A Five-Star Pentastar: Chrysler 300 Earns Top Score for Safety

BRAINTREE, MASS. (02/23/2012)(readMedia)-- It seems only fitting that the flagship vehicle of an automaker sporting a Pentastar logo should earn a five-star safety rating. After recently excelling in crash tests and a rollover test, the 2012 Chrysler 300 available at Chrysler dealerships earned an overall five-star safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

To determine NCAP safety ratings, the NHTSA first tests how vehicles handle potential rollover situations, frontal-impact crashes and side-impact crashes. After rating the vehicle's performance in each test, the NHTSA assigns the vehicle an overall safety score ranging from one to five stars. In both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations, the 2012 Chrysler 300 received five stars in the frontal- and side-impact crash tests and four stars in the rollover test to earn its five-star overall safety score.

"The new NHTSA crash-test ratings are stricter than they used to be, so it's great that the Chrysler 300 passed with flying colors," said Eric Ao, general manager of Quirk Chrysler Jeep, a Braintree, Massachusetts Chrysler dealer. "From its body design and materials used to the technology featured inside, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is one of the safest sedans on the market today."

While the NHTSA does not take technological features into account when assigning safety ratings, it does name recommended safety features present in each vehicle. The 2012 Chrysler 300 was recognized by the NHTSA for its standard electronic stability control, which helps prevent rollovers, as well as its optional forward collision warning system. Other safety features of the Chrysler 300 include standard progressive load limiting, driver and front-passenger dynamic head restraints and safety power windows.

Aside from its safety features, the Chrysler 300 is available with two engine options. The first, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, produces up to 292 horsepower and nets drivers up to 31 mpg on the highway. For performance-driven Chrysler fans, the 300 is also available with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 363 horsepower while still getting drivers an efficient 25 mpg on the highway.

Sporting Chrysler's V8 powerhouse, the Mopar '12 300 made an appearance at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month. Made by Chrysler's parts and service division and available for order this summer, the 'Moparized' 300 features a glossy black paint job set off by blue pinstripes, a theme echoed on the inside with black leather upholstery contrasted with blue stitching. Maintaining the striking look of the exterior are black 20-inch wheels and a matching black grille. A revised rear-end gear ratio allows the Mopar '12 300 to accelerate faster with the regular production engine, while a track-tuned suspension and larger brakes round out its performance enhancements.

"Mopar's Chrysler 300 is the kind of car that looks stealthy, but it will be noticed by everyone," added Ao. "You can order it as a full car, not just as a parts kit, which means you can pick up a downright intimidating vehicle without putting in hours at the shop."

About Quirk Chrysler Jeep:

A short drive from downtown Boston, Quirk Chrysler Jeep is the place for Boston Chrysler and Jeep drivers to find outstanding customer service, a vast selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler vehicles and the financing to make your car ownership dream a reality. Their dedication to their customers has helped them earn a top A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To see how they can help you own a Chrysler or Jeep, visit their website at www.quirkchryslerjeep.com, call them at 888-890-6420, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkChryslerJeep or stop by their showroom at 280 Quincy Avenue in Braintree, Massachusetts.