Mobile Electronics Australia

Chrysler USA has recently launched the new version of the popular retro styled Chrysler 300C. The vehicle has been shown for the first time in January at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle features a number of new highlights including a more modern, up to date look to both the exterior and interior. It is in the interior that we find a whole new level of in car entertainment system.

Uconnect Touch.

The first thing you notice from the driver’s seat is the new 8.4” state-of-the-art touchscreen. In the US the screen is the largest available in the vehicle segment and features infotainment and multimedia functions such as Garmin navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link. These aren’t your ordinary versions either, the exclusive Garmin navigation provides easy to use maps, lane guidance and more than 6 million points of interest. The Travel Link can provide information such as real-time weather, fuel prices and even sports scores and theatre times.

Chrysler has done a lot of research with their customers in the USA to see exactly what they desired from the new models entertainment system and from that the Uconnect was born. Uconnect is 2 separate models, high quality next generation infotainment systems that offer ease of use for radio, media, navigation and climate control. The system is connected to steering wheel controls on both the left and right spokes; all the usual functions are provided.

For the first time the Uconnect system features “hot spot” internet access for access to email, websites, music, photo albums and more. The system also includes Voice Command with Bluetooth. When Bluetooth is connected, the system will automatically download the phones contact list and can be selected simply by speaking the name of a contact. The driver can use Voice Control to change radio stations or access SIRIUS Travel Link information.

Of course today no system is complete with a USB port and iPod control. The 300C features multimedia inputs under the centre console armrest and control of the connected device can be accessed using Uconnect Touch or Uconnect Voice.

Alpine Premium Audio Systems.

If all this weren’t enough, the new Chrysler 300C also offers two audiophile-quality audio systems utilising Alpine premium speakers and amplifiers. The two systems include a 9-speaker, 7.1 channel surround system and an array of speakers comprising of an 8” premium dual voice coil subwoofer designed specifically for its parcel shelf location and a premium 3.5” centre channel speaker and additional surround speakers. All premium speakers are designed to match the vehicles acoustics.

Specific features on each system include:

• 7.1 Channel Surround Sound (available on high end models)
• 12-channel surround sound amplifier with 506 watts of power
• Three 3.5” dash mounted speakers
• Front door mounted 6x9” speakers
• Rear door 3.5” surround speakers
• Parcel shelf mounted 6x9” speakers
• 8” dual voice coil “infinite baffle” subwoofer mounted in parcel shelf

Alpine Six-Speaker Premium Audio System:

• Two 3.5” dash mounted speakers
• Front door mounted 6x9” speakers
• Parcel shelf mounted 6x9” speakers
• 8-channel amplifier with 276 watts of power
• This system is standard on most models

Keeping all this high tech gadgetry operating is the new PowerNet high-speed electrical architecture. This system delivers the connectivity needed between the advanced technologies of the vehicles electrical system. The network has been optimised to improve data throughput allowing the engineers to add new features and easily plan for growth.

The new electrical system allows both high and low speed data networks with up to 40 modules, the system talks to each other and makes the vehicle more responsive with its safety features. Each module has its own data and transmits the commands to activate addition systems such as anti-lock brakes and adaptive cruise control. Uconnect Touch utilises the PowerNet electrical systems low speed data bus to handle personalised settings, instrument panel controls and information applications such as Keyless entry, remote start and iPod control.

As for the vehicle itself, new LED Daytime running lights and new designed tail lights give the car a fresh new look, along with a softened grille and of course huge alloy rims. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is carried over from the current model along with a new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6. The Hemi V8 offers 260kW and 528Nm of torque.     

It is believed that right hand drive production of the new 300C is a while off, and the vehicle would not be available in Australia until early 2012. 

Dodge Journey

The other model that has been upgraded is the Dodge Journey medium sized 7 seat range. The Alpine system and Uconnect infotainment system is optional on all models in the USA. The Journey features its own version of the Alpine Premium upgrades and includes an 8-channel amplifier with 386 watts of power. No word yet on whether the system will be available on upgraded Australian models.

The new Chrysler 300C will represent a rebirth of the brand into the Australian market and will highlight a number of new models for 2012. I can’t wait to see one in the flesh, and more importantly for MEA followers, hear the sound system.