With the opening of the North American International Auto Show press days today, Chrysler has released full details about their all-new 300 and 300C models. It is a formula that has worked well since the previous slab-sided, uniquely styled American sedan arrived on the market.

“The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 is an icon of American ingenuity and symbolizes the greatness Detroit-designed vehicles offer the streets, highways and boulevards of the world,” commented Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

The new car maintains the strong proportions of its progenitor, but with further aerodynamic adjustments. The windshield has been raked back by three inches, while the rolled-framed doors with thinner A-pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent. Projector headlamps, LED running lights and a new grille create a distinctive look at the front, while maintaining a tie to its heritage. Rear LED tail lamps and an integrated decklid spoiler highlight the revisions at the back, but the dual exhaust pipes hint at a larger story.

As other models in the Chrysler lineup, the 300 has received the company’s new Pentastar V6 engine in a 292 hp configuration, which is up 16 percent compared to the previous 3.5-liter V-6. For the 300C model, the 5.7-liter HEMI engine is rated at 363 hp and is said to deliver 0-60 mph times under six seconds.

Equipped with the company’s Fuel Saver Technology, the HEMI engine will switch between four and eight cylinder mode on the highway, yielding a twenty per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. All wheel drive versions have their share of new technology, including an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system that can improve gas mileage by yo to five per cent. Ride height has been lowered by a half inch and l19-inch wheels with P235/55R19 all-season performance tires are now fitted.

Interior details have not suffered from a lack of attention. material and design upgrades, along with LED ambient lighting bring the 300’s office space up to contemporary standards, while the totally redesigned seats feature 4-way lumbar support and a new spring suspension. Connectivity and entertainment issues are solidly addressed through a bevy of electronics. Starting from an 8.4-inch touch screen, the company’s U-Connect system centralizes information gathering and control functions, whether inside the car or beyond.

New safety systems include adaptive-forward lighting with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning  with adaptive-cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, ParkSense front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated fog lamps at the rear and outside mirrors with supplemental turn signals. The 300 Limited adds a HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing windshield wipers and SmartBeam headlamps as well.