2011 Chrysler 300C first teaser

While we thought to have discovered Chrysler cooking up a new 300, the folks over at Left Lane News managed to capture a snapshot showing off the front end of the next generation 300 at the Chicago Auto Show. Complete with clear inspiration from its German rivals, the new 300 features a bold take on the classic Chrysler grill as well as a set of headlamps reminiscent of recent designs from Audi, framed by what appear to be a string of LED driving lights highlighted by a pair of large horizontal chrome accent strips running across the front bumper.

While some may feel that the Chrysler 300 has never been the car it needed to be. The drastic front end redesign should be a considered a serious improvement to the American made full size four door, with FIAT at the helm. While we still can’t confirm the 2011 300C’s scheduled launch date, we can tell you that the new car will go on sale by the end of the year. Among the things we do know is that the new Chrysler will be built atop a new LY chassis and will feature improved aerodynamics, as is evident by the new front end. The new car will be powered by Chrysler’s all new Phoenix family of V6 engines rated at 280 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque and will be mated to a new eight speed transmission to go along with more efficient axle ratios and drivetrain components.