executive Series, each designed with specific consumer lifestyles in mind,” said Chrysler CEO Olivier François. “More than an icon of simple American motoring, the Chrysler 300 is an icon of attainable style and performance. For those customers who live for the sport of being first, the all-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling sedan ever.”

The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team has built what Chrysler claims is its most powerful and best handling model ever, strong ambitions from a project that appears from the first glance to have very contained objectives. Projected performance numbers include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in high 12 second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds, top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet. Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle also receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

The return of the 300 SRT8 to the Chrysler lineup in 2012 - Chrysler believes - evokes comparison to the original high-performance production car of its time – the 1955 Chrysler 300. Known for simple, strong lines, excellent engineering, high levels of luxury and outstanding performance with the first modern American V-8 engine to produce 300 horsepower, the first Chrysler 300 (C-300) was styled by Virgil Exner, who radically redesigned the entire Chrysler line and created what they called "The Forward Look" in 1955. Without much chrome on the sides, his designs were simple, but strong. Exner is credited with creating the illusion of fast, forward movement. The Chrysler C-300 won on both the road course and the “flying mile” at Daytona in 1955. In 1956, the Chrysler 300B model won both events again. In fact, the Chrysler 300s dominated NASCAR competition in 1955 and 1956, taking the overall championship in both years. A legendary and luxurious performance car was born. The “letter cars” quickly became the most desirable of the Chrysler lineup and became known as the “Beautiful Brutes.”

Under the hood of the 300 SRT8, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 makes its debut in the Chrysler brand product lineup delivering 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque for this capacity of engine, figures that don't standout from the crowd and comfortably undershoot other brands that use large capacity engines, such as Mercedes-Benz. It is up 40 horsepower and 45 lb/ft up over the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 it replaces meaning that there has been only a very slight performance improvement achieved along the way. The outdated HEMI V8 design, which features previous-generation technology such as SOHC and two values per cylinder, is reportedly cheaper to build than the new Pentastar V6 but can be sold for a significant premium.

The improved torque output - including an additional 80 lbft at 2,900 rpm - Chrysler says, allows for improved standing starts and improved straight-line performance while new, performance-tuned motor mounts improve idle stability and ride control at any speed. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power. Even with the slightly elevated power numbers, an estimated 25-percent fuel economy increase on the highway is achieved by use of a new for 2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range. The new active exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load. Specific fuel economy numbers - says Chrysler - will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction, implying that economy will be nothing to write home about.

Standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters join the standard Auto Stick on the floor console. Unfortunately for the SRT8 both are mated to Mercedes-Benz's unrewarding five-speed automatic transmission which is carried over from the previous model. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually shift the transmission. The transmission controller calibration in “Auto” mode prevents situations that might over rev the engine; while in “Sport” mode, it allows the driver full control of the shifting schedule. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

New for 2012 is an Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that Chrysler claims is tuned specifically for the Chrysler 300 SRT8 to offer a compliant and comfortable ride. The ADS system also uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs - such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical accelerations - to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions when necessary. The hydraulic steering system has also been improved - reckons Chrysler - with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

Cosmetically there are only a few detail changes to make the 300 STR8 stand out from the base models, it gets the front clip shown on the Lancia Thema at the Geneva Motor Show last month, and there are also 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. There is the obligatory new grille insert while the badge on the surround has a dark background while body-coloured side skirts add to the attempt to give the 300 SRT8 a more sporty appearance. The car has also been lowered half an inch and comes with a dedicated bootlid badge. Inside there are a few changes with higher specification leather and some carbon fibre trim pieces. The dashboard touch screen has had its functions extended to include steering angle, horsepower, and torque outputs along with engine gauges. The display is customisable to a driver selectable background.

The leather interior option, which will be recycled for the forthcoming Lancia Thema, offers Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather wrapped upper door trim panels, instrument panel, cluster brow and center console side panels. Nappa leather covers the door bolster, armrest and center console armrest. The standard heated and ventilated front seats have active head rests with the SRT logo embroidered in seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort. Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats.

Meanwhile the 300S revives the name used on the pre facelift model, to denote a trim package that comes with V6 and V8 engined versions. Improvements include 20-inch polish-faced aluminium wheels while the 300C is claimed to have a 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel than the entry-level 300 model. Cosmetic changes focus around blacking out the chrome trim additions. Inside the 300S gets a new sound system. The 300S upgrades are only cosmetic meaning the engine options remain as standard. The 300C Executive package meanwhile tweaks the chrome finishes inside and but gets some cabin wood effect inserts and use of leather options.