The redesigned Chrysler 300 is a very important car to the rebirth of its nameplate, and so far all reviews and indications have pronounced it a roaring success. A big part of this success comes from an all-new drivetrain led by the Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 engine and an optional 8-speed automatic transmission that enables the large sedan to deliver up to 31 mpg on the highway. 

Now word comes down through Car & Driver that the 2013 Chrysler 300 will get the Pentastar V6 and 8-speed automatic as standard features. Additionally, the all-new “Glacier Edition” will join the 300 lineup as it moves further up the luxury car chain.

This means that for 2013, you can purchase a Chrysler 300C, formerly only available with the 6.1 liter HEMI V8, with the 3.6 liter V6 engine instead and save yourself a couple of grand. No doubt this was done to appease the government overlords and their looming fuel economy mandates. However, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 still only comes with the 6.4 liter, 470 horsepower HEMI V8 engine.

Other newly standard features include leather seating and heated front chair features on the base model. Features like all-wheel drive and other premium features won’t be cheap, but on a whole the Chrysler 300 remains one of the most diverse and performance-oriented large sedans on the market.

Add to that the new Glacier Edition, which is the “ultimate all-weather luxury sedan” with all-wheel drive and body-colored moldings, and you’ve got a strong brand and a strong halo car only getting stronger. Where does Chrysler and the 300 sedan go from here?