The Chrysler 300C was the brand's savior when it went on sale back in 2005, but six years is a long time to stand behind a boxy, gangsta-looking sedan with a grille ripped off a Bentley. Team Pentastar finally got around to overhauling the 300 for 2011, with changes that include a new powertrain, sleeker sheet metal, a vastly superior interior, fancy LED-encrusted headlamps and a lowered (thankfully) belt line.

Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois, who found time to quote the entire opening lyrics from Eminem's song "Lose Yourself" in a thick French accent (not kidding), told the sizable crowd at the Detroit Auto Show that the company invested a jaw-dropping $1 billion on the redesign. Francois also reaffirmed that an eight-sped transmission is on the way that will help the 292-horsepower V6 achieve 30 miles per gallon.

Chief designer Ralph Gilles took the stage long enough to add that Chrysler conducted focus groups showing current 300 owners the new grille. The result? There was some definite resistance, but designers decided not to listen. Good news, though. You can still get your hands on the heritage "Bentley" grille through the Mopar store. Click on the image above or gallery below to view live shots and find Chrysler's official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300: Detroit 2011



Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300




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