---
title: "Here’s Why the 2023 Chrysler 300C Isn’t a Hellcat"
date: "2022-09-16"
modified: "2022-09-16"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/heres-why-the-2023-chrysler-300c-isnt-a-hellcat"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Chrysler News"
  - "Manufacturing"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
---

# Here’s Why the 2023 Chrysler 300C Isn’t a Hellcat

![2023 Chrysler 300C in red](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15/CH023_010TH9amhdh486m8320c2hvung8gdgl.jpg>)
*\<em\>Chrysler\</em\>*

The [2023 Chrysler 300C](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-chrysler-300c-gets-6-4l-485-hp-hemi-v8-for-one-last-rowdy-ride>) is the sedan's most powerful variant ever with its upgrade to Dodge Charger [Scat Pack](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/36868/what-is-a-scat-pack>) spec. What it isn't is a Hellcat-powered send-off, which would've been more appropriate since this will be Chrysler's last internal combustion muscle car. The 300C shares a platform with the Charger that does get the Hellcat V8, so why is it still going without in its final year?

It's a question that'd bug us for years if we didn't get an answer, so we asked Chrysler. As it turns out, the problem isn't selling Hellcat-powered 300Cs—the problem is building them. According to a person with knowledge of the program, all of the automaker's Hellcat engines are dedicated to other vehicles. Simply put, the 300C doesn't have a Hellcat engine because there aren't enough. Dodge has been moving a lot of Hellcats lately, and with the [Durango Hellcat](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-dodge-durango-srt-hellcat-the-710-hp-suv-is-back-for-one-last-ride>) coming back to add demand on top of [Ram TRX](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/38774/2021-ram-1500-trx-review-a-702-hp-v8-isnt-the-answer-to-everything-but-it-sure-is-rowdy>) production and [crate engine sales](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/37475/the-807-hp-v8-hellcat-redeye-crate-engine-is-here-for-your-swapping-pleasure>), it figures that Chrysler was left out in the cold.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15/CH023_026THldmq42ufpu3dv4vs85qon9nrld.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15/CH023_020TH822a95sem7bov6o4rvb42oerde.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15/CH023_028THtuok3pgbh83m6ul62vvjmqdf0p.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15/CH023_014THsbman0jh8d7c9jjrudp05epk81.jpg>)

What's more, anyone who wants a four-door Hellcat can just get in line for a Charger. The lack of a 300C Hellcat hasn't exactly made a difference in sales so far, and it would've still cost money to develop, even if only a small amount. And all for what? To hype a nameplate whose cultural moment has been outlasted by the Charger's?

Don't get me wrong, I wanted to see a 300C Hellcat happen before the chance was gone—to see Chrysler get another moment in the spotlight. But from a cold, hard business perspective, I get it. There'd be little to gain from Hellcatting a Chrysler, and certainly some money to lose. If a 300C Hellcat wasn't worth developing years ago, then it'd be even less worthwhile with the sun setting on the full-size, V8 American sedan.

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com*

## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)